Are you looking for a treat that combines the fluffy delight of cotton candy with the joy of a perfectly baked cupcake? Look no further! Today, we’re diving into the magical world of Cotton Candy Cupcakes, a recipe guaranteed to bring smiles and a bit of whimsy to any occasion. Whether you’re planning a birthday party, a friendly get-together, or simply in the mood for something sweet and colorful, these cupcakes are sure to be a hit.
What You’ll Need
For the Cake:
- 1 box of white cake mix
- 4 egg whites
- 1/2 cup of vegetable oil
- 1 cup of water
- 1 Tbsp of cotton candy flavoring
- Pink and blue food coloring
For the Frosting & Topping:
- 3/4 cup of unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 tsp of vanilla extract
- 1 to 1½ tsp of cotton candy flavoring
- 1/4 cup of heavy whipping cream or milk
- 3-4 cups of confectioners’ sugar
- Blue and pink sanding sugar
- Blue and pink cotton candy
- Popsicle sticks
Let’s Bake!
Preparing Your Cupcakes
- Start the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and get those muffin tins ready by lining them with paper liners. This recipe makes about 18 cupcakes, so plan your muffin tins accordingly.
- Mix the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, egg whites, vegetable oil, water, and cotton candy flavoring. Mix until smooth and well incorporated. This is your base batter, which will soon transform into a colorful delight.
- Color Time: Divide your batter into two separate bowls. Add pink food coloring to one half and blue to the other, mixing each until you achieve your desired shades. It’s like painting with flavors!
- Layer the Batter: Carefully layer the pink and blue batters into the muffin cups, filling them about 3/4 full. You can alternate colors or go for a marbled effect by gently swirling the two together with a toothpick.
- Bake: Slide your muffin tins into the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean. Let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Frosting & Decoration
- Frosting Prep: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, vanilla extract, and cotton candy flavoring. Gradually add in the confectioners’ sugar and cream, beating until you have a fluffy and smooth frosting.
- Color the Frosting: Divide the frosting into two bowls and color one bowl blue and the other pink to match your cupcakes.
- Decorate: Once your cupcakes are cool, it’s time to get creative. Pipe the frosting onto your cupcakes, alternating colors or combining them for a whimsical effect. Sprinkle with blue and pink sanding sugar for that extra sparkle.
- The Finishing Touch: For the pièce de résistance, add a tuft of cotton candy to each cupcake. Simply take small pieces of blue and pink cotton candy and affix them to the top of each cupcake with a popsicle stick. It’s like a little cloud of sugar on a sweet sky of frosting.
Ready, Set, Enjoy!
Preparation Time: 20 minutes Cooking Time: 18 minutes Total Time: 38 minutes Servings: 18 cupcakes
Cotton Candy Cupcakes are more than just a treat; they’re an experience. The fun of making them is only matched by the joy of eating them. Whether you’re reliving childhood memories of cotton candy at the fair or introducing someone to the flavor for the first time, these cupcakes are sure to leave a lasting impression. So, tie on your apron, preheat that oven, and let’s make some magic!
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Cotton Candy Cupcakes
- Total Time: 38 mins
- Yield: 18 cupcakes 1x
Description
Crafted with love and a splash of whimsy, these cupcakes blend the iconic flavors of cotton candy with the classic joy of a perfectly baked cupcake. The vibrant swirls of pink and blue not only delight the eyes but also promise a taste adventure that’s both sweet and enchanting. Whether you’re hosting a party, celebrating a special occasion, or simply indulging in a moment of sweetness, these cupcakes are your ticket to a magical culinary experience.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
1 box white cake mix
4 egg whites
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 cup water
1 Tbsp cotton candy flavoring
Pink and blue food coloring
For the Frosting & Topping:
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 – 1½ tsp cotton candy flavoring
1/4 cup heavy whipping cream or milk
3–4 cups confectioners’ sugar
Blue and pink sanding sugar
Blue and pink cotton candy
Popsicle sticks
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line muffin tins with paper liners.
Mix the cake mix, egg whites, oil, water, and cotton candy flavoring until smooth. Divide the batter, coloring one half pink and the other half blue.
Layer the colored batters in the muffin cups, fill them about 3/4 full, and bake for 15-18 minutes.
For the frosting, beat butter, vanilla, cotton candy flavoring, and gradually add confectioners’ sugar and cream until fluffy. Tint half of the frosting blue and half pink.
Pipe the frosting onto cooled cupcakes, sprinkle with sanding sugar, and adorn each with a whimsical cotton candy stick.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 18 mins