Cotton Candy Fudge: A Whimsical Treat Recipe
Introduction
Cotton Candy Fudge is a fun and whimsical treat that combines creamy white chocolate with playful pastel colors and a hint of cotton candy flavor. This easy-to-make fudge is perfect for parties or when you want a sweet, nostalgic delight.
Ingredients
- 22 oz white chocolate chips (Ghirardelli recommended for smooth melting)
- 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 2 tsp cotton candy flavoring (LorAnn Oils brand suggested)
- ½–¾ tsp pink gel food coloring (Americolor Pale Peony #183 recommended)
- ½–¾ tsp purple gel food coloring (Americolor Lilac #169 recommended)
Instructions
- Step 1: Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to lift the fudge out easily after it sets.
- Step 2: In a medium saucepan, combine the white chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter. Melt over medium heat, stirring frequently until smooth and lump-free.
- Step 3: Divide the melted mixture evenly into two bowls. Stir pink food coloring and 1 teaspoon of cotton candy flavoring into one bowl. Stir purple food coloring and the remaining teaspoon of flavoring into the other bowl.
- Step 4: Alternately spoon dollops of pink and purple mixtures into the prepared pan for a random swirl pattern.
- Step 5: Use a butter knife or small offset spatula to gently swirl the two colors together, creating a marbled effect. Avoid overmixing to keep distinct swirls.
- Step 6: Cover the pan with another piece of parchment paper, pressing down gently to smooth the surface.
- Step 7: Refrigerate for 2 hours or let set at room temperature for 4 hours until firm.
- Step 8: Once set, lift the fudge out using the parchment overhang. Cut into squares or desired shapes and serve.
Tips & Variations
- For extra texture, sprinkle chopped nuts or edible glitter on top before the fudge sets.
- If you don’t have gel food coloring, use liquid food coloring sparingly to avoid altering the fudge texture.
- Try swapping cotton candy flavoring for vanilla or berry extracts for a different twist.
- Make smaller batches by halving the recipe and using a smaller pan.
Storage
Store the fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or refrigerate for up to two weeks. If refrigerated, let it come to room temperature before serving for the best texture. Fudge can also be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular food coloring instead of gel?
Yes, but use less liquid coloring to avoid making the fudge too soft. Gel colors provide more vibrant hues without affecting the texture.
What if I can’t find cotton candy flavoring?
You can substitute with vanilla extract or try berry-flavored extracts for a different but still delicious fudge variation.
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Cotton Candy Fudge: A Whimsical Treat Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes (including setting time)
- Yield: 16 squares 1x
Description
Cotton Candy Fudge is a whimsical and colorful treat that combines the creamy richness of white chocolate fudge with the playful flavors and pastel hues of cotton candy. This easy-to-make dessert features swirls of pink and purple fudge that not only look delightful but also offer an authentic cotton candy taste, perfect for parties or a fun sweet snack.
Ingredients
Fudge Ingredients
- 22 oz White Chocolate Chips (preferably Ghirardelli for smooth melting)
- 14 oz can Sweetened Condensed Milk
- ¼ cup Unsalted Butter, room temperature
- 2 tsp Cotton Candy Flavoring (LorAnn Oils recommended)
- ½–¾ tsp Pink Gel Food Coloring (Americolor Pale Peony #183)
- ½–¾ tsp Purple Gel Food Coloring (Americolor Lilac #169)
Instructions
- Preparation: Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to make it easier to lift the fudge out once set.
- Melting: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the white chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and unsalted butter. Stir frequently to melt everything together smoothly, ensuring no lumps remain in the mixture.
- Coloring and Flavoring: Divide the melted fudge evenly between two bowls. In one bowl, incorporate the pink gel food coloring and 1 teaspoon of cotton candy flavoring. In the second bowl, add the purple gel food coloring and the remaining teaspoon of flavoring. Stir each gently to blend color and flavor uniformly.
- Layering: Spoon dollops of the pink and purple fudge mixtures alternately into the prepared pan. Aim for a random pattern to achieve the best swirl effect; precision is not necessary.
- Swirling: Using a butter knife or a small offset spatula, gently swirl the two colors together. Be careful to not overmix so that the marbled cotton candy colors remain distinct and visually appealing.
- Setting: Cover the pan with another piece of parchment paper, pressing down gently to smooth the surface. Refrigerate for 2 hours or let set at room temperature for 4 hours until the fudge is firm and ready to cut.
- Serving: Once set, lift the fudge from the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into squares or any desired shapes and serve as a colorful, delightful treat.
Notes
- Use high-quality white chocolate chips like Ghirardelli to ensure smooth melting and rich flavor.
- Gel food coloring is preferred for vibrant pastel colors without altering the fudge consistency.
- The cotton candy flavoring by LorAnn Oils provides an authentic carnival-like taste.
- Swirling should be done gently to maintain clear, marbled patterns for visual appeal.
- The fudge can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- For easier cutting, warm the knife under hot water and dry it before slicing the fudge.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Cotton Candy Fudge, White Chocolate Fudge, Cotton Candy Flavor, Swirled Fudge, Easy Fudge Recipe
