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Slice of cotton candy cake against a pink cloud backdrop

Cotton Candy Cake

Chef Bella
Learn how to make a stunning cotton candy cake at home! This guide covers ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and decorating tips for a magical dessert.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 10 slices

Ingredients
  

For the Cake:

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 ½ cups buttermilk or milk
  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 ½ tsp cotton candy falvoring
  • ¼ tsp kosher salt

For the Buttercream Frosting:

  • 2 cups unsalted butter
  • 7 cups powdered sugar
  • ⅛ tsp kosher salt
  • ¾ tsp cotton candy flavoring
  • 2-3 tbsp heavy cream
  • Pink and blue food coloring (optional)
  • Edible cotton candy pieces for decoration

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Cake Batter:
    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans.In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.In a separate bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.Stir in the cotton candy flavoring.Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, until a smooth batter forms.
  • Bake the Cake Layers:
    Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • Prepare the Cotton Candy Frosting:
    In a stand mixer, beat the butter until creamy and light.Slowly add the powdered sugar, a cup at a time, mixing well after each addition.Stir in the cotton candy flavoring and a pinch of salt. If the frosting is too thick, add heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.Divide the frosting into two portions and tint one pink and the other blue, if desired.
  • Assemble the Cake:
    Level the cooled cake layers using a serrated knife.Place one cake layer on a serving platter and spread a thick layer of frosting on top.Add the second cake layer and frost the top and sides of the cake with a smooth coat.
  • Decorate the Cake:
    Use a pastry bag fitted with a large star tip to pipe swirls of pink and blue frosting around the cake.Finish by placing edible cotton candy pieces on top for a whimsical touch.