Cotton Candy Cake

Bring a touch of magic to any event with this whimsical Cotton Candy Cake! This cake is perfect for birthdays, parties, or any celebration that needs a splash of fun. The light and fluffy cake layers are marbled with vibrant pink and blue hues and filled with the sweet flavor of cotton candy. A rich, creamy frosting, also in matching colors, ties everything together for a delightful dessert that tastes as good as it looks. To top it all off, the cake is garnished with extra cotton candy just before serving, making it a true showstopper at any gathering.

• All-purpose flour: 2 cups
• Baking powder: 1 tablespoon
• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
• Unsalted butter: 1/2 cup, softened
• Granulated sugar: 1 1/4 cups
• Egg whites: 4
• Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
• Milk: 1 cup
• Chopped cotton candy: 1/2 cup (plus more for garnish)
• Pink and blue food coloring: As needed
• Powdered sugar: 4 cups (for frosting)
• Unsalted butter: 1 cup, softened (for frosting)
• Vanilla extract: 2 teaspoons (for frosting)
• Milk: 2–3 tablespoons (for frosting)
• Pink and blue food coloring: As needed (for frosting)

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

Step 2:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

Step 3:

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg whites one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in the vanilla extract.

Step 4:

Gradually add the flour mixture and milk alternately to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Split the batter into two portions. Color one portion pink and the other blue, then fold in the chopped cotton candy.

Step 5:

Pour the batter into the prepared pans, creating a marbled effect by swirling the pink and blue batters together with a knife or skewer.

Step 6:

Bake the cakes for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely in the pans before removing.

Step 7:

To make the frosting, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract and enough milk to reach your desired consistency. Divide the frosting and color one portion pink and the other blue.

Step 8:

To assemble the cake, place one cake layer on a serving plate and frost with either the pink or blue frosting. Place the second layer on top and frost with the remaining frosting, alternating colors as desired. Garnish with additional cotton candy just before serving.

• Serve slightly chilled for the best flavor and texture.
• Use a warm knife for clean slices.
• Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Add garnishes just before serving to maintain their appearance.

• For a unique twist, experiment with different colors or additional flavors in the frosting.
• If you want a more pronounced cotton candy flavor, try adding a bit of cotton candy extract to the batter or frosting.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

• Chef Emily suggests adding a layer of strawberry or raspberry jam between the cake layers for an extra fruity surprise.
• Chef Alex recommends using a mix of neon food colors for a truly vibrant and festive look.

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