Description
This whimsical Cotton Candy Frosting is a light and fluffy buttercream infused with fun cotton candy flavoring and a swirl of pastel pink and blue colors. Perfect for topping cupcakes or cakes for birthdays and special occasions, this no-cook frosting is easy to make and adds a carnival-inspired sweet finish to your desserts.
Ingredients
Scale
Frosting Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
- 1 teaspoon cotton candy flavoring extract
- Pink gel food coloring (optional)
- Blue gel food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Beat the butter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until it becomes light and fluffy, approximately 2 minutes.
- Add powdered sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition until fully incorporated.
- Incorporate flavoring and cream: Add the cotton candy flavoring and 2 tablespoons of heavy cream or milk. Then beat on high speed for 2 to 3 minutes until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
- Adjust consistency: If the frosting is too thick, add an additional tablespoon of cream or milk and beat until the desired softness is achieved.
- Add colors for swirl effect: Divide the frosting evenly into two bowls. Tint one bowl with pink gel food coloring and the other with blue gel food coloring.
- Prepare for piping: Spoon dollops of each colored frosting side-by-side into a piping bag to create a swirled, cotton candy look when applied to cakes or cupcakes.
Notes
- Cotton candy flavoring is concentrated; use sparingly and can be found online or at specialty baking stores.
- This frosting pairs beautifully with vanilla, funfetti, or strawberry flavored cakes and cupcakes.
- Store leftover frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Before using refrigerated frosting, bring it to room temperature and re-whip to restore its fluffy texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
