Okay, friends, buckle up because I’m about to share something truly magical. Remember those summer days at the fair, the sticky sweet cloud of cotton candy clinging to your ears? What if I told you we could capture that in a slice of unbelievably easy, melt-in-your-mouth fudge? Forget those fussy, complicated fudge recipes that take hours to make.Cotton candy fudge. How doIs ridiculously simple, uses just a handful of ingredients, and tastes exactly like sour-sugar. Is this a no bake version of my favorite vanilla bean cheesecake? What is the best way to do it? My kids literally cheer when I make this, and honestly, so do I!
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What is cotton candy fudge?
Let’s break it down.Cotton candy fudge. How doesIs it true that fudge tastes like cotton candy? Is it really a white chocolate fudge base infused with cotton candy flavoring? Is this a shortcut to sugary bliss? Is it a combination of the creamy richness of fudge and the playful nostalgia of carnival? The magic really comes from the cotton candy flavoring itself, which you can find online or at most stores. Baking supply stores. Is it incredibly easy to make?
Why I love this recipe?
Where do I start?Cotton candy fudge.is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience!The Flavor:Is it a spot-on recreation of that airy, sugary cotton candy taste, but with the satisfying density? The white chocolate base perfectly complements the cotton candy flavoring, creating a sweetness. Is it addictive?The Simplicity:I am all about easy recipes and this one takes the cake (or the fudge!) No candy thermometer, no complicated techniques. You literally melt, mix, and chill. Even a beginner baker can nail this!The Cost-Efficiency: White chocolate, sweetened condensed milk, cotton candy flavoring – that’s pretty much it! You probably already have the white chocolate and sweetened condensed milk on hand. This is a fantastic way to satisfy a sweet craving without breaking the bank.
• The Versatility:What is the best way to snack?Cotton candy fudge. What are is amazing chopped up in ice cream, crumbled over cupcakes, or even used as a fun addition to a dessert board.
What I love most is how completely unexpected it is. People are always so surprised by how authentic the cotton candy flavor is. It brings out the kid in everyone! It reminds me of my unicorn bark recipe in terms of pure fun and whimsicality, but this fudge is even easier to throw together.
How do you make cotton candy fudge?
Quick Overview
Making this Cotton candy fudge. How does is as simple as melt, mix, and chill! You’ll melt the white chocolate with sweetened condensed milk, stir in the magical cotton candy flavoring, pour it into a pan, and let it set. Seriously, that’s it! The hardest part is waiting for it to chill, trust me on that one. The beauty of this method is that it’s virtually foolproof, and the results are always a crowd-pleaser. There’s no baking involved, making it perfect for hot summer days (or lazy weekends!).
Ingredients
For the Fudge:
• 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk: This is the key to the fudge’s creamy texture. Don’t substitute with evaporated milk! I always use full-fat for the richest flavor.
• 3 cups white chocolate chips: Use good quality white chocolate chips for the best flavor. Avoid the super cheap ones – they often don’t melt well and can taste artificial. Ghirardelli or Guittard are my go-to brands.
• 1 teaspoon cotton candy flavoring: This is where the magic happens! You can find it online or at specialty baking stores. A little goes a long way, so don’t overdo it.
• Pink and blue food coloring (optional): If you want that classic cotton candy swirl, a few drops of pink and blue food coloring will do the trick.
How do I follow step
Step 1: Prep Your Pan
Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper. Make sure the parchment paper overhangs the sides – this will make it super easy to lift the fudge out later. I always lightly grease the parchment paper with cooking spray to prevent sticking. This step is important for clean removal!
Step 2: Melt White Chocolate and Sweetened Condensed Milk
In a large, microwave-safe bowl, combine the white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate, or it will seize up. If you prefer, you can melt it in a double boiler over simmering water.
Step 3: Add Cotton Candy Flavoring
How do you stir in cotton candy flavoring?
Step 4: Divide and Color (Optional)
If you want to create a cotton candy swirl, divide the fudge mixture into two bowls. Add a few drops of pink food coloring to one bowl and a few drops of blue food coloring to the other. Stir until each color is evenly distributed.
Step 5: Layer and Swirl
Drop spoonfuls of each color into the prepared pan, alternating between pink and blue. Once all of the fudge is in the pan, use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the colors together. Don’t overmix, or you’ll end up with a muddy color. You want distinct swirls of pink and blue.
Step 6: Chill
Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until the fudge is firm. I always do this when I want something sweet later. The longer it chills, the easier it will be to slice.
Step 7: Slice and Serve
Once the fudge is firm, lift it out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into small squares and serve. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
What should I serve it with?
This Cotton candy fudge is aWhat are some ideas to take it to the next level?For a Party: Cut the fudge into small squares and arrange them on a platter with other colorful candies and treats. It makes a fantastic addition to a dessert table.
What is a sweet treat?What is a good topping for fudge?
For a Gift:Package the fudge in a pretty box or tin to give as an homemade gift. Is it perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just because?
My family loves to eat it with a tall glass of milk. What is the best way to enjoy it? The richness of the fudge is perfectly balanced by the coolness in the milk. What is the bitterness of coffee? What is the sweetness of fudge?
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Cotton Candy Fudge
Here are a few tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years to ensure your cotton candy fudge turns out perfectly every time:
White Chocolate Choice: Opt for high-quality white chocolate chips. Cheaper brands often contain less cocoa butter and may not melt as smoothly. This is so important, i made this mistake the first time and I was very sad.
Melting Matters: Be patient when melting the white chocolate. Microwave in short intervals, stirring frequently, to prevent burning. If using a double boiler, make sure the water is simmering, not boiling.
Flavor Balance: Start with a small amount of cotton candy flavoring and add more to taste. It’s easy to overdo it, so go slowly.
Swirl Technique: When swirling the colors, use a light touch. Overmixing will create a muddy color and you’ll lose the distinct pink and blue swirls. I know it’s tempting, but resist the urge!
Chill Time: Don’t rush the chilling process. The fudge needs at least 2 hours in the refrigerator to firm up properly. If you’re short on time, you can put it in the freezer for about an hour, but be sure to check it frequently to prevent it from becoming too hard.
Cutting Tips: To get clean cuts, use a sharp knife and run it under hot water before each slice. This will prevent the fudge from sticking to the knife.
Flavor Variations: Feel free to experiment with different flavorings! Vanilla extract, almond extract, or even a touch of peppermint extract would be delicious additions. You can also add sprinkles, chopped nuts, or other candies to customize your fudge.
Salt: I always add a tiny pinch of sea salt. This will enhance sweetness, because a bit of saltiness always does magic.
Add Sprinkles: Use a bit of sprinkles when you are mixing for extra texture.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Here’s how to store your cotton candy fudge to keep it fresh and delicious:
Room Temperature: Store the fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that it may become softer at room temperature, especially in warm weather.
Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, keep the fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. It will become firmer in the refrigerator, so you may want to let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
Freezer Instructions: You can also freeze the fudge for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Glaze Timing Advice: Do not glaze the fudge before storing. The glaze will prevent the fudge to freeze properly, so only add the glaze when you will serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it – the easiest, most delightful cotton candy fudge recipe you’ll ever find! It’s the perfect treat for parties, gifts, or just a little something sweet to brighten your day. This recipe is special for many reasons: the flavor will bring you back to your childhood. I hope you give it a try and experience the magic for yourself! If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other fudge recipes and candy creations. Happy baking (or rather, no-baking)! Let me know in the comments how yours turns out, and feel free to share any variations you try. I can’t wait to hear from you!
Cotton Candy Fudge
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 0.5 cup light corn syrup
- 0.25 cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 1 cup marshmallow creme
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon cotton candy flavoring
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the mixture reaches 235°F (113°C) on a candy thermometer.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the evaporated milk and marshmallow creme, stirring until smooth.
- Stir in powdered sugar and cotton candy flavoring until well combined.
- Pour into a greased 8x8 inch baking dish and let cool completely before cutting into squares.
