Name: The Best Cotton Candy Cupcakes
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 38 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box white cake mix; 4 egg whites; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 1 cup water; 1 tbsp cotton candy flavoring; Pink and blue food coloring; 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 tsp vanilla extract; 1 – 1 1/2 tsp cotton candy flavoring; 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream or milk; 3-4 cups confectioners’ sugar; Blue and pink sanding sugar; Blue and pink cotton candy; Popsicle sticks

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cupcakes are an absolute showstopper! They combine the nostalgia of cotton candy with the moist, fluffy texture of a perfectly baked cake. I love how the fun colors of pink and blue make them look like they belong at a carnival or birthday party. The cotton candy flavoring gives the cake and frosting a sweet, sugary taste that’s reminiscent of summer fairs. The addition of cotton candy sticks on top adds a playful and fun element, making these cupcakes not only delicious but visually stunning. Whether it’s for a special event or just a sweet treat, these cupcakes will steal the show!

Ingredients

For the Cake:

1 box white cake mix

4 egg whites

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1 cup water

1 tbsp cotton candy flavoring

Pink and blue food coloring

For the Frosting & Topping:

3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

1 – 1 1/2 tsp cotton candy flavoring

1/4 cup heavy whipping cream or milk

3-4 cups confectioners’ sugar

Blue and pink sanding sugar

Blue and pink cotton candy

Popsicle sticks

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two muffin tins with 18 paper liners to prepare for baking.

Prepare Cake Batter: In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, egg whites, vegetable oil, water, and cotton candy flavoring. Mix until smooth, about 2 minutes. Divide the batter evenly into two separate bowls. Add blue food coloring to one bowl and pink to the other, mixing until the colors are well incorporated.

Fill Muffin Cups: Distribute the batter into the muffin cups, layering the blue and pink batters without swirling them together. Fill each cup about 3/4 full to allow room for rising.

Bake: Place the muffin tins in the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool completely on a wire rack.

Make Frosting: In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter, cotton candy flavoring, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar, alternating with heavy cream, until the frosting is light and fluffy. Divide the frosting into two bowls. Tint one with blue food coloring and the other with pink.

Pipe Frosting: Fit a pastry bag with a large star tip. Spoon the blue frosting down one side of the bag and the pink down the other. Pipe the frosting onto the cooled cupcakes in a swirl pattern.

Decorate: Sprinkle the frosted cupcakes with blue and pink sanding sugar for extra sparkle. For a fun finishing touch, create cotton candy sticks by attaching small pieces of cotton candy to wet popsicle sticks and place them in the center of each cupcake.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 18 minutes

Serving Size: 18 cupcakes

Calories: Approx. 250 kcal per cupcake

Variations

Vegan Version: For a vegan twist, you can substitute the egg whites with a flaxseed mixture (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water = 1 egg white) and use non-dairy milk and butter in both the cake and frosting.

Different Colors: You can switch up the colors to match any theme, using any food coloring you like. For example, red and white for a festive Christmas theme or purple and yellow for a fun Easter cupcake.

Cupcake Filling: For an extra surprise, add a filling inside each cupcake. A small dollop of jam or cotton candy flavored cream would complement the texture and flavor beautifully.

Storage/Reheating

Store the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you have leftovers, they can also be stored in the fridge for up to a week. To enjoy them later, let them come to room temperature before serving, or heat them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for a soft, warm treat.

Related Recipes:

Cotton Candy Cupcakes

FAQs

Can I use homemade cake mix instead of a store-bought box mix?

Yes, you can use a homemade cake mix, but be sure to adjust the ingredients accordingly, especially if your recipe doesn’t include the cotton candy flavoring.

How do I make the cotton candy flavoring from scratch?

Cotton candy flavoring is quite unique, but you can make a close approximation by combining sugar with a small amount of vanilla extract and a touch of artificial cotton candy flavoring if you can find it at a specialty store.

Can I make the cupcakes in advance?

Definitely! You can bake the cupcakes a day ahead and store them in an airtight container until you’re ready to frost them.

How can I make the frosting fluffier?

Make sure the butter is soft, but not melted. Gradually add the powdered sugar, and if it’s still too thick, you can add a bit more cream to reach your desired consistency.

What’s the best way to store the cotton candy on top of the cupcakes?

To preserve the cotton candy, add it just before serving. Cotton candy tends to melt quickly, so avoid placing it on the cupcakes too early, as it will dissolve into the frosting.

Conclusion

These Best Cotton Candy Cupcakes are the ultimate combination of fun and flavor. The playful colors, airy frosting, and sweet cotton candy taste make them perfect for any occasion. Whether I’m baking for a party, a special celebration, or simply to treat myself, these cupcakes are always a crowd-pleaser. I love how they combine nostalgia with creativity, and every bite is a reminder of the simple joys of cotton candy at a carnival!

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