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Cotton Candy Cake

A whimsical cake that captures the joy of childhood with layers of cotton candy flavor, vibrant frosting, and spun sugar decorations, perfect for any celebration.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Cake, Dessert
Cuisine: American, Bakery
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cake Ingredients
  • 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 3 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup butter (softened)
  • 1 cup milk (whole or almond milk)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon cotton candy extract (adjust to taste)
  • 4 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 0.5 cups mini marshmallows (between layers)
  • 0.5 cups white chocolate chips (mixed into batter)
Frosting Ingredients
  • 2 cups butter (softened)
  • 8 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
  • 0.25 cups heavy cream (or milk)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon cotton candy extract
  • pink and blue food coloring (to desired shade)
  • 1 tablespoon pop rocks (folded into frosting)
Toppings (optional)
  • cotton candy (add just before serving)
  • sprinkles (optional)
  • edible glitter (optional)

Method
 

Baking the Cake
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans and set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Add butter, milk, vanilla, and cotton candy extract; beat until smooth.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in white chocolate chips, then divide batter evenly into pans.
  5. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to racks to cool completely.
Making the Frosting
  1. Beat 2 cups butter until fluffy. Add powdered sugar gradually, then mix in cream, vanilla, and cotton candy extract until silky.
  2. Taste and adjust the cotton candy extract to avoid overpowering sweetness.
  3. Divide frosting into two bowls and tint one pink and the other blue.
  4. Fold the pop rocks gently into a portion of frosting right before assembly.
Assembling the Cake
  1. Layer cakes with alternating pink and blue frosting, spreading a handful of mini marshmallows between layers.
  2. Cover the outside with swirls of both colors using a spatula or piping bag for bold stripes.
  3. Add sprinkles and edible glitter if desired.
  4. Just before serving, top with fresh cotton candy for that theatrical final puff.

Notes

Serve under lights and laughter. Slice with a warm, clean knife to keep layers neat. Warn guests about the pop rocks!