Description
🍭 Indulge in the sweet magic of a cotton candy cake that brings joy and nostalgia to every bite! 🎂
🎉 Perfect for celebrations, this whimsical treat is a must-try to surprise and delight your loved ones! ✨
Ingredients
Cake Flour – 2 ¾ cups, sifted for a finer texture
Baking Powder – 1 ½ teaspoons to ensure a good rise
Baking Soda – ½ teaspoon for additional lift
Salt – ½ teaspoon to balance the sweetness
Granulated Sugar – 1 ¾ cups for a perfect level of sweetness
Unsalted Butter – ¾ cup, softened to room temperature for a smooth batter
Large Eggs – 3, at room temperature to ensure proper emulsification
Vanilla Extract – 2 teaspoons for a subtle depth of flavor
Whole Milk – 1 cup, at room temperature for a moist crumb
Cotton Candy Flavoring – 1 teaspoon, to infuse the cake with that signature cotton candy taste
Unsalted Butter – 1 cup, softened for a creamy buttercream texture
Powdered Sugar – 4 cups, sifted to avoid any lumps in the frosting
Heavy Cream – 2 tablespoons, to reach the desired buttercream consistency
Cotton Candy Flavoring – 1 teaspoon, for the authentic buttercream flavor
Food Coloring – A few drops of pastel colors (pink, blue, or purple) for the whimsical theme
Cotton Candy – Freshly spun or store-bought, for a fun and authentic topping
Edible Glitter – To add a sparkling touch to your cake’s decoration
Pastel Sprinkles – To enhance the playful and colorful theme
Piping Bags and Tips – For precise and creative decorating
Edible Flowers – Optional, for an elegant decoration twist
Instructions
1. **Preheat and Prep the Oven**
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans, and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
2. **Prepare the Cake Batter**
Cream the softened butter and sugar in a mixing bowl until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes). Incorporate eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract. Separately, whisk together cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with milk, starting and ending with the flour. Fold in cotton candy flavoring gently.
3. **Bake the Cake Layers**
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool for 10 minutes in the pans before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. **Prepare the Cotton Candy Buttercream**
Beat softened butter in a mixing bowl until creamy (2-3 minutes). Gradually add sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well. Add cotton candy flavoring, heavy cream, and food coloring for pastel shades. Mix until smooth and fluffy.
5. **Assemble the Cake**
Level cake layers if necessary. Spread a layer of buttercream on the first cake layer, stack the next, and repeat. Apply a thin crumb coat over the entire cake, chill for 20-30 minutes, and then add the final buttercream layer, smoothing it evenly.
6. **Decorate with Whimsy**
Add freshly spun or store-bought cotton candy on top just before serving. Use edible glitter, pastel sprinkles, or watercolor buttercream effects for a playful look. Optional toppers such as edible flowers can enhance the whimsical theme.
7. **Serve the Cake**
Present the cake on a decorative cake stand. Slice with a sharp knife or make playful shapes with cookie cutters. Add small pieces of cotton candy to individual plates for added delight.
8. **Storage and Extras**
If not serving immediately, store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Add cotton candy toppings just before serving to maintain freshness.
9. **Enjoy the Whimsical Creation**
Serve your Cotton Candy Cake as a centerpiece for parties, birthdays, or special occasions, ensuring every slice brings joy and nostalgia.
Notes
1. Bring the magic of the fair to your celebrations with vibrant cotton candy-inspired flavors and pastel decorations.
2. Create show-stopping designs using colorful buttercream, edible glitter, and whimsical cotton candy toppings.
3. Perfect each step from batter to decoration with simple techniques for a flawless, fun-filled cake.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: United States