Description
This fluffy and sweet Cotton Candy Frosting brings the fun and nostalgia of a carnival treat to your cakes, cupcakes, and other baked goods. With its light, airy texture and sugary cotton candy flavor, it’s the perfect way to add a whimsical touch to any dessert.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3–4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 2–3 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon cotton candy flavoring (available at baking supply stores or online)
- 1–2 drops food coloring (optional, for pastel pink or blue color)
Instructions
-
Beat the Butter:
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with a hand mixer or stand mixer until creamy and smooth, about 2-3 minutes. -
Add Powdered Sugar:
Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, mixing on low speed to avoid a sugar cloud. Once all sugar is added, increase speed to medium and beat until fully combined. -
Add Cream and Flavoring:
Add the heavy cream 1 tablespoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency (thicker for piping, thinner for spreading). Then, add the cotton candy flavoring and beat until incorporated. -
Add Food Coloring (Optional):
If you’d like to achieve the classic cotton candy look, add 1-2 drops of food coloring and mix until the color is evenly distributed. Start with a tiny amount and adjust until you reach your desired shade. -
Frost and Serve:
Once your frosting is fluffy and well-mixed, it’s ready to use! Frost cakes, cupcakes, or cookies with a spatula or piping bag. Let it set for a few minutes to firm up before serving.
Notes
- Cotton candy flavoring can be purchased online or at some specialty stores. If you don’t have it, you can substitute with vanilla extract, though the flavor will be different.
- For a smoother texture, sift the powdered sugar before adding it to the butter.
- This frosting pairs wonderfully with light, airy cakes, cupcakes, or even sugar cookies.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Frosting, Dessert Topping
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 13
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 15mg