Enter a world of whimsy and delight with this enchanting Cotton Candy Cake. This cake, inspired by childhood fairs and carnival fun, captures the essence of cotton candy with its fluffy layers, pastel hues, and irresistible sweetness. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, a shower, or any other special occasion, this cake will impress and delight both children and adults. Prepare to embark on a magical culinary journey with this delightful confection, which is both beautiful and delicious.
Ingredients:
For the Cake Layers:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 large egg whites
- Gel food coloring (assorted pastel colors)
For the Frosting:
- 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened
- 6 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Assorted food coloring (pink and blue for a cotton candy effect)
For Decoration:
- Cotton candy
- Sprinkles
- Edible glitter (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare Cake Pans:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Make the Cake Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg whites one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, and mixing until smooth and well combined.
- Color the Cake Batter:
- Divide the cake batter evenly into separate bowls, depending on how many colors you want to use.
- Add a few drops of gel food coloring to each bowl and mix until the desired pastel color is achieved.
- Bake the Cake Layers:
- Pour the colored cake batter into the prepared cake pans, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Frosting:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Add the whole milk and vanilla extract, and beat until smooth and creamy.
- Divide the frosting into separate bowls and tint each bowl with pink and blue food coloring to achieve a cotton candy color scheme.
- Assemble the Cake:
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a layer of pink frosting on top.
- Place the second cake layer on top and spread a layer of blue frosting.
- Top with the third cake layer and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.
- Decorate the Cake:
- Garnish the cake with cotton candy, sprinkles, and edible glitter for a whimsical finishing touch.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Slice and serve the Cotton Candy Cake at your celebration, and watch as guests marvel at its beauty and enjoy its delightful flavor.
Cotton Candy Cake is a magical dessert that adds carnival-style fun and whimsy to any celebration. With its fluffy layers, pastel colors, and sweet cotton candy flavor, it’s a treat that will delight both young and old. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, a baby shower, or any other special occasion, this cake is sure to be the highlight of the event. So, gather your ingredients, unleash your creativity, and use this delightful Cotton Candy Cake recipe to make a cake that is both beautiful and delicious!