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Soft and sweet dessert

Featured in Bake Something Special.

The Cotton Candy Cake is a delightful and vibrant dessert, perfect for celebrations. Made with soft, pastel-colored layers, the cake incorporates a hint of cotton candy extract for a carnival-like magic. The recipe starts with a classic vanilla cake batter that is divided and tinted into different pastel hues, then baked to perfection. The homemade buttercream frosting is also lightly tinted and flavored with an optional cotton candy extract to match the theme. Layer and frost the cake for the ultimate festive dessert. Serve it topped with real cotton candy for an impressive final touch. This cake is not only visually stunning but also fun to make, adding a sweet treat to any party or event.
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Rose
Updated on Wed, 12 Mar 2025 15:26:21 GMT
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Cotton Candy Cake | lovelylifewithrose.com

Cotton Candy Cake transforms an ordinary celebration into a whimsical carnival experience. This delicate, cloud-like dessert combines the nostalgic flavors of cotton candy with the richness of a classic layer cake, creating a stunning centerpiece that brings out the inner child in everyone.

I've made this cake countless times for children's parties, and it never fails to elicit gasps of delight when cut open to reveal those beautiful swirled layers.

Essential Ingredients and Selection Tips

  • All-purpose flour: Use unbleached flour for better structure and a tender crumb
  • Egg whites: Room temperature for maximum volume and even distribution
  • Unsalted butter: European-style preferred for richer flavor and better creaming
  • Cotton candy extract: Optional but adds authentic fairground flavor
  • Heavy cream: At least 36% fat content for the silkiest frosting
  • Gel food coloring: Professional-grade for vibrant colors without affecting texture

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preparation Phase
Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare three 8-inch pans with thorough greasing and flouring. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature.
Step 2: Mixing Process
Combine dry ingredients first to ensure even distribution. Cream butter and sugar until notably lighter in color. Add egg whites gradually for proper emulsion. Alternate wet and dry ingredients to prevent curdling.
Step 3: Coloring and Baking
Divide batter equally using a kitchen scale. Add coloring gradually to achieve desired pastel shades. Bake until edges slightly pull away from pans.
Step 4: Frosting Creation
Beat butter until extremely light and fluffy (about 5 minutes). Add sugar gradually to prevent lumps. Incorporate cream slowly for perfect consistency.

My family particularly loves the blue-tinted layers, which remind us of summer sky and county fairs. The cotton candy extract brings back memories of my daughter's first carnival experience.

Storage and Serving Tips

  • Keep refrigerated but serve at room temperature
  • Can be frozen unfrosted for up to 3 months
  • Best enjoyed within 2-3 days of baking
  • Slice with a hot knife for clean cuts

This cotton candy cake has become my signature celebration cake, combining technical precision with playful creativity. The key lies in patience during the creaming process and careful attention to temperature control. Every time I make it, I'm reminded that sometimes the most sophisticated desserts are those that bring out our sense of childlike wonder.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use store-bought frosting?
Yes, store-bought frosting can save time, but the homemade buttercream adds a unique touch.
→ Can I skip the cotton candy extract?
Yes, you can omit the cotton candy extract and still have a delicious cake.
→ How do I ensure vibrant colors?
Use gel food coloring to achieve vibrant shades without altering the batter's consistency.
→ Can I use different cake pan sizes?
Yes, but adjust the baking time accordingly to suit the pan size.
→ How should I store the cake?
Store the cake in the refrigerator and bring it to room temperature before serving.

Colorful Cotton Candy Cake

A colorful cotton candy cake with layers of flavor and frosting.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
45 Minutes
By: Rose

Category: Sweet Treats

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 13 Servings

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Cake Ingredients

01 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
02 2 ½ tsp baking powder
03 ½ tsp salt
04 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
05 2 cups granulated sugar
06 4 large egg whites
07 1 tbsp vanilla extract
08 1 cup whole milk
09 Pink and blue food coloring
10 ½ tsp cotton candy extract (optional)

→ Buttercream Frosting

11 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
12 4 cups powdered sugar
13 ¼ cup heavy cream
14 1 tsp vanilla extract
15 ½ tsp cotton candy extract (optional)
16 Pink and blue food coloring

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans to avoid sticking.

Step 02

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together. Set this aside.

Step 03

Use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together for about 3-5 minutes until the mixture becomes fluffy and light.

Step 04

Gradually add in the egg whites, one at a time, making sure to mix well after each one. Stir in both the vanilla extract and cotton candy extract, if using.

Step 05

Slowly incorporate the flour mixture and milk into the butter mixture, alternating between the two. Begin and end with the dry mixture. Stir until everything is just combined – do not over-mix.

Step 06

Divide the batter into three separate bowls. Leave one plain, color one pink, and the other blue to create a marbled effect.

Step 07

Evenly pour the batter into the prepared cake pans and bake for 22-25 minutes. Insert a toothpick to check if done – it should come out clean. Let the cakes cool completely before frosting.

Step 08

Using a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, followed by the heavy cream, vanilla, and optional cotton candy extract. Whip until the frosting is smooth and fluffy. Add pink food coloring to match the cake's theme.

Step 09

Place one cake layer on a serving plate, spread an even layer of frosting across the top, and repeat for the second and third layers. Cover the cake's exterior with frosting, and add blue accents for decoration.

Step 10

Refrigerate the fully frosted cake for 30 minutes. Once set, slice into servings and enjoy your cotton candy-inspired creation!

Notes

  1. For a bolder cotton candy taste, sprinkle crushed cotton candy between layers.
  2. Gel-based food coloring is recommended for vibrant hues without changing the texture.
  3. Swapping whole milk with buttermilk can make the cake softer and fluffier.

Tools You'll Need

  • 8-inch round cake pans
  • Electric mixer
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Offset spatula

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (butter, milk, heavy cream)
  • Contains eggs
  • Contains gluten (all-purpose flour)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 430
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~