Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Whimsical & Fun : Pastel colors and cotton candy flavors make it a showstopper.
- Customizable : Adjust colors and decorations to match your theme.
- Flavor Magic : Infused with cotton candy extract for an authentic taste.
- Perfect for Parties : A centerpiece-worthy cake that’s as fun to look at as it is to eat.
- Kid-Friendly : Sure to delight children and adults alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter , softened 🧈
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs , room temperature
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1–2 tsp cotton candy flavoring (or substitute with extra vanilla)
- 1 cup whole milk , room temperature
- Gel food coloring (pink, blue, purple, etc.)
For the Cotton Candy Buttercream:
- 1 cup unsalted butter , softened
- 4–5 cups powdered sugar , sifted
- 1–2 tsp cotton candy flavoring
- 2–3 tbsp heavy cream (adjust for consistency)
- Optional : A few drops of gel food coloring
For Decoration:
- Store-bought cotton candy (or make your own)
- Sprinkles
- Edible glitter
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) . Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
- In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla and cotton candy flavoring.
- Gradually add dry ingredients and milk, alternating between the two, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until smooth.
Step 3: Add Colors
- Divide batter into 3 bowls. Tint each with gel food coloring (e.g., pink, blue, purple). Stir gently to combine.
- Pour each color into a prepared pan and smooth the tops.
Step 4: Bake
- Bake for 20–25 minutes , until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 5: Make the Buttercream
- Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed.
- Add cotton candy flavoring and heavy cream. Beat on high speed for 2–3 minutes until light and fluffy. Add food coloring if desired.
Step 6: Assemble the Cake
- Place one layer on a cake stand or plate. Spread a layer of buttercream on top. Repeat with remaining layers.
- Frost the outside of the cake with a thin crumb coat. Chill for 15 minutes, then apply a final layer of frosting.
Step 7: Decorate
- Top the cake with store-bought cotton candy, sprinkles, and edible glitter for a magical finish.