This Cotton Candy Cake is a dream come true for anyone who loves sweet, colorful, and nostalgic desserts! With fluffy layers of pastel pink and blue cake, a light vanilla flavor with a hint of cotton candy, and a creamy buttercream frosting, this cake is perfect for birthdays, parties, or any celebration that needs a touch of magic!

🌟 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Soft & Fluffy Cake – A light, tender crumb with a dreamy texture.
✔ Fun & Colorful – A pastel pink and blue swirl makes it visually stunning!
✔ Cotton Candy Flavor – A nostalgic treat that tastes just like your childhood favorite.
✔ Perfect for Special Occasions – Great for birthdays, baby showers, or a carnival-themed party!

🍽 What Does Cotton Candy Cake Taste Like?

This cake is light, fluffy, and perfectly sweet. The vanilla base pairs beautifully with the subtle cotton candy flavor, giving it a whimsical taste that brings back memories of fairs and amusement parks. The buttercream frosting adds creamy sweetness, making every bite irresistibly delicious!

🛒 Ingredients

For the Cake

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened 🧈
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large egg whites 🥚
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup whole milk 🥛
• Pink and blue food coloring 🎨
• ½ tsp cotton candy extract (optional, for extra flavor)

For the Cotton Candy Buttercream Frosting

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened 🧈
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• ¼ cup heavy cream or milk 🥛
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp cotton candy extract (optional)
• Pink and blue food coloring 🎨

For Garnish (Optional)

• Cotton candy pieces 🍭
• Pastel sprinkles ✨
• Edible glitter or sugar pearls

🥣 How to Make Cotton Candy Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
4. Add egg whites, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract and cotton candy extract (if using).
5. Gradually add flour mixture, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.

Step 2: Color & Bake the Cake

1. Divide the batter into two equal portions.
2. Color one portion pink and the other blue using food coloring. Stir gently to combine.
3. Spoon dollops of each color into the cake pans, swirling lightly with a toothpick to create a marbled effect.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
5. Allow cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 3: Make the Cotton Candy Buttercream Frosting

1. In a large bowl, beat butter until creamy (about 2 minutes).
2. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until combined.
3. Add heavy cream, vanilla extract, and cotton candy extract (if using). Beat for another 2-3 minutes until smooth and fluffy.
4. Divide the frosting into two bowls, tinting one pink and the other blue.

Step 4: Assemble & Frost the Cake

1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of blue frosting on top.
2. Add the second cake layer and spread a thin crumb coat of frosting over the entire cake.
3. Chill for 15 minutes, then apply a final layer of swirled pink and blue frosting.
4. Decorate with cotton candy pieces, sprinkles, and edible glitter!

🍽 What to Serve with Cotton Candy Cake

• A glass of cold milk 🥛
• Cotton candy-flavored ice cream 🍨
• Pink lemonade or a fun mocktail 🍹
• Fresh fruit like strawberries or raspberries 🍓

💡 Tips for the Best Cotton Candy Cake

✔ Use gel food coloring for the most vibrant colors without altering the texture.
✔ Let the cakes cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
✔ Decorate with cotton candy just before serving (it melts quickly in humidity!).
✔ For extra fun, mix sprinkles into the batter for a confetti-style look!

❄️ How to Store

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerate: Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
• Freeze: Wrap unfrosted cake layers in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before decorating.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this cake without cotton candy extract?

Yes! It will still be delicious with just vanilla extract.

What can I use instead of food coloring?

You can leave it out for a simple vanilla cake or use natural color powders like beet powder or butterfly pea powder.

Can I make cupcakes instead of a cake?

Yes! Divide the batter into cupcake liners and bake for 18-20 minutes.

🎉 Conclusion

This Cotton Candy Cake is a fun, colorful, and nostalgic treat that brings the magic of a carnival right to your kitchen! Whether you’re making it for a birthday, party, or just because, this cake will delight kids and adults alike with its light texture, dreamy colors, and fluffy cotton candy flavors.

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below or share your creation on Pinterest—don’t forget to tag me!

🍰 More Fun Cakes to Try:

• Unicorn Rainbow Cake 🌈
• Bubblegum Cupcakes 🎈
• Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake 🍓🎂

📊 Nutritional Information (Per Slice)

🎂✨ Enjoy your magical Cotton Candy Cake! 🍭💕