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Cotton Candy Cake



Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  1. Whimsical & Fun : Pastel colors and cotton candy flavors make it a showstopper.
  2. Customizable : Adjust colors and decorations to match your theme.
  3. Flavor Magic : Infused with cotton candy extract for an authentic taste.
  4. Perfect for Parties : A centerpiece-worthy cake that’s as fun to look at as it is to eat.
  5. 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

  1. In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla and cotton candy flavoring.
  4. Gradually add dry ingredients and milk, alternating between the two, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until smooth.

Step 3: Add Colors

  1. Divide batter into 3 bowls. Tint each with gel food coloring (e.g., pink, blue, purple). Stir gently to combine.
  2. Pour each color into a prepared pan and smooth the tops.

Step 4: Bake

  1. 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

  1. Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed.
  2. 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

  1. Place one layer on a cake stand or plate. Spread a layer of buttercream on top. Repeat with remaining layers.
  2. 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

  1. Top the cake with store-bought cotton candy, sprinkles, and edible glitter for a magical finish.