Cotton Candy Fudge Recipe

There’s something whimsical about cotton candy that instantly transports me back to summer fairs and amusement parks. The airy sweetness, the pastel colors—it’s pure nostalgia! But what if you could bottle up that magical flavor into something you could enjoy at home, with just a little extra richness and creaminess? Enter: cotton candy fudge. It’s the perfect combination of smooth, creamy fudge with that irresistible cotton candy flavor we all know and love. I’ll admit, this recipe quickly became a favorite in my house. Plus, it’s so fun to make—and even more fun to eat!

this RECIPE

A trip down memory lane 🎡

I remember the first time I made this cotton candy fudge. My kitchen smelled like a candy shop, and the bright swirls of pink and purple made it almost too pretty to eat (almost!). It reminded me of childhood trips to the fair where I’d beg my parents for cotton candy, mesmerized by how it was spun into fluffy clouds. Now, that same flavor brings back all those memories—without the sticky fingers!

This fudge is an explosion of color and flavor, making it perfect for parties, holidays, or just because you’re craving something sweet and unique. And the best part? You don’t need any fancy equipment or expert skills to pull it off. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this recipe is both approachable and fun.

The story behind cotton candy fudge

Fudge itself dates back to the late 19th century, believed to have been a happy accident in American kitchens (as most great inventions are). But over time, this humble treat evolved. Cotton candy, on the other hand, was invented in 1897 by a dentist (go figure!) and a candy maker. Fast forward a century or so, and people started merging the two to create this delightful hybrid of fudge and cotton candy flavor. It’s a modern twist on a classic dessert, perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth.

Key ingredients: what makes this fudge irresistible

Let’s break down the magic behind this cotton candy fudge and why each ingredient plays a crucial role.

• White chocolate chips: The smooth, creamy base for the fudge. White chocolate allows the cotton candy flavor to shine through without competing with other tastes. If you don’t have white chocolate on hand, vanilla baking chips can also work in a pinch.
• Sweetened condensed milk: This thick and sticky ingredient brings sweetness and richness, binding the fudge together. It’s also what gives fudge that classic creamy texture. For a dairy-free alternative, you can try using coconut condensed milk.
• Unsalted butter: Adds a hint of richness and ensures the fudge has that melt-in-your-mouth quality. If you only have salted butter on hand, no worries—it won’t make a huge difference.
• Cotton candy flavoring: The star of the show! It transforms this fudge from ordinary to extraordinary, giving it that signature taste. You can find cotton candy flavoring in most baking stores or online, but if you’re in a pinch, a few drops of vanilla with a touch of sugar can somewhat mimic the flavor.
• Gel food coloring (pink and purple): These vibrant colors bring the fudge to life. Gel food coloring is best here because it won’t add extra liquid to the mix. You can also experiment with other colors to suit your occasion—blue and pink for a baby shower, maybe?

Kitchen gear: What you need (and what you can totally skip)

You don’t need much to create this cotton candy fudge, but a few key tools will make the process smoother.

• A medium saucepan: This is where the magic happens! You’ll be melting your chocolate, condensed milk, and butter together. Make sure you stir often to prevent burning (trust me, I’ve accidentally burnt chocolate before, and it’s not pretty).
• Parchment paper: Don’t skip this! It makes removing the fudge from the pan a breeze and ensures easy clean-up. Plus, it helps keep your swirls intact while the fudge sets.
• Two mixing bowls: One for each color. This is where you’ll split the fudge mixture and add your pink and purple hues.
• Butter knife or offset spatula: You’ll need this for swirling the colors together. This is one of my favorite parts—watching the beautiful marbled design come to life!

Step-by-step: How to make cotton candy fudge (without the stress)

Let’s get started, shall we?

1. Prep your pan: Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides. This will make it easier to lift the fudge out later. Set it aside for now.
2. Melt the ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the white chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir frequently for about 6-7 minutes until everything is melted and smooth. This is key—stirring constantly will prevent the chocolate from burning. You’re aiming for a silky mixture without any lumps.
3. Divide and conquer: Once everything is melted, pour half of the mixture into one bowl and the other half into another bowl. This is where the fun begins!
4. Color and flavor: In the first bowl, add 1 teaspoon of cotton candy flavoring and the pink gel food coloring. Stir until the color is evenly distributed. In the second bowl, add the remaining 1 teaspoon of cotton candy flavoring and the purple gel food coloring. Mix well. If you need to tweak the colors, feel free to add a little more food coloring until you get your desired shades.
5. Create the magic: Drop large spoonfuls of each color randomly into your prepared pan. Then, using a butter knife or offset spatula, gently swirl the colors together. You don’t want to overmix here—just enough to create a pretty marbled effect.
6. Let it set: Place another piece of parchment paper on top of the fudge and press down gently to smooth out the top. Pop the pan into the fridge for about 2 hours (or leave it at room temperature for 4 hours) to set.
7. Slice and serve: Once the fudge is firm, lift it out using the parchment paper overhang. Slice into squares and enjoy the burst of cotton candy flavor in every bite!

Fun variations to try

This cotton candy fudge recipe is super versatile, so don’t be afraid to play around with it! Here are a few ideas:

• Rainbow fudge: Use multiple gel food colors (blue, yellow, green) to create a rainbow effect. This is perfect for kids’ parties or just when you want a burst of color.
• Gluten-free version: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always double-check your ingredients (especially the food coloring) to ensure everything is safe.
• Vegan cotton candy fudge: Swap out the butter for a plant-based alternative and use dairy-free sweetened condensed milk (like coconut condensed milk) and vegan white chocolate chips. It turns out just as creamy and delicious!

How to serve (because presentation matters)

When serving your cotton candy fudge, go all out with the theme! Arrange the fudge squares on a pastel-colored tray or plate. For a bit of extra flair, sprinkle some edible glitter or colorful sprinkles on top. If you’re hosting a party, consider placing each fudge square in a mini cupcake liner for a cute, individual serving. Pair the fudge with other carnival-inspired treats like popcorn or caramel apples to really embrace the cotton candy nostalgia.

drink pairings 🍹

Since this fudge is on the sweeter side, I like to pair it with something refreshing and not overly sugary. Here are a few ideas:

• Iced herbal tea: A lightly flavored tea like chamomile or mint will balance out the rich sweetness of the fudge.
• Lemonade: The tartness of lemonade (especially fresh-squeezed) complements the cotton candy flavor perfectly.
• Sparkling water with a twist: Try a flavored sparkling water like lemon, lime, or berry for a bubbly contrast that still feels light and refreshing.

Storage and reheating tips

Once your cotton candy fudge is made, you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks. If you prefer a softer texture, you can keep it at room temperature for about 4-5 days. If you’re planning on storing it longer, wrap each piece individually in wax paper and freeze them for up to three months. Just let the fudge thaw in the fridge before serving—it’ll be just as creamy as when you first made it.

Adjusting for different serving sizes

This recipe is perfect for an 8×8-inch pan, but if you want to make more (for a big event or to gift), you can easily double the recipe and use a 9×13-inch pan. Just remember that thicker fudge might need a little extra time to set. If you’re scaling down, you can halve the recipe and use a loaf pan instead.

Final thoughts: Give it a try!

There’s something undeniably joyful about this cotton candy fudge. From the vibrant swirls to the sweet flavor, it’s sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just because you’re craving something fun, I hope you’ll give this recipe a try. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll be hooked!

FAQs

1. Can I use regular food coloring instead of gel?
Gel food coloring is best because it gives you vibrant colors without altering the texture of the fudge. Liquid food coloring may work, but it could make the mixture too runny.

2. How long does the fudge last?
Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, it will last up to two weeks. You can also freeze it for up to three months.

3. What if I don’t have cotton candy flavoring?
You can substitute vanilla extract, but it won’t have that distinct cotton candy flavor. A mix of vanilla and a touch of almond extract can get you closer.

4. Can I add sprinkles or toppings?
Absolutely! Edible glitter, colorful sprinkles, or even small candies would make a fun addition to the top of your fudge.

5. Why is my fudge too soft?
It may not have chilled long enough. If your kitchen is particularly warm, you might need to leave it in the fridge a bit longer to firm up.

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