Cotton Candy Cake
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large egg whites
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
- Pink and blue food coloring
- ½ teaspoon cotton candy extract optional
For the Buttercream Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon cotton candy extract optional
- Pink and blue food coloring
Instructions
Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch cake pans to prevent sticking.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Cream the Butter and Sugar
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer.
Incorporate the Wet Ingredients
- Add the egg whites one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla extract and optional cotton candy extract for a hint of carnival magic.
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
- Alternately add the dry ingredients and the milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
Color the Batter
- Divide the batter evenly into three bowls. Tint one portion pink, one blue, and leave the third plain for a marbled effect.
Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pans and bake for 22-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting.
Make the Frosting
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, heavy cream, vanilla, and optional cotton candy extract. Beat until light and fluffy. Tint the frosting a soft pink for a cotton candy-inspired look.
Assemble the Cake
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a layer of frosting on top. Repeat with the second and third layers. Cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting, smoothing it with an offset spatula. Add blue frosting accents for contrast.
Chill and Serve
- Refrigerate the cake for 30 minutes before slicing to achieve clean cuts. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- For a Stronger Cotton Candy Flavor: Sprinkle crushed cotton candy between layers before assembling.
- Use Gel Food Coloring: Gel-based food coloring provides vibrant colors without altering the batter’s consistency.
- Want More Fluffiness? Swap whole milk for buttermilk for an even softer crumb.
- Decorating Ideas: Top with spun cotton candy right before serving for a stunning presentation.