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Top-down view of the chilled cake in the pan, now topped with a smooth layer of whipped topping and decorated with pink and blue cotton candy. The pan is placed over a white marble cooktop. Ingredients in the scene: whipped topping, cotton candy, chilled cake. Equipment: baking pan. The background remains clean and minimal --ar 4:6

Cotton Candy Cake Recipe

Cotton Candy Cake is a delightful fusion of airy vanilla cake layers, cotton candy-infused buttercream, and a mesmerizing swirl of pastel colors. Each bite is a playful burst of sugary sweetness, evoking memories of fun-filled days at the fair. Easy to make yet impressively beautiful, this cake is the ultimate centerpiece for any joyful gathering, guaranteed to bring smiles and a touch of magic to your table.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 206 kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Oven
  • Cake Stand
  • Cotton Candy
  • Electric mixer
  • Rubber Spatula
  • Parchment paper
  • Cooling Racks

Ingredients
  

  • 1 box white cake mix
  • 1 1/2 tsp cotton candy flavoring
  • 2 boxes white chocolate instant pudding mix
  • 3 cups milk
  • 1 packet cotton candy
  • Food Coloring
  • 3/4 tsp salt
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter room temperature
  • 1 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs room temperature

Instructions
 

  • Mix the cake batter according to the directions, then add one teaspoon of cotton candy flavoring.
    Top-down view of cake batter being mixed in a large clear glass bowl using an electric mixer on a white marble countertop. Ingredients include white cake mix, cotton candy flavoring, sugar, butter, salt, and eggs. The mixture appears creamy and smooth, ready to be poured. A simple, clean scene shows the preparation process clearly.
  • After greasing a 13-by-9-inch pan, pour the batter into it and bake it according to the recipe.
  • Let the cake cool for 5 to 10 minutes on a rack.
    Top-down view of the freshly baked cotton candy cake still in its metal baking pan, placed on a wire cooling rack over a white marble countertop. The cake’s surface looks golden and lightly risen. The scene captures the cooling process after baking, giving the cake time to set before moving to the next step.
  • Using the back of a wooden spoon, make holes in the cake.
    A top-down shot showing the baked and cooled cotton candy cake in a metal pan with evenly spaced holes being made using the back of a wooden spoon. The cake rests on a white marble countertop. This step helps the pudding absorb into the cake, ensuring a soft and flavorful texture in each bite.
  • Immediately pour the pudding mix over the cake after mixing it with milk and food coloring.
    Top-down image of a vibrant blue pudding mixture being poured into the holes of the cotton candy cake. The pudding was made using white chocolate instant pudding mix, milk, and food coloring in a glass bowl. The scene shows the soaking step, which adds both moisture and sweet, colorful flavor throughout the cake.
  • After an hour in the fridge, cover the cake with whipped topping and decorate with cotton candy.
  • Now, Serve and enjoy your Sweet Symphony Cotton Candy Cake!
    Top-down view of the fully prepared and decorated cotton candy cake placed on a white ceramic cake stand over a white marble countertop. The cake is topped generously with pastel pink and blue cotton candy and whipped topping. It looks whimsical, fluffy, and festive, ready to be served as a dreamy dessert centerpiece.

Notes

  • Cotton Candy Flavors: Experiment with different cotton candy flavors to customize your cake. Traditional pink and blue are classic choices, but you can also try flavors like raspberry, strawberry, or even bubble gum for a fun twist.
  • Frosting Consistency: To achieve a light and fluffy frosting, ensure your butter is at room temperature before beating. Gradually add powdered sugar to avoid a gritty texture, and adjust the consistency with a splash of milk if needed.
  • Cake Assembly: For a professional-looking finish, level your cake layers before assembling. Use a serrated knife or cake leveler to create even layers, and consider using a cake turntable for an easier frosting application.
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