Description
Indulge in a whimsical homemade cotton candy cake! This easy recipe delivers a light, fluffy, and visually stunning dessert perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or a sweet treat. Learn how to make this impressive and delicious cake with our step-by-step guide.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cotton candy flavoring (optional, but recommended)
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cotton candy flavoring (optional, but recommended)
- Blue food coloring
- Cotton candy
- Sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add softened butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add milk and mix until just combined.
- Add eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract and cotton candy flavoring (if using). Mix until smooth, careful not to overmix.
- Divide batter evenly between prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto cooling racks to cool completely.
- While cakes are cooling, prepare the frosting. Beat softened butter until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Add milk, vanilla extract, and cotton candy flavoring (if using), beat until light and fluffy.
- Add blue food coloring, a few drops at a time, until desired shade.
- Once the cakes are completely cool, level them with a serrated knife if desired.
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a generous layer of frosting over the top.
- Place the second cake layer on top of the frosting. Frost the entire cake with the remaining buttercream.
- Decorate with cotton candy and sprinkles. For an extra touch, swirl some melted white chocolate before decorating.
Notes
- Don’t overmix the cake batter. Mix until just combined to avoid a tough cake.
- Use room temperature butter and eggs for a smoother batter.
- Ensure cakes are completely cool before frosting to prevent melting.
- Cotton candy flavoring enhances the overall taste; it’s highly recommended.
- Decorate with cotton candy just before serving to prevent it from dissolving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450 Kcal
- Sugar: 50g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: cotton candy cake, cake recipe, fluffy cake, birthday cake, dessert recipe, homemade cake, easy cake recipe, blue cake, whimsical cake