Cotton Candy Fudge Recipe

If you’re looking for a sweet treat that’s as whimsical as it is delicious, this Cotton Candy Fudge is the answer! Swirled in playful pink and blue, each bite melts in your mouth and transports you straight back to the carnival. With a creamy finish and that unmistakable cotton candy flavor, this recipe captures pure nostalgia in a bite-sized square. Whether you’re throwing a party, celebrating a special occasion, or simply need a little magic in your day, this delightful fudge is guaranteed to wow both kids and adults alike.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

• For the Fudge:

  • 2 cups white chocolate chips
  • 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
  • 2 teaspoons cotton candy flavoring
  • Pink and blue gel food coloring

  For Garnish (optional):

  • Cotton candy pieces

How to Make Cotton Candy Fudge

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish

Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides. This clever trick makes lifting your finished fudge out of the pan a total breeze for mess-free slicing.

Step 2: Melt the White Chocolate and Sweetened Condensed Milk

In a medium saucepan, combine the white chocolate chips and the sweetened condensed milk over low heat. Stir constantly and patiently until everything has melted together into a silky, lump-free mixture. Low and slow is best to prevent scorching or seizing.

Step 3: Add the Magical Flavors

Remove your pan from heat and immediately stir in the cotton candy flavoring. Just a couple teaspoons is all you need for that authentic carnival sweetness—don’t be tempted to pour in more, as a little goes a long way!

Step 4: Divide and Color

Pour the warm fudge base into two heatproof bowls, dividing it as evenly as possible. Tint one bowl pink and the other blue with a few drops of gel food coloring. Stir gently until you reach the vibrancy you crave. No need to be precise—embrace the playful pastel chaos!

Step 5: Marble and Swirl

Drop spoonfuls of pink and blue fudge alternately into your lined pan, overlapping a bit for a stunning effect. Use a butter knife or skewer to gently swirl the colors—just enough for that dreamy marbled look, but not so much that the shades muddle.

Step 6: Chill Until Set

Transfer the pan to your refrigerator and let the magic happen. Give the fudge at least two hours to set fully—you’ll know it’s ready when it feels firm to the touch. Patience pays off here!

Step 7: Slice and Garnish

Lift your fudge out by the parchment handles, place it on a cutting board, and slice into bite-sized squares. If you like, add small tufts of cotton candy on top just before serving—remember, cotton candy dissolves quickly, so garnish right before guests arrive.

How to Serve Cotton Candy Fudge

Garnishes

Cotton Candy Fudge is truly a showstopper with just its pastel swirls, but a sprinkle of edible glitter, neon sprinkles, or a few curls of white chocolate make it even more festive. Pop on a mini piece of real cotton candy at the last second for a dramatic reveal!

Side Dishes

Pair a square or two with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, fresh strawberries, or a fluffy whipped cream dollop for a classic dessert plate. For parties, contrast with something tangy like lemon bars or salty snacks to balance all that sweet nostalgia.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut your Cotton Candy Fudge into fun shapes using cookie cutters or stack cubes inside mini treat boxes for party favors. Serve on a rainbow platter at your next birthday, baby shower, or movie night—the colors make every celebration pop!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Cotton Candy Fudge fresh by placing pieces in a single layer inside an airtight container. A parchment or wax paper lining helps prevent sticking. Store in the refrigerator where it stays soft and creamy for up to one week.

Freezing

If you want to save your fudge for a later celebration, wrap each piece individually in wax or parchment paper, then seal tightly in a freezer-safe bag or container. Cotton Candy Fudge will stay delicious for up to two months in the freezer. Just thaw in the fridge overnight when ready to serve!

Reheating

This fudge is all about rich, cool creaminess and doesn’t need reheating. If it’s been frozen, let it thaw in the fridge for a few hours before serving to maintain perfect texture and vibrant color swirls.

FAQs

Can I use regular food coloring instead of gel?

It’s best to use gel food coloring for Cotton Candy Fudge, as regular liquid coloring can thin out your fudge mixture and dull the pastel hues. Gel offers the most vibrant results without compromising texture.

What can I do if I can’t find cotton candy flavoring?

If cotton candy flavoring is unavailable, try using a mix of vanilla or raspberry extract for a similarly sweet, nostalgic vibe. While it won’t be quite the same, you’ll still get a deliciously unique fudge!

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Cotton Candy Fudge is naturally gluten-free, but always check the labels on your white chocolate chips and flavoring to make sure they don’t contain any hidden wheat derivatives.

Why do I need to add the cotton candy garnish just before serving?

Cotton candy is highly sensitive to moisture and will dissolve almost instantly if left on the fudge. To keep those fluffy tufts intact, always add them immediately before serving for maximum wow factor.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Absolutely! Simply double every ingredient and use a 9×13-inch baking pan. The swirling and chilling steps stay the same, and you’ll have plenty of fudge to go around for parties or bake sales.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to make dessert a little more magical, give Cotton Candy Fudge a whirl. It’s quick, easy, and wildly fun to share—the only hard part is not sneaking a bite before it’s finished setting. Enjoy every swirl, and be prepared for lots of smiles at first taste!

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