Cotton Candy Cake

Step into a whimsical fairground scene with every slice of this Cotton Candy Cake. Perfect for birthdays, parties, or any event where fun is on the menu, this cake combines vibrant layers of light, fluffy sponge with a dreamy cotton candy-flavored buttercream. The pastel colors and sweet, airy flavors will transport you and your guests straight to the joyous days of summer fairs and funfairs.

Ingredients

For the Cotton Candy Cake:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 1/4 tsp baking powder
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 1/2 tsp cotton candy flavoring
• 1 cup whole milk, room temperature
• Fuchsia, sky blue, and violet color gels

For the Cotton Candy Buttercream:

• 6 large egg whites
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 cups unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 tsp cotton candy flavoring

For Assembly:

• Fuchsia, sky blue, and violet color gels
• Cotton candy for garnish

Directions

1. Cake Preparation:
   • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 6-inch cake pans.
   • In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
   • In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Mix in the cotton candy flavoring.
   • Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
   • Divide the batter into three parts and tint each with one of the color gels. Pour the colored batter into the prepared pans and bake for about 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely.
2. Buttercream Preparation:
   • In a heatproof bowl, combine egg whites and sugar. Set the bowl over a pot of simmering water and whisk continuously until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is warm to the touch.
   • Transfer the mixture to a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment. Beat until stiff, glossy peaks form and the mixture is cool.
   • Switch to a paddle attachment and gradually add butter, then stir in the cotton candy flavoring until smooth.
3. Assembly:
   • Level the cakes if necessary. Place one cake layer on a plate or cake stand and spread with buttercream. Repeat with the remaining layers.
   • Apply a thin crumb coat of buttercream around the entire cake and chill for 30 minutes.
   • Tint the remaining buttercream with color gels and apply in patches around the cake for a watercolor effect. Smooth the sides and top with a cake scraper.
   • Garnish with cotton candy just before serving to ensure it maintains its texture.

Tips

• Color Mixing: Fold color gels gently into the batter to avoid overmixing, which can deflate your cake.
• Vibrant Colors: For deeper exterior colors, add a bit more gel to the buttercream.
• Cotton Candy Storage: Add cotton candy garnishes just before serving, as it can dissolve quickly, especially in humid conditions.

Conclusion

This Cotton Candy Cake is not just a dessert; it’s an experience. With its delightful colors and fluffy texture reminiscent of actual cotton candy, it captures the essence of childhood joy. Perfect for making any celebration a little sweeter and more memorable, this cake will be the centerpiece of your event, enchanting guests with its playful and charming presentation.