Cotton Candy Cake – Whimsical, Light, and Perfectly Sweet

This Cotton Candy Cake is a dreamy dessert that brings the magic of the fairground to your table. With its fluffy texture, pastel colors, and a delicate, candy-sweet flavor, this lightened-up cake is both fun and satisfying. Perfect for birthdays, baby showers, or whenever you want to add a playful touch to dessert time, it’s a showstopper that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Light and Fluffy – A soft, tender crumb that feels as airy as cotton candy itself.
Whimsical Colors – Swirls of pastel pink and blue make it a feast for the eyes.
Sweet Yet Balanced – Just the right hint of cotton candy flavor without being overpowering.
Simple and Fun – Easy enough for any baker to pull off, with a wow-factor presentation.

Ingredients

For the cake:

• 1 box light white cake mix
• 3 large egg whites
• 1 cup water
• ⅓ cup unsweetened applesauce
• ½ tsp cotton candy flavoring extract
• A few drops of pink and blue food coloring

For the frosting:

• 1½ cups light whipped topping
• 2 oz reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
• 1 tbsp powdered sugar (optional, for sweetness)
• Cotton candy for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cake Batter
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans, or line with parchment.
In a large bowl, mix cake mix, egg whites, water, applesauce, and cotton candy extract until smooth.

2. Add Colors and Bake
Divide batter evenly into two bowls. Tint one bowl pink and the other blue, stirring gently. Drop spoonfuls of each color randomly into prepared pans, then swirl lightly with a knife to create a marbled effect.
Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.

3. Make the Frosting
In a bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Fold in whipped topping and powdered sugar, if using. Chill until ready to use.

4. Assemble and Decorate
Place one cake layer on a plate, spread with frosting, then top with the second layer. Frost the top and sides of the cake evenly. Garnish with small tufts of cotton candy just before serving.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 160
Protein: 2g
Fat: 4g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Sugar: 16g
Fiber: 0g

Tips for Success

• Add Cotton Candy Last – Place the cotton candy garnish right before serving so it doesn’t melt.
• Don’t Over-Swirl – A gentle swirl gives a pretty marble look without blending the colors too much.
• Chill Before Slicing – Chilling the frosted cake for 30 minutes makes slicing cleaner and easier.

Why This Recipe Works

Using a boxed mix and lighter ingredients keeps this cake simple yet moist and flavorful. The cotton candy extract and colorful presentation bring a sense of nostalgia and fun, making it a perfect dessert for any festive occasion.

This Cotton Candy Cake is a sweet, colorful dessert that captures the joy of childhood in every bite. With its airy texture, whimsical colors, and candy-like flavor, it’s a delightful treat that’s sure to impress and bring smiles all around.