1. Prepare the Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and cotton candy flavoring (if using).
- Alternate adding the flour mixture and milk, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly between two bowls. Add food coloring to each bowl, creating pastel pink in one and blue in the other (or whatever colors you like). Stir gently to combine, but don’t over-mix.
- Spoon the colored batter into the prepared cake pans, alternating between the pink and blue batter for a marbled effect. Use a butter knife or skewer to swirl the batter together slightly for a fun tie-dye effect.
- Bake the cakes in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove from the pans and allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
2. Prepare the Cotton Candy Buttercream Frosting:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter until soft and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Add heavy cream, vanilla extract, and cotton candy flavoring (if using). Beat on high until the frosting is smooth and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Divide the frosting into two bowls. Add blue food coloring to one and pink food coloring to the other. Mix well.
3. Assemble the Cake:
- Once the cakes have completely cooled, place one layer on a cake plate or serving dish.
- Spread a layer of blue frosting over the first cake layer.
- Place the second cake layer on top and apply a crumb coat of frosting (a thin layer of frosting to seal in crumbs).
- Chill the cake for 15-20 minutes in the fridge to set the crumb coat.
- Once the crumb coat is set, apply a generous layer of pink and blue frosting over the entire cake, smoothing it out for a beautiful finish. You can use an offset spatula to create a smooth or textured look.
4. Garnish with Cotton Candy:
- For the finishing touch, top the cake with cotton candy. You can either place a big cotton candy cloud on top or make smaller puffs around the cake.
Why You’ll Love This Cotton Candy Cake:
- Whimsical and Fun: This cake is perfect for a birthday party, baby shower, or any celebration that calls for a bit of fun and color! Its pastel hues and cotton candy flavor will wow your guests.
- Delightfully Sweet: The cotton candy flavoring in both the cake and the frosting adds a nostalgic, sugary taste that’s irresistible.
- Visually Stunning: The marbled, pastel-colored cake with the fluffy cotton candy topping is as fun to look at as it is to eat!
- Soft and Moist: The cake itself is soft, moist, and fluffy, with the creamy buttercream frosting being the perfect complement to its texture.
Tips for Success:
- Use Real Cotton Candy Flavoring: If you want that true cotton candy flavor, be sure to use cotton candy flavoring. It’s often available in specialty baking stores or online.
- Food Coloring: Be mindful of the amount of food coloring you add. A little goes a long way, and the colors can get very intense with just a few drops.
- Cotton Candy Garnish: For the cotton candy topping, it’s best to add it right before serving as it can deflate over time. You can also buy pre-made cotton candy or make it fresh if you have a cotton candy machine.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve this cake chilled, especially if you’re making it for a summer celebration. It’s light, fluffy, and perfect for hot days!
This Cotton Candy Cake is a playful and sweet dessert that’s sure to brighten up any party or special occasion. Whether you’re a kid or just a kid at heart, this cake is bound to bring a smile to your face!
