Cotton Candy Cake Recipe
This whimsical Cotton Candy Cake recipe combines the nostalgic flavors of cotton candy with the delightful texture of a fluffy cake, making it perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or any occasion that calls for a touch of magic. With pastel marbled layers and a sweet cotton candy buttercream, this cake is as beautiful as it is delicious.
Equipment
- Three 6-inch cake pans
- Parchment paper
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Bench scraper or icing smoother
- Toothpick or skewer for marbling
Ingredients
For the 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
- Food coloring pink, blue, purple, yellow
For the Cotton Candy Buttercream:
- 1 cup unsalted butter room temperature
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp cotton candy flavoring
- 2-3 tbsp milk or heavy cream adjust for desired consistency
- Food coloring optional, for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line cake pans with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in cotton candy flavoring.
- Combine dry and wet ingredients: Alternately add dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with dry ingredients.
- Color the batter: Divide batter into separate bowls and color each with food coloring. Spoon into pans and swirl with a skewer.
- Bake: for about 35 minutes. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Make buttercream: Beat butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and cotton candy flavoring. Adjust consistency with milk.
- Assemble the cake: Layer cakes with buttercream, apply a crumb coat, then frost with the remaining buttercream. Decorate as desired.
Notes
- Cotton candy flavoring is key to achieving the authentic taste of this cake. It can be found online or at specialty baking stores.
- For a lighter cake, ensure not to overmix the batter after adding the flour.
- Food coloring: Gel food coloring works best for vibrant colors without altering the batter's consistency.
- Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to a week. Let it come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.