Description
If you’re looking for a fun and visually stunning dessert, look no further than these fluffy cotton candy cupcakes! Bursting with pastel colors and a light, airy texture, these cupcakes are perfect for birthday parties, baby showers, or any celebration. With easy-to-follow instructions, you can quickly bake these delicious cotton candy cupcakes that are topped with a fluffy whipped cream that’s as sweet as cotton candy itself. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting, this cotton candy cupcake recipe will bring joy to your taste buds and make your occasion unforgettable!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (for that classic vanilla flavor)
- ¾ cup whole milk (for a moist texture)
- Pink, blue, and purple food coloring (for the cotton candy look)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for the whipped cream topping)
Pro Tip: For a gluten-free cotton candy cupcake recipe, substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour.
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners. This ensures your cupcakes won’t stick to the pan.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside for later.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating a soft, airy texture in your cupcakes.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract for added flavor. This creates the base of the batter.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the whole milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients to keep the batter light and fluffy. Mix until just combined—don’t overmix!
Divide the batter into three bowls. Add a few drops of pink, blue, and purple food coloring to each bowl and stir until the colors are evenly incorporated. This will give your cupcakes the signature cotton candy appearance.
Using a spoon, add spoonfuls of each colored batter into the cupcake liners, layering them in the center. Use a toothpick to swirl the colors together for a beautiful marbled effect.
Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack.
While the cupcakes are cooling, whip the heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. This creates the perfect cotton candy-inspired frosting for your cupcakes.
Once the cupcakes have cooled, pipe the whipped cream onto each cupcake. Create a fluffy, swirled topping that mimics the look of cotton candy.
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
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Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
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- For extra fluffiness, avoid overmixing the batter. Mixing just until combined ensures your cupcakes stay light and airy.
- Use gel food coloring for more vibrant colors than liquid food coloring. It will give you the pastel shades you need to create that classic cotton candy look.
- Make ahead: You can prepare the cupcakes a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container and frost just before serving.
- Customize the frosting: Add flavored extracts like almond, mint, or strawberry to the whipped cream for a unique twist on the flavor.