Description
Cotton candy cakes are whimsical desserts that combine the light, airy texture of cake with the nostalgic sweetness of cotton candy. These vibrant, colorful cakes are perfect for celebrations like birthdays, weddings, and summer parties. They feature soft, fluffy layers often swirled with pink and blue hues, topped with cotton candy clouds, sprinkles, and edible glitter. This dessert is not only visually stunning but also brings a sense of fun and joy to any occasion.
Ingredients
Ingredients
Here’s a list of essential ingredients for making a classic cotton candy cake:
For the Cake:
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup cotton candy-flavored syrup or extract
For the Frosting:
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 3–4 tablespoons heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons cotton candy-flavored syrup or extract
Optional Decorations:
- Cotton candy (for topping)
- Sprinkles
- Edible glitter
Instructions
Follow these step-by-step instructions to create your own cotton candy cake:
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and prepare two round cake pans.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In another bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Add Flavorings: Stir in the vanilla extract and cotton candy syrup.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the whole milk. Mix until smooth. For added flair, divide the batter into two bowls and tint one pink and the other blue using food coloring.
Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pans and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cool the Cake: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
Prepare the Frosting: In a mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar, heavy cream, and cotton candy syrup. Beat until smooth and spreadable.
Assemble the Cake: Layer the cooled cakes with frosting in between. Frost the top and sides of the cake.
Decorate: Top the cake with cotton candy, sprinkles, and edible glitter just before serving to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Cotton Candy Texture: Add cotton candy decorations just before serving to prevent them from melting or losing their fluffiness.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
- Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Avoid storing cotton candy toppings as they will lose their texture.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25min
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of the cake)
- Calories: 206 kcal
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10gr
- Saturated Fat: 6gr
- Unsaturated Fat: 3gr
- Trans Fat: 0gr
- Carbohydrates: 28gr
- Fiber: 0gr
- Protein: 2gr
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: Cotton candy cake recipe, whimsical dessert ideas, birthday cake inspiration, celebration cakes, cotton candy frosting techniques