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Fluffy Pastel Swirl Cotton Candy Cake Recipe

Close-up of a slice of fluffy cotton candy cake showing layers of white, blue, and pink cake with swirled pink and blue frosting.
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Make a whimsical, sweet, and fluffy cotton candy cake with pastel-colored layers and a simple cotton candy flavored frosting. This recipe is perfect for birthdays and celebrations.

Ingredients

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  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon cotton candy flavoring extract
  • Pink and blue gel food coloring
  • For the Frosting: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon cotton candy flavoring extract
  • Extra cotton candy for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and cotton candy flavoring.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry mixture. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Divide the batter evenly between two bowls. Add a few drops of pink gel coloring to one bowl and blue gel coloring to the other. Gently swirl the color into the batter without fully mixing to create a marbled effect.
  6. Pour the pink batter into one prepared pan and the blue batter into the other. Bake for 28 to 32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
  8. To make the frosting, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, alternating with the heavy cream and cotton candy flavoring. Beat until smooth and fluffy.
  9. Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread about one-third of the frosting over the top. Place the second layer on top.
  10. Use the remaining frosting to cover the top and sides of the cake. Create swirls or texture as desired.
  11. If using, gently place pieces of actual cotton candy on top of the cake just before serving to prevent melting.

Notes

  • For the best pastel effect, use gel food coloring sparingly. You want soft pink and blue swirls, not deep colors.
  • Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for the cake batter to combine smoothly.
  • Store leftover cake loosely covered at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for longer storage.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://dishicious.com/cotton-candy-cake-recipe-fluffy-pastel-swirl/