The Cotton Candy Cake is a magical dessert that captures the fun and nostalgia of cotton candy in a colorful, festive cake. This cake is perfect for birthdays, parties, or any time you want to add a splash of whimsy to your celebrations. With its vibrant pink and blue swirls and fluffy texture, it’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat.
Ingredients:
Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 4 egg whites
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup chopped cotton candy (plus more for garnish)
- Pink and blue food coloring
Frosting Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- Pink and blue food coloring
Directions:
- Prepare Pans and Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Incorporate egg whites one at a time, then add vanilla.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add flour mixture and milk alternately to the butter mixture. Split the batter and color one part pink and the other blue. Fold in chopped cotton candy.
- Bake: Pour into pans, create a marbled effect by swirling, and bake for 25-30 minutes. Cool completely.
- Make Frosting: Beat butter, then gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, then enough milk for spreading consistency. Color as desired.
- Assemble and Frost Cake: Layer the cakes with pink and blue frosting. Garnish with additional cotton candy just before serving.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 12 servings
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian
Tips:
- Serve slightly chilled for the best flavor and texture. Use a warm knife for clean slices.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Add garnishes just before serving to maintain appearance.
- Experiment with different colors or additional flavors in the frosting for a unique twist.
FAQs:
Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the cake a day in advance. Keep it refrigerated and add the cotton candy garnish right before serving to prevent it from dissolving.
How can I prevent the colors from blending too much when swirling the batter? Use a light hand when swirling, and limit the number of swirls to avoid muddying the colors.
What can I use if I don’t have cotton candy for the garnish? If cotton candy isn’t available, you can use decorative sugar pearls or similar edible decorations that fit the color theme.
Conclusion: The Cotton Candy Cake is a playful and enchanting dessert that’s sure to bring a touch of magic to any event. Its eye-catching appearance and deliciously sweet flavor profile make it a favorite among both children and adults. Whether for a special occasion or a regular day that calls for something extraordinary, this cake promises to be a delightful centerpiece that guests will remember.