Cotton Candy Fudge Recipe

Fluffy Pink Dream: Cotton Candy Fudge Recipe for Sweet Smiles

Sweet and whimsical cotton candy fudge brings childhood memories dancing across taste buds.

Sugar-spun magic transforms ordinary desserts into extraordinary treats.

This vibrant recipe captures the essence of carnival fun in every delectable bite.

Soft, creamy textures blend with playful pink swirls that delight both kids and adults.

The simple ingredients create a nostalgic confection that sparks joy and excitement.

Rich, smooth fudge melts perfectly on your tongue, delivering a burst of sugary happiness.

Prepare to indulge in a confectionery adventure that promises pure culinary delight.

Great Pairings for Cotton Candy Fudge

  • Pair with Whimsical Beverages: Create a playful cotton candy milkshake with vanilla ice cream, cotton candy syrup, and whipped cream to complement the fudge's sweet flavor profile.
  • Complement with Light Dessert: Serve alongside a delicate vanilla panna cotta or light angel food cake to balance the rich, intense sweetness of the cotton candy fudge.
  • Match with Sparkling Drinks: Offer chilled prosecco or sparkling rosé to cut through the fudge's sweetness and provide a refreshing contrast, enhancing the overall dessert experience.
  • Elevate with Fruity Accompaniment: Plate with fresh raspberries or strawberry coulis to introduce a bright, tangy element that helps balance the sugary fudge and adds visual appeal.

Cotton Candy Fudge Variations to Explore

  • Dairy-Free Delight: Swap white chocolate chips for dairy-free chocolate chips and use coconut condensed milk. Replace butter with coconut oil for a creamy, lactose-free version.
  • Keto-Friendly Fudge: Use sugar-free white chocolate chips, replace sweetened condensed milk with heavy cream and sugar-free sweetener. Reduce carb content while maintaining rich, creamy texture.
  • Nut Butter Infusion: Mix in almond or cashew butter during melting process for added protein and nutty complexity. Choose unsweetened varieties to control sweetness levels.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, particularly chocolate chips and food coloring. Double-check packaging to prevent cross-contamination risks.

FAQs

  • Is cotton candy flavoring necessary for this recipe?

No, you can skip it if unavailable. The flavoring enhances the cotton candy theme, but the fudge will still taste delicious without it.

  • Can I use different food coloring colors?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with colors that match your theme or personal preference. Just ensure you use gel food coloring for vibrant results.

  • What type of white chocolate should I use?

Choose high-quality white chocolate chips or baking chocolate. Avoid white chocolate candy melts, as they might not melt smoothly or provide the right texture.

  • How do I know when the chocolate mixture is properly melted?

The mixture should look smooth and glossy with no visible lumps. Stir constantly and keep heat at medium to prevent burning or seizing of the chocolate.

Why You’ll Love Cotton Candy Fudge

Why You’ll Love Cotton Candy Fudge
  • This cotton candy fudge recipe offers a magical treat that's sure to dazzle!
  • Requires minimal cooking skills and basic kitchen tools, making it perfect for beginners and experienced bakers alike. Anyone can create this stunning dessert without feeling overwhelmed.
  • The marbled pink and purple swirls create an eye-catching treat that looks professionally made. Guests will be impressed by the beautiful, Instagram-worthy appearance of this homemade fudge.
  • Perfect for birthday parties, movie nights, or as a special surprise for kids and adults who love whimsical desserts. The cotton candy flavor adds a nostalgic and fun twist to traditional fudge recipes.

What Goes into Cotton Candy Fudge

Main Ingredients:

Chocolate Base:
  • White Chocolate Chips: The primary sweet base that creates the smooth and creamy texture of the fudge.
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds richness and helps bind the fudge together, creating a soft, melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
  • Butter: Provides a rich, smooth foundation and helps the chocolate melt evenly.
Flavor and Color Agents:
  • Cotton Candy Flavoring: Brings the nostalgic and playful cotton candy taste to the fudge.
  • Pink Gel Food Coloring, Purple Gel Food Coloring: Adds vibrant colors to create a fun, swirled visual effect.
Preparation Ingredient:
  • Parchment Paper: Ensures easy removal of the fudge from the pan and helps create clean, neat edges when slicing.

How to Make Cotton Candy Fudge

How to Make Cotton Candy Fudge

Step 1: Prepare Baking Pan

Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper, ensuring extra paper hangs over the sides for easy removal later.

Step 2: Create Chocolate Base

In a medium saucepan, combine:
  • White chocolate chips
  • Sweetened condensed milk
  • Butter

Heat over medium temperature, stirring continuously until the mixture becomes smooth and fully melted.

Watch carefully to prevent burning.

Step 3: Divide Chocolate Mixture

Separate the melted chocolate evenly into two separate mixing bowls.

Step 4: Infuse Magical Colors

In the first bowl, add:
  • Cotton candy flavoring
  • Pink gel food coloring

Stir until completely blended.

Repeat the same process with the second bowl using purple gel food coloring.

Step 5: Layer Colorful Fudge

Randomly drop spoonfuls of pink and purple mixtures into the prepared pan, alternating between colors to create a playful pattern.

Step 6: Create Mesmerizing Swirls

Using a butter knife or offset spatula, gently swirl the colors together.

Aim for a beautiful marbled effect without over-mixing.

Step 7: Smooth and Chill

Cover the fudge with parchment paper and press gently to create an even surface.

Refrigerate for 2 hours or let sit at room temperature for 4 hours until completely set.

Step 8: Slice and Serve

Remove the fudge from the pan using the parchment paper overhang.

Cut into delightful bite-sized squares and enjoy the whimsical treat!

Pro Tips for Perfect Cotton Candy Fudge

Pro Tips for Perfect Cotton Candy Fudge
  • Use parchment paper with generous overhang to easily remove fudge without breaking delicate swirls.
  • Stir chocolate mixture constantly on medium heat, reducing temperature if mixture looks grainy to prevent burning or seizing.
  • Drop spoonfuls randomly and gently swirl with butter knife, avoiding overmixing to maintain beautiful marbled effect.
  • Chill fudge in refrigerator for faster setting (2 hours) or let sit at room temperature for slower, gentler setting (4 hours).
  • Experiment with different cotton candy flavor intensities by adjusting flavoring amount to suit personal taste preferences.

Storing and Serving Cotton Candy Fudge

  • Store cotton candy fudge in an airtight container lined with parchment paper between layers. Keep chilled for up to 7 days, maintaining its creamy texture and preventing flavor loss.
  • Wrap individual fudge pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for 2-3 months without compromising taste or quality.
  • Keep fudge in a sealed container at room temperature for 3-4 days. Ensure the area is cool and dry to prevent softening or melting.
  • Remove frozen fudge from freezer and let it sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving to preserve its smooth consistency.
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Cotton Candy Fudge Recipe

Cotton Candy Fudge Recipe


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4.7 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 20 1x

Description

Sweet cotton candy fudge delivers a whimsical carnival treat that transports dessert enthusiasts to nostalgic fairground memories. Pastel swirls of sugary delight melt smoothly, promising you a playful bite of childhood magic in every creamy square.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 22 ounces (624 grams) white chocolate chips (Ghirardelli brand)
  • 14 ounces (397 grams) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1/4 cup (57 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature

Flavoring and Color Ingredients:

  • 2 teaspoons cotton candy flavoring (LorAnn Oils brand)
  • 1/23/4 teaspoon pink gel food coloring (Americolor brand Pale Peony #183)
  • 1/23/4 teaspoon purple gel food coloring (Americolor brand Lilac #169)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the baking vessel by lining an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper, ensuring extended edges for effortless removal of the finished confection.
  2. Combine white chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter in a medium saucepan. Apply medium heat, continuously stirring to prevent scorching. Maintain gentle movement until the mixture transforms into a velvety, uniform consistency, approximately 6-7 minutes.
  3. Evenly distribute the molten chocolate mixture into two separate mixing vessels.
  4. Enhance each portion with distinct character: introduce cotton candy flavoring and corresponding gel food colorings – pink for one bowl, purple for the other. Thoroughly integrate until colors appear uniform and vibrant.
  5. Artfully distribute dollops of pink and purple mixtures across the prepared pan, creating a random, playful pattern.
  6. Utilize a butter knife or offset spatula to delicately intertwine the colors, generating a mesmerizing marbled effect without over-blending.
  7. Cover the surface with parchment paper, gently smoothing the top. Refrigerate for 2 hours or allow to set at room temperature for 4 hours until completely solidified.
  8. Extract the fudge using parchment paper edges, then slice into delectable bite-sized cubes ready for immediate enjoyment.

Notes

  • Choose high-quality white chocolate chips for smoother, creamier fudge that melts more evenly.
  • Maintain low, consistent heat to prevent chocolate from burning or becoming grainy during melting process.
  • Use gel food coloring instead of liquid for more vibrant colors without altering fudge’s texture.
  • Store fudge in an airtight container in refrigerator for up to one week to maintain freshness and prevent hardening.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 20
  • Calories: 195
  • Sugar: 24 g
  • Sodium: 30 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 23 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg
Olivia Bennett

Olivia Bennett

Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • Showcasing ingredients in plant-forward vegetarian dishes.
  • Creating adaptable weeklong menu templates centered on seasonal produce.

Education

Schoolcraft College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Associate Degree
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, menu planning, and food safety.

With an Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Schoolcraft College and a natural knack for teaching, Olivia Bennett’s all about making home cooking feel possible, even on your busiest day.
Her thing? Recipes that are budget-friendly, season-forward, and full of Southern warmth. Whether it’s a roasted veggie bowl or a five-ingredient skillet bake, Olivia makes sure it’s simple, satisfying, and something you’ll want to make again tomorrow.
When she’s not shooting step-by-step videos or testing spice blends, she’s out foraging, flipping through old cookbooks, or throwing laid-back dinner parties with a BYO-mason-jar theme.

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