Step-by-step instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans.
- Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Alternately add the flour mixture and the milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix just until combined.
- Divide the batter into two bowls. In one, mix in the cotton candy syrup. For pastel colors, add pink food coloring to the cotton candy batter and blue food coloring to the plain batter. Gently fold until you achieve your desired shades.
- Pour the pink batter into one cake pan, the blue batter into another pan, and use the plain batter in the third pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the centers comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
- Once the cakes are cooled, level the tops as needed. Spread a layer of buttercream frosting on the pink cake layer, place the blue cake on top, then add more frosting before topping with the plain cake.
- Frost the entire cake with a thin crumb coat, chill for 15 minutes, and then apply a thicker final layer of buttercream frosting.
- Garnish the top of the cake with small tufts of fresh cotton candy just before serving.
Best ways to enjoy it
To serve your Cotton Candy Cake, consider pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a sprinkle of edible glitter for a magical touch. It pairs wonderfully with fruit salads or a light fruit compote that complements the sweetness of the cake. Additionally, this cake makes for stunning dessert platings—stack slices high and garnish with rainbow sprinkles for an extra pop of color!
Keeping leftovers fresh
To keep your Cotton Candy Cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to extend its life, wrap it well in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze individual slices; simply thaw them at room temperature before enjoying. Always prioritize safe food handling to keep everything fresh and tasty!
Helpful cooking tips
- Room-temperature ingredients yield the best results; let your butter, eggs, and milk sit out for about 30 minutes before you start baking.
- If you have leftover frosting, use it for cupcake toppings or even cookies!
- Make sure your oven is fully preheated to ensure even baking; an oven thermometer can help check accuracy.
- Don’t worry if the layers aren’t perfectly even; once frosted, they’ll look flawless!
Creative twists
- Experiment with different flavored syrups, such as strawberry or blueberry, to create your version of the cake.
- For a chocolatey twist, incorporate cocoa powder into one of the layers for a fun flavor contrast.
- Try using different food coloring combinations to match seasonal events like Halloween or Christmas.
FAQ
How long does it take to make this cake?
From prep to bake, expect about 1.5 to 2 hours, including cooling time.
Can I use alternative flours?
Yes, feel free to experiment with gluten-free flour or almond flour, but be aware that this may alter the cake’s texture.
Is it safe to eat the cotton candy garnish?
Absolutely! Just ensure the cotton candy is fresh and has been stored properly before adding it to the cake.
How can I adjust the sweetness?
You can reduce the sugar in the cake batter or use a less sweet frosting if you prefer a balanced flavor.
What’s the best way to decorate it?
Consider using colorful sprinkles or edible glitter along with cotton candy to create a visually stunning dessert that stands out!
Now that you have all the details, get baking and enjoy making memories with this delightful Cotton Candy Cake!
