Fluffy Cotton Candy Cake is a whimsical and vibrant dessert that combines a light, airy texture with the sweet, nostalgic flavor of cotton candy. The colorful layers of blue and pink, complemented by a creamy white chocolate frosting, make this cake a perfect centerpiece for birthdays, celebrations, or any occasion that calls for a fun, show-stopping treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This cake is not only visually stunning with its playful cotton candy colors, but it’s also incredibly delicious. The cotton candy flavor adds a unique sweetness that complements the moist, fluffy texture of the cake. The white chocolate pudding frosting elevates the cake’s flavor with its creamy richness, creating a dessert that’s both indulgent and light. Perfect for a party, this cake brings joy to both kids and adults with its delightful colors and irresistible taste.
Ingredients
- 1/4 tsp Cotton candy flavoring
- 1 Food coloring (blue and pink)
- 1 box White cake mix
- 2 boxes White chocolate instant pudding mix
- 3 cups Milk
- 1 packet Cotton candy (for garnish)
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two round cake pans.
- Prepare the cake mix according to the package instructions, adding the cotton candy flavoring to the batter.
- Divide the cake batter into two equal portions. In one portion, mix in blue food coloring, and in the other, mix in pink food coloring.
- Pour the blue batter into one cake pan and the pink batter into the other. Smooth the tops with a spatula.
- Bake the cakes for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the cakes are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl, whisk together the white chocolate instant pudding mix and milk until thickened.
- Once the cakes have cooled, spread a layer of frosting on top of the blue cake. Place the pink cake on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting.
- Garnish the top of the cake with a bit of cotton candy for a whimsical touch.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 15 servings
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Variations
- Different Flavoring: If cotton candy flavoring isn’t available, you can try other sweet flavorings like vanilla or bubblegum to keep the fun theme alive.
- Buttercream Frosting: For a richer frosting, substitute the white chocolate pudding frosting with a classic buttercream frosting.
- Rainbow Layers: Instead of blue and pink, you can create more vibrant layers with additional food coloring, such as purple, green, or yellow, for a rainbow effect.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the Fluffy Cotton Candy Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigeration: If you prefer, you can refrigerate the cake to extend its shelf life for up to 5 days. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cake batter instead of box mix?
Yes, you can substitute a homemade cake recipe for the box mix. Just be sure to add the cotton candy flavoring to your homemade batter.
Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, you can freeze the cake. Wrap the cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. When ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and frost.
What type of frosting can I use instead of the white chocolate pudding frosting?
You can use whipped cream frosting, cream cheese frosting, or even a classic buttercream frosting if you prefer a different flavor.
Is it possible to make the cake without food coloring?
Yes, you can skip the food coloring if you prefer a simpler white cake. It will still taste amazing without the vibrant colors.
Can I add sprinkles to the cake?
Absolutely! Adding sprinkles to the frosting or between the cake layers will make it even more festive.
How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the pan?
Be sure to grease and flour the cake pans well, or use parchment paper to line the bottom of the pans before pouring in the batter.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free cake mix to make this cake gluten-free. Just be sure to check the pudding mix and any other ingredients for gluten.
What other garnish options do I have?
If you can’t find cotton candy for garnish, try using colorful sugar crystals, edible glitter, or even mini marshmallows for a fun, decorative touch.
How can I make the frosting thicker?
If your frosting is too runny, add a little more pudding mix and whisk until it thickens to your desired consistency.
Can I use regular vanilla cake mix?
Yes, if you prefer, you can use a vanilla cake mix instead of white cake mix. The cotton candy flavoring will still shine through.
Conclusion
Fluffy Cotton Candy Cake is a playful and delightful dessert that’s perfect for any celebration. Its vibrant colors and light, fluffy texture will surely impress your guests, while the sweet cotton candy flavor adds a touch of whimsy. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, a special occasion, or simply craving a fun treat, this cake is sure to bring smiles and excitement to any gathering. It’s easy to make, delicious, and a surefire way to add a bit of magic to your dessert table.
Fluffy Cotton Candy Cake
A fun and vibrant cake with a light, airy texture, infused with sweet cotton candy flavor and colorful layers that make it the perfect dessert for any celebration.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 15 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1/4 tsp Cotton candy flavoring
- 1 Food coloring (blue and pink)
- 1 box White cake mix
- 2 boxes White chocolate instant pudding mix
- 3 cups Milk
- 1 packet Cotton candy (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two round cake pans.
- Prepare the cake mix according to the package instructions, adding the cotton candy flavoring to the batter.
- Divide the cake batter into two equal portions. In one portion, mix in blue food coloring, and in the other, mix in pink food coloring.
- Pour the blue batter into one cake pan and the pink batter into the other. Smooth the tops with a spatula.
- Bake the cakes for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the cakes are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl, whisk together the white chocolate instant pudding mix and milk until thickened.
- Once the cakes have cooled, spread a layer of frosting on top of the blue cake. Place the pink cake on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting.
- Garnish the top of the cake with a bit of cotton candy for a whimsical touch.
Notes
- Ensure the cotton candy flavoring is well mixed into the batter for an even flavor throughout the cake.
- For a more vibrant color, you can add more food coloring to the batter until you reach your desired shade.
- If you don’t have cotton candy flavoring, you can use other sweet flavors like vanilla or bubblegum for a fun twist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg