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cotton candy cake

How to Make a Fun Cotton Candy Cake at Home

Emily
Learn how to make a fun and delightful cotton candy cake at home! This colorful, fluffy dessert is perfect for parties and will impress kids and adults alike
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Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 14 Servings
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • Stand mixer or hand mixer
  • 6-8 inch cake pans (2-3 recommended)
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Whisk
  • Offset spatula
  • Toothpicks for swirling
  • Piping bags with decorative tips

Ingredients
  

For the Cake:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter softened
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 ¼ teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 ¾ cups milk
  • 1 ½ teaspoons cotton candy flavoring
  • Gel food coloring pink and blue

For the Buttercream:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter room temperature
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 2-4 tablespoons whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon cotton candy flavoring
  • Pinch of salt
  • Gel food coloring pink and blue, optional

For Decoration:

  • Edible glitter
  • Cotton candy topping add just before serving

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line the cake pans with parchment paper.
  • In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  • Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  • Stir in the vanilla and cotton candy flavoring.
  • In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients and milk to the wet mixture, alternating between the two. Mix until just combined.
  • Divide the batter into two bowls. Add pink food coloring to one and blue to the other.

Step 2: Create the Swirl Effect

  • Alternate spoonfuls of pink and blue batter in the cake pans.
  • Use a toothpick to gently swirl the colors. Avoid overmixing to maintain distinct colors.
  • Tap the pans gently to remove air bubbles.

Step 3: Bake and Cool

  • Bake for 28-32 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Let the cakes cool in the pans for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Make the Cotton Candy Buttercream

  • Beat the butter on medium speed until creamy and fluffy (about 5-7 minutes).
  • Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing on low speed.
  • Add milk, cotton candy flavoring, and a pinch of salt.
  • Divide the frosting and add pink and blue food coloring if desired.

Step 5: Assemble and Frost the Cake

  • Level the cake layers if needed.
  • Spread a layer of frosting between the cake layers.
  • Apply a crumb coat and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  • Frost the entire cake and smooth it with an offset spatula.

Step 6: Decorate the Cake

  • Use piping bags to add decorative swirls along the edges.
  • Apply edible glitter for a magical touch.
  • Add fresh cotton candy just before serving for the final whimsical element.

Notes

Pro Tips:

  • Always use room-temperature ingredients for the smoothest batter.
  • Use gel food coloring for vibrant pastel shades.
  • Add cotton candy topping just before serving to prevent it from dissolving.
Keyword cotton candy cake