Name: Cotton Candy Cake Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ½ cups (310g) all-purpose flour; 2 ½ tsp baking powder; ½ tsp salt; 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar; 4 large eggs; 1 tbsp cotton candy extract; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup (240ml) whole milk; Pink and blue gel food coloring; 1 ½ cups (340g) unsalted butter, softened; 5 cups (600g) powdered sugar; ¼ cup (60ml) heavy cream; 1 tbsp cotton candy extract; Pink and blue gel food coloring; Cotton candy for garnish (optional)

If you love the sweet, airy magic of cotton candy, this Cotton Candy Cake is about to become your new favorite dessert! With its soft pastel layers, melt-in-your-mouth texture, and nostalgic fairground flavor, this cake is perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or just a fun baking adventure. Light, fluffy, and bursting with cotton candy goodness, it’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Get ready to wow your guests with this whimsical treat!

Why You’ll Love This Cotton Candy Cake

Stunning Presentation – With soft pinks and blues swirled together, this cake is a total showstopper.
Cotton Candy Flavor Explosion – This cake captures the unmistakable flavor of cotton candy in every bite.
Perfect for Special Occasions – A great choice for birthdays, baby showers, and celebrations.
Easy to Customize – You can change the colors, layer it differently, or even use different frosting techniques.
Super Moist & Fluffy – Thanks to a perfectly balanced batter, this cake is light yet indulgent.

Ingredients for Cotton Candy Cake

For the Cotton Candy Cake Batter

All-purpose flour – Ensures a tender crumb.
Baking powder – Helps the cake rise beautifully.
Granulated sugar – Adds sweetness without overpowering the cotton candy flavor.
Butter – For a rich, buttery taste.
Eggs – Give structure and moisture.
Buttermilk – Keeps the cake extra soft and fluffy.
Cotton candy flavoring – The star of the show!
Pink and blue gel food coloring – To achieve that cotton candy swirl effect.

For the Cotton Candy Frosting

Unsalted butter – The base of a creamy, rich buttercream.
Powdered sugar – Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
Heavy cream – Adds smoothness and lightness.
Cotton candy extract – Boosts the classic fairground flavor.
Pink and blue gel food coloring – For the signature cotton candy look.

For Decorating the Cotton Candy Cake

Fresh cotton candy – A must for that carnival touch!
Sprinkles – For extra fun and color.
Edible glitter – If you want an extra magical effect.

Note: Full ingredient measurements and exact details are available in the recipe card below.

Pink and blue cotton candy cake batter being swirled in a bowl.

How to Make Cotton Candy Cake

1. Prepare the Cake Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing your cake pans. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with buttermilk, and mix until just combined.

2. Add the Cotton Candy Magic

Divide the batter into two bowls and add pink food coloring to one and blue to the other. Swirl them together gently in the cake pans to create a beautiful cotton candy effect.

3. Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into prepared cake pans and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting.

4. Make the Cotton Candy Frosting

Beat the butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar. Pour in heavy cream and cotton candy extract, and whip until fluffy. Divide the frosting into two bowls and tint one pink and the other blue.

5. Assemble the Cake

Place one cake layer on a plate, spread a layer of frosting, then repeat with the second layer. Frost the entire cake with alternating swirls of pink and blue for a beautiful ombré effect.

6. Decorate for the Wow Factor

Top with fresh cotton candy just before serving, sprinkle some edible glitter, and finish with sprinkles for extra fun!

Pro Tips for the Best Cotton Candy Cake

Use Gel Food Coloring – Liquid food coloring can water down the batter; gel gives vibrant colors without affecting consistency.
Don’t Overmix the Batter – This ensures a light and fluffy texture.
Add Cotton Candy Right Before Serving – It dissolves quickly, so wait until the last minute to decorate.
Chill the Cake Before Frosting – A cooled cake makes the frosting process much easier.
Use a Star Tip for Extra Swirls – For a professional bakery-style look, pipe swirls of frosting on top.

How to Serve Cotton Candy Cake

Serve with a scoop of vanilla or cotton candy ice cream for extra indulgence.
Pair with a tall glass of milk or a cotton candy-flavored milkshake.
Garnish each slice with extra sprinkles and edible pearls for a fancy touch.

Make Ahead and Storage for Cotton Candy Cake

Storing Leftovers

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for 5 days.

Freezing

You can freeze unfrosted cake layers wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 3 months. Thaw before frosting.

Reheating

If the cake feels dry after refrigerating, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving to soften.

FAQs About Cotton Candy Cake

Can I use a different flavor instead of cotton candy extract?
Yes! Vanilla or almond extract can work, but for the signature taste, cotton candy extract is best.

How do I keep my cotton candy from melting on the cake?
Add it just before serving to prevent it from dissolving in the frosting.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the cake layers a day ahead and frost them before serving.

Can I turn this recipe into cupcakes?
Absolutely! Just divide the batter into cupcake liners and bake for about 18-20 minutes.

If you want more delicious and fun recipes, visit this: Homemade Pop Rocks Recipe. 🍭

This Cotton Candy Cake is the ultimate fun and festive treat! With its light, fluffy texture and irresistible cotton candy flavor, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just to bring a little extra joy into your day, this cake is pure magic. Give it a try and let me know how it turns out! 🎂✨