Experience the whimsy of the fairground with these delightful Cotton Candy Cupcakes. Perfect for parties or a fun family baking day, these cupcakes blend the nostalgic flavors of cotton candy with the lightness of fluffy cake and rich frosting. Colored in dreamy pinks and blues, these treats are not only tasty but visually striking, sure to impress guests of all ages.
Ingredients
For the Cupcakes:
- White cake mix: 1 box (15.25 ounces)
- White cheesecake pudding mix: 1 box (3.3 ounces)
- Water: 1 1/4 cups
- Egg whites: 4
- Vegetable oil: 1/4 cup
- Sour cream: 1/2 cup
For the Frosting:
- Salted butter, softened: 3/4 cup
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
- LorAnn Cotton Candy Flavoring
- Powdered sugar: 3-4 cups
- Heavy cream: 3 tablespoons
- Sour cream: 1/2 tablespoon
- Pink and blue gel food coloring
- White edible glitter (optional)
- Cotton candy for garnish (optional)
Directions
Prepare Cupcakes:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners or spray with non-stick spray.
- Combine cake mix and pudding mix in a large bowl.
- Add water, egg whites, oil, and sour cream. Mix until well incorporated.
- Divide the batter between two bowls. Add pink food coloring to one and blue to the other. Alternate adding colored batter to each cupcake liner until 2/3 full.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
Make Frosting:
- Cream butter until fluffy.
- Mix in vanilla and cotton candy flavoring.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, alternating with heavy cream and sour cream, until stiff peaks form.
- Divide frosting into three bowls. Color one with blue, one with pink, and leave one white.
- Fill three small piping bags, one with each color. Snip the ends and place all three into a larger piping bag fitted with a decorative tip.
- Pipe onto cooled cupcakes, starting with a test squeeze on a plate to ensure color blend.
Garnish:
- Sprinkle with edible glitter and add a piece of cotton candy on top for extra flair.
Tips
- Start with a small amount of cotton candy flavoring and adjust to taste; it’s potent!
- For stiffer frosting, add more powdered sugar.
- Change the color theme by adjusting the gel food coloring for different occasions.
FAQs
Q: How can I ensure my cupcakes are moist? A: The sour cream in the batter helps to keep the cupcakes moist. Be sure not to overbake them.
Q: Can I make these cupcakes in advance? A: Yes, you can bake the cupcakes a day ahead and store them unfrosted in an airtight container. Frost them on the day of serving.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 24 cupcakes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Conclusion
Cotton Candy Cupcakes are a fun and festive way to bring a touch of magic to any event. With their playful colors and fluffy, light taste reminiscent of cotton candy, they’re sure to be a hit. Whether you’re throwing a birthday party, a baby shower, or just craving a sweet treat, these cupcakes provide a perfect combination of fun and flavor. Enjoy the process of making and decorating these adorable cupcakes, and watch them become the highlight of your celebration!
