Description
Sweet clouds of cotton candy dreams dance through this whimsical Cotton Candy Cake, inviting nostalgic memories of carnival treats. Pastel-hued layers and fluffy frosting promise delightful moments you’ll savor with pure childhood joy.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 4 egg whites
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
Leavening and Seasoning:
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Decorative and Frosting Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup chopped cotton candy (plus more for garnish)
- Pink and blue food coloring
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 23 tablespoons milk (for frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two 9-inch round cake pans by greasing and dusting with flour.
- Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt together in a medium mixing bowl.
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light and airy. Incorporate egg whites individually, mixing thoroughly after each addition, then blend in vanilla extract.
- Alternately fold flour mixture and milk into the butter base, mixing gently until just combined. Divide batter into two portions and tint one pink and the other blue. Gently fold chopped cotton candy into each colored batter.
- Create a marbled effect by pouring pink and blue batters into prepared pans, using a knife to swirl colors together.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center emerges clean. Allow cakes to cool completely within the pans.
- Prepare frosting by whipping butter until smooth. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar, mixing thoroughly. Add vanilla and milk to achieve desired consistency. Separate frosting and color one portion pink and the other blue.
- Place first cake layer on serving plate and spread with colored frosting. Position second layer on top and decorate with remaining frosting, alternating colors. Embellish with fresh cotton candy just before serving.
Notes
- Ensure ingredients are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better cake texture.
- Use gel food coloring for vibrant, intense colors without altering batter consistency.
- Add chopped cotton candy just before baking to prevent melting and maintain magical swirls.
- Avoid overmixing batter to keep the cake light and fluffy, stopping when ingredients are just combined.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 487
- Sugar: 62 g
- Sodium: 153 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 74 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg