Introduction
Step into a world of whimsy and delight with our Cotton Candy Cake recipe. This magical dessert captures the essence of childhood nostalgia with its fluffy layers of cotton candy-flavored cake, light and airy frosting, and a sprinkle of colorful cotton candy on top. Whether celebrating a birthday, baby shower, or simply indulging in a sweet treat, this Cotton Candy Cake is sure to bring smiles to faces of all ages. Get ready to embark on a sugary adventure with our easy-to-follow recipe.
Ingredients
Prepare to make Cotton Candy Cake with the following ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups (300g) cake flour
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups (300g) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
- 1/4 cup (60ml) cotton candy syrup or flavoring
- Pink gel food coloring (optional)
- Cotton candy, for garnish
Frosting Ingredients:
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons whole milk or heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pink gel food coloring (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, sift together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, until well combined.
Step 5: Alternate Adding Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed butter and sugar mixture, alternating with the whole milk. Mix until just combined.
Step 6: Add Flavoring and Coloring
Stir in the cotton candy syrup or flavoring until evenly distributed. Add pink gel food coloring, if desired, to achieve a pastel hue.
Step 7: Divide Batter and Bake
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Cool and Prepare Frosting
Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. Meanwhile, prepare the frosting.
Step 9: Make Frosting
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, alternating with the whole milk or heavy cream, and vanilla extract, until smooth and creamy. Add pink gel food coloring, if desired, for a pastel hue.
Step 10: Frost Cake
Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a layer of frosting over the top. Repeat with the remaining layers. Use the remaining frosting to frost the sides and top of the cake.
Step 11: Garnish with Cotton Candy
Gently press pieces of cotton candy onto the top of the frosted cake for a whimsical finishing touch.
Step 12: Serve and Enjoy!
Slice and serve the Cotton Candy Cake, and delight in its fluffy layers and sweet, sugary flavor.
Conclusion
With its fluffy layers of cotton candy-flavored cake and dreamy frosting, Cotton Candy Cake is a whimsical dessert that’s perfect for any celebration. Whether enjoyed at a birthday party, baby shower, or simply as a sweet indulgence, this cake is sure to enchant and delight. Embrace the magic of childhood with this easy-to-make recipe, and treat yourself to a sugary adventure like no other.