If you have a sweet tooth and love a treat that is as delightful to the eyes as it is to your taste buds, this Cotton Candy Fudge Recipe is going to become your new favorite indulgence. Imagine rich, creamy white chocolate perfectly blended with the whimsical, nostalgic flavor of cotton candy, swirled into the prettiest shades of pink and purple. It’s fun, it’s colorful, and it melts in your mouth with every bite. Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a party or simply want to treat yourself to something special, this fudge feels like a magical celebration in every square.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to creating this fantastical fudge. Each one plays a special role, from adding creamy texture to delivering that signature cotton candy taste and vibrant color that makes this recipe so irresistibly charming.
- White chocolate chips: Use high-quality chips like Ghirardelli for the smoothest, creamiest base that melts perfectly.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Adds luscious sweetness and helps create that smooth, fudgy texture everyone loves.
- Unsalted butter: Room temperature butter lends richness and helps bind everything together luxuriously.
- Cotton candy flavoring: This is the magic ingredient that gives your fudge its signature whimsical taste—split it evenly for balanced flavor between the colors.
- Pink gel food coloring: Use gel colors for vivid, concentrated color without altering the fudge’s texture.
- Purple gel food coloring: To complement the pink beautifully and create the perfect pastel swirl effect.
How to Make Cotton Candy Fudge Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Start by lining an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving extra hanging over the edges. This simple step makes it super easy to lift out your fudge later without any sticky mess. Trust me, it’s worth the extra minute of prep.
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate Mixture
On medium heat, gently melt your white chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter in a saucepan. Stir consistently for 6 to 7 minutes until everything blends into a smooth, creamy mixture. This slow, steady melting process ensures the chocolate doesn’t burn or seize, giving you that silky fudge texture.
Step 3: Divide the Mixture for Coloring
Once melted, split the chocolate mixture into two equal bowls—this is when your fudge really begins to sparkle with color and flavor.
Cotton Candy Fudge Recipe Step 4: Add Flavor and Color
Into the first bowl, stir in 1 teaspoon of cotton candy flavoring along with your pink gel food coloring. Slowly add the pink paste until you reach your desired shade, remembering that each brand varies, so start small and adjust. Repeat this flavoring and coloring step with the second bowl using the remaining teaspoon of flavoring and purple gel color.
Step 5: Create the Swirled Layers
With large spoonfuls, dollop each colored fudge randomly into your parchment-lined pan. This fun, carefree layering is part of the charm, as it sets the stage for the dazzling swirl effect you’ll make next.
Step 6: Swirl It Up
Use a butter knife or offset spatula to gently swirl the pink and purple dollops into a mesmerizing marbled design. This swirling not only looks incredible but also gives each bite a playful mix of flavors.
Step 7: Smooth and Chill
Place another piece of parchment paper over the top and gently press to smooth the surface without disturbing your beautiful swirls. Chill your fudge in the refrigerator for about 2 hours, or leave it at room temperature for 4 hours until fully set.
How to Serve Cotton Candy Fudge Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your presentation, sprinkle a few edible glitter flakes or tiny pastel sprinkles over the top of the fudge right before cutting. It adds a festive sparkle that matches the joyful feel of this Cotton Candy Fudge Recipe perfectly.
Side Dishes
This fudge is a star all on its own, but if you want to accompany it, pair with simple tea or coffee to balance the richness. Fresh berries and whipped cream on the side can also bring a refreshing contrast to the sweet creaminess.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider cutting your fudge into bite-sized cubes and threading them onto decorative skewers along with mini marshmallows or pastel-colored candies. Wrapping individual squares in clear cellophane tied with a ribbon also makes them perfect party favors or gifts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover cotton candy fudge in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and retain its creamy texture for up to two weeks, making it a great treat to enjoy gradually.
Freezing
If you want to keep your fudge longer, freezing is an ideal option. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When stored this way, fudge maintains its flavor and texture for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Fudge is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so reheating is typically unnecessary. However, if your fudge gets too firm from the fridge or freezer, simply leave it out for 20 to 30 minutes before serving to soften it up beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use another type of chocolate for this fudge?
While white chocolate is essential to achieve that classic pastel look and sweet base, you could experiment with different chocolates, but the cotton candy flavor and colors may not stand out as vibrantly.
Where can I find cotton candy flavoring?
Cotton candy flavoring is available online and in specialty baking stores. Brands like LorAnn Oils offer concentrated versions that are perfect for this fudge.
Can I make this fudge vegan or dairy-free?
Traditional fudge relies on dairy ingredients, but you can try vegan white chocolate and dairy-free condensed milk alternatives—just be aware the texture and taste might vary slightly.
What if I want more intense colors?
Gel food coloring is very concentrated, so adding more will deepen the color. Add it little by little until you hit your perfect shade, but avoid using liquid food coloring as it can affect the fudge’s consistency.
How long does it take for the fudge to set properly?
Chilling in the refrigerator for 2 hours sets the fudge firmly and quickly, but you can also let it rest at room temperature for about 4 hours if you prefer a softer texture.
Final Thoughts
This Cotton Candy Fudge Recipe brings together the most wonderful senses of nostalgia, flavor, and appearance in one simple, joy-filled dish. It’s easy to make and even easier to fall in love with, so don’t hesitate to try your hand at this enchanting treat and share some sweetness with the people you care about.
PrintCotton Candy Fudge Recipe
This whimsical Cotton Candy Fudge recipe combines creamy white chocolate with the nostalgic flavor of cotton candy, beautifully swirled with pink and purple hues for a delightful treat. Perfect for parties or a fun homemade gift, this fudge is easy to make and requires just a few simple ingredients, setting in just a couple of hours.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 22 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Fudge Base Ingredients
- 22 oz (2 11-oz. bags) white chocolate chips (Ghirardelli brand recommended)
- 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (room-temperature)
Flavoring and Color
- 2 tsp cotton candy flavoring (LorAnn Oils brand), divided
- ½–¾ tsp pink gel food coloring (Americolor brand Pale Peony #183)
- ½–¾ tsp purple gel food coloring (Americolor brand Lilac #169)
Instructions
- Prepare Pan: Line an 8 x 8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides for easy removal of the fudge once set. Set aside.
- Melt Mixture: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine white chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and unsalted butter. Stir frequently for 6-7 minutes until a smooth, lump-free mixture forms, taking care not to burn or seize the chocolate.
- Divide Mixture: Pour the melted chocolate mixture evenly into two medium-sized bowls.
- Create Pink Mixture: To the first bowl, add 1 teaspoon of cotton candy flavoring and the pink gel food coloring. Stir until the mixture turns an even pink shade. Adjust the amount of food coloring as needed to achieve your desired color.
- Create Purple Mixture: To the second bowl, add the remaining 1 teaspoon cotton candy flavoring and the purple gel food coloring. Stir until uniformly purple, adjusting color intensity to preference.
- Layer Fudge: Using a large spoon, dollop alternating spoonfuls of the pink and purple fudge mixtures randomly into the prepared parchment-lined pan until all the fudge is used.
- Swirl Design: With a butter knife or small offset spatula, gently swirl the two colors together to create an attractive marbled pattern on the fudge surface.
- Smooth Top: Cover the surface with an additional piece of parchment paper and gently press to smooth the top without disturbing the swirl design underneath. Keep the top parchment on until set.
- Chill and Set: Refrigerate the fudge for 2 hours until firm. Alternatively, let it set at room temperature for about 4 hours.
- Serve: Once fully set, lift the fudge using the parchment overhang, slice into 16 pieces and serve.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of gel food coloring to get the perfect shade of pink and purple to match your aesthetic.
- Using parchment paper with overhang is essential for easy removal without breaking the fudge.
- Stir often while melting to prevent the chocolate from burning, which can ruin the texture.
- Make sure the butter is at room temperature to melt evenly into the chocolate mixture.
- If you don’t have cotton candy flavoring, you can substitute with vanilla extract for a milder flavor, but the signature cotton candy taste will be less pronounced.
- Store leftover fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks for best freshness.
