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Cotton Candy Cake: A Whimsical Dessert for Any Celebration


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  • Author: stacy
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12-16 servings

Description

A nostalgic, carnival-inspired cake bursting with the sweet and airy flavor of cotton candy. This colorful, fluffy delight is perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or any time you want a little fun in your dessert!


Ingredients

For the Cake Base:

  • 1 box white cake mix
  • 1 cup cotton candy soda (or cream soda with cotton candy extract)
  • 3 eggs
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • Light blue food dye (optional)

For the Cotton Candy Buttercream:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup cotton candy soda (or cotton candy extract)
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • Light blue and pink food dye (optional)
  • Pastel sprinkles (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Bake the Cake
    • Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan (or two 8-inch round cake pans).
    • In a large bowl, mix the white cake mix, cotton candy soda, eggs, and vegetable oil until smooth.
    • If using, stir in a few drops of light blue food dye.
    • Pour the batter into the prepared pan(s) and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
    • Let the cake cool completely before frosting.
  2. Make the Cotton Candy Buttercream
    • In a large bowl, beat the butter until creamy.
    • Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until smooth.
    • Pour in cotton candy soda (or extract) and milk, beating until fluffy.
    • If desired, divide the frosting into two bowls and tint one blue and the other pink.
  3. Frost and Decorate
    • Spread or pipe the buttercream over the cooled cake.
    • Swirl the blue and pink frostings together for a cotton candy effect.
    • Garnish with pastel sprinkles and serve!

Notes

  • For a layered cake, double the frosting recipe.
  • Decorate with real cotton candy just before serving to prevent melting.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American