Cotton Candy Layer Cake Recipe

You know that feeling when a cake looks like a dream? That’s what happened when we made this Cotton Candy Layer Cake. It’s pink, fluffy, and just plain fun.

We wanted something sweet and pretty for our weekend treat. So, we grabbed some cotton candy flavor and went for it. Every bite feels like a fair in your mouth.

The layers are soft and light. The frosting is creamy and sweet, like cotton candy clouds. And honestly? It’s way easier than it looks.

Wanna make one too? Let’s walk you through it step by step. Trust me, you’re gonna love this cake.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Sweet and Nostalgic Flavor: Who doesn’t love the taste of cotton candy? This cake captures that sweet, sugary experience in each bite.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday, baby shower, or just because, this cake is a fun centerpiece.
• Impressive Design: The bright colors and fluffy cotton candy layers make for a stunning cake that looks as good as it tastes.
• Fun to Make: Creating this cake is an enjoyable experience, especially if you’re a fan of experimenting with new flavors and textures.
• Customizable: You can adjust the colors and even add extra elements like macarons or sprinkles to match your event’s theme.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before we dive into the recipe, here are some essential tools you’ll need to create the perfect Cotton Candy Layer Cake:

• 3 8-inch round cake pans
• Nonstick baking spray
• 4 cup liquid measuring cup
• Stand mixer (or hand mixer)
• Candy thermometer
• Pastry brush
• Nonslip mat
• Cake turntable (optional but helps for smooth frosting)
• 8-inch round cake board
• Coupler or round piping tip
• Piping bags
• Offset cake spatula
• 8-inch round acrylic disc (for perfect cake shaping)
• Parchment paper
• Cake scraper
• Ateco piping tip #827 (for decorative piping)
• Cotton candy (for decoration)
• Sprinkles and macarons (optional but fantastic for extra flair)

Ingredients

Now for the fun part—gathering your ingredients! This recipe might look long, but don’t worry; it’s not as complicated as it seems. Everything you need is listed below, including both the cake and the various components that make up this whimsical masterpiece:

For the Cake:

• 1 3/4 cups (420g) whole milk – Room temperature, to ensure proper mixing.
• 6 large egg whites – For a fluffy texture.
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract – Classic flavor to enhance the sweetness.
• 1 tablespoon LorAnn cotton candy flavoring – This is the star of the show! It’s the key ingredient for that signature cotton candy flavor.
• 2/3 cup (150g) sour cream – At room temperature, it helps create a moist cake.
• 4 1/3 cups (498g) cake flour – Ensures a soft, tender cake.
• 2 1/2 cups (500g) granulated sugar – For sweetness and structure.
• 1 1/4 teaspoon baking powder – To help the cake rise.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda – Helps with the texture.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness.
• 1 1/4 cups (282g) unsalted butter – At room temperature for easy mixing.
• Wilton Pink Gel Coloring – For that lovely pink color.
• Wilton Sky Blue Gel Coloring – For a fun contrast.

For the Simple Syrup:

• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup (3.5 ounces) granulated sugar – This simple syrup will keep the cake moist.

For the Marshmallow Filling:

• 1/2 cup (3.5 ounces) granulated sugar
• 1/8 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 egg whites
• Pinch fine sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds depth to the filling flavor.

For the Cotton Candy Buttercream:

• 1 cup egg whites (from about 8 eggs)
• 2 cups (14 ounces) granulated sugar
• 3 cups (6 sticks) unsalted butter – Room temperature, cut into tablespoon-sized pieces.
• 1 tablespoon cotton candy flavoring – To keep that cotton candy taste going strong!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Creating this cake involves several steps, but I promise it’s well worth the effort. Below is a detailed guide on how to make each component and assemble your perfect cotton candy cake.

1. Prepare the Cake Batter

Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease your cake pans with nonstick baking spray and line them with parchment paper to ensure the cakes don’t stick. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk them together until they are fully incorporated.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites, vanilla extract, cotton candy flavoring, and sour cream. Make sure everything is at room temperature to avoid lumps. Add the whole milk and whisk until fully combined.

Step 3: Cream the Butter

In your stand mixer, cream the butter until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes). Gradually add the sugar and continue mixing until it’s fully incorporated and the mixture becomes light and airy. This step is crucial for the fluffiness of your cake.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture while the mixer is on low speed. Alternate between adding the wet ingredients (milk mixture) and the dry mixture until both are fully incorporated. Make sure not to overmix.

Step 5: Divide and Color the Batter

Once the batter is smooth, divide it evenly into two bowls. In one bowl, add a few drops of Wilton Pink Gel Coloring, and in the other, add Sky Blue Gel Coloring. Stir each until you reach the desired color.

2. Bake the Cakes

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pans, spreading it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.

3. Make the Marshmallow Filling

Step 1: Combine Sugar and Water

In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, cream of tartar, and water. Heat over medium-high heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Once it reaches a boil, stop stirring.

Step 2: Whip the Egg Whites

While the sugar mixture is boiling, place the egg whites in a mixing bowl and beat them with a pinch of sea salt until stiff peaks form.

Step 3: Combine the Syrup and Egg Whites

Once the sugar mixture reaches 240°F (use a candy thermometer for accuracy), slowly pour it into the whipped egg whites, continuing to beat at a medium speed. Add the vanilla extract and continue to whip until the mixture thickens and becomes glossy.

4. Prepare the Cotton Candy Buttercream

Step 1: Create a Syrup

In a small saucepan, heat the egg whites and sugar together over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves. Once the mixture reaches 240°F, remove from heat.

Step 2: Whip the Egg Whites

Transfer the hot sugar mixture to a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment. Beat on high speed until stiff peaks form, and the mixture cools down (about 10 minutes).

Step 3: Add Butter and Flavoring

With the mixer still running, add the room temperature butter one tablespoon at a time. Beat until smooth and fluffy. Finally, add the cotton candy flavoring and mix until fully combined.

5. Assemble the Cotton Candy Cake

Step 1: Level the Cakes

Once the cakes have cooled, use a serrated knife to level off the tops to create an even surface.

Step 2: Apply Simple Syrup

Brush the cakes with simple syrup to ensure they stay moist and flavorful.

Step 3: Add Filling and Frosting

Start by placing the first layer of cake on your cake board. Spread a generous amount of marshmallow filling on top. Place the second layer of cake on top, and repeat the process. Finish with a final layer of cake.

Step 4: Frost the Cake

Using the cotton candy buttercream, frost the entire cake, smoothing the edges with an offset spatula. For a decorative touch, you can pipe rosettes or other patterns on top using an Ateco piping tip #827.

Step 5: Decorate

Top your cake with cotton candy, sprinkles, and even macarons if you like. This cake is meant to be a fun, eye-catching creation, so feel free to get creative!

Storing Cotton Candy Layer Cake

If you have any leftovers, store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. The cotton candy topping might start to deflate over time, but the cake will remain just as delicious.

Nutrition Information

While this cake is a treat best enjoyed on special occasions, here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown for one slice (based on 12 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	450
Total Fat	22g
Saturated Fat	13g
Carbohydrates	68g
Sugar	55g
Protein	3g
Sodium	90mg

Conclusion:

This Cotton Candy Layer Cake is truly a showstopper. It combines the fun, whimsical flavor of cotton candy with the elegance of a beautifully crafted layered cake. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any time you want to create a memorable dessert experience, this cake is sure to delight everyone at the table.

Not only is the cake itself flavorful and moist, but the combination of the marshmallow filling and cotton candy buttercream adds layers of texture and sweetness that will make every bite a treat. Plus, the decoration possibilities are endless – add as many fun toppings as you like!

If you’re ready to take your cake decorating skills to the next level, this Cotton Candy Layer Cake is the perfect challenge. I hope you enjoy making (and eating) this delightful cake as much as I did. Happy baking!