Cotton Candy Fudge Recipe
Who knew fudge could be this fun? If you’re craving something that’s a little whimsical and a lot delicious, this cotton candy fudge is going to hit the sweet spot—literally! When I first stumbled upon this recipe, it was like a trip back to my childhood, but with a grown-up twist. The creamy white chocolate base, combined with that nostalgic cotton candy flavor, is an absolute game-changer. Plus, the pretty swirls of pink and purple? Well, that’s just the cherry on top! It’s the perfect treat for kids’ parties, baby showers, or whenever you need a colorful pick-me-up.
I have to admit, the first time I made this cotton candy fudge, I was skeptical about the cotton candy flavoring. But one bite, and I was hooked. It’s sweet, yes—but it’s that fun kind of sweet that reminds you of summer fairs, sticky hands, and laughing with friends under the hot sun. So if you’re looking for a dessert that’s a little out of the ordinary, this fudge is just the ticket. And trust me, it’s easier to make than you think!
A sweet walk down memory lane 🌈
I still remember my first bite of cotton candy as a kid at the county fair. My parents handed me a pink cloud on a stick, and I was convinced it was magic. The way it dissolved instantly on my tongue was nothing short of mesmerizing. Fast forward to now, and that flavor still brings back all those feelings—carefree and just a little bit mischievous. So when I came across the idea of making cotton candy-flavored fudge, I knew it was a must-try. There’s something so satisfying about bringing that fairground favorite into a cozy homemade treat. And let me tell you, when I finally cut into that swirly pink-and-purple fudge, it was love at first bite!
The origin of fudge: A sweet little history
Before we dive into the details, let’s chat a bit about fudge itself. Fudge has been around for quite a while—since the late 19th century, in fact. It was first created by accident (legend has it, someone was trying to make caramels but the sugar didn’t quite reach the right temperature, and voila—fudge was born!). Since then, this sweet, creamy confection has evolved into countless flavors, from classic chocolate to inventive creations like this cotton candy version. The beauty of fudge is in its simplicity: a few ingredients, a little stirring, and you’ve got a perfect bite-sized treat.
What makes cotton candy fudge so special?
This recipe is all about two things: flavor and fun. The white chocolate base provides a rich, creamy canvas, while the cotton candy flavoring adds that nostalgic sweetness we all know and love. And then, there’s the color—those pastel swirls of pink and purple make it as visually stunning as it is tasty. It’s like a mini work of art that you can eat!
Let’s talk ingredients: The stars of the show
- White chocolate chips: The backbone of the fudge! White chocolate gives the fudge its creamy texture and mild sweetness, letting the cotton candy flavor shine. I like to use Ghirardelli because it melts smoothly, but any high-quality white chocolate works well.
- Sweetened condensed milk: This thick, sweet milk helps create the fudgy texture. It adds richness without making the fudge too heavy. If you don’t have condensed milk, there’s no real substitute, but trust me—it’s worth the trip to the store!
- Cotton candy flavoring: Here’s where the magic happens! I use LorAnn Oils brand for that spot-on cotton candy flavor, but you can experiment with other brands. Just remember, a little goes a long way.
- Gel food coloring: This part is purely for fun! The pink and purple hues make the fudge look as good as it tastes. I prefer gel food coloring over liquid because it gives a more vibrant color without altering the fudge’s texture.
Tools you’ll need (and what you can skip)
- Medium saucepan: You’ll need this to melt the chocolate, butter, and condensed milk together. Any heavy-bottomed saucepan will do the trick—just make sure it’s big enough to hold everything comfortably.
- Mixing bowls: Two are necessary since we’re dividing the fudge mixture to create the two colors. Any medium-sized bowls will work.
- Parchment paper: This is crucial! It makes removing the fudge from the pan so much easier. Trust me, trying to get sticky fudge out of a pan without it is no fun.
- Butter knife or offset spatula: These are for swirling the colors together to create that beautiful marbled effect. I personally love using a small offset spatula because it gives more control over the swirl pattern, but a butter knife works just fine too!
Step-by-step: Making your cotton candy fudge
- Line your pan: Start by lining an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides. This will make it easy to lift the fudge out once it’s set.
- Melt the chocolate: In a medium saucepan, combine your white chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter. Heat over medium, stirring constantly. You don’t want the chocolate to burn or seize up, so keep an eye on it! After about 6-7 minutes, everything should be melted and smooth.(Tip: If the mixture starts to look grainy, reduce the heat and keep stirring. It usually smooths out!)
- Divide and conquer: Pour half of the melted chocolate mixture into each of your two bowls.
- Add flavor and color: To one bowl, add 1 teaspoon of cotton candy flavoring and the pink gel food coloring. Stir until fully combined. Do the same with the second bowl, but use the purple gel food coloring.
- Create the swirls: Now for the fun part! Drop spoonfuls of each colored mixture randomly into the prepared pan. Alternate between the pink and purple until you’ve used up all the fudge.
- Swirl it up: Take a butter knife or offset spatula and gently swirl the colors together. You don’t want to overmix—you’re aiming for a marbled effect, not a solid color!
- Set and chill: Place a sheet of parchment paper over the top of the fudge and gently press down to smooth the surface. Pop the pan in the fridge for about 2 hours to let it set, or leave it at room temperature for 4 hours if you’re not in a rush.
- Slice and enjoy: Once the fudge is fully set, use the parchment paper overhang to lift it out of the pan. Slice into bite-sized squares and serve!
Variations and adaptations
- Vegan option: If you want to make this fudge vegan, simply swap the white chocolate chips and butter for vegan-friendly alternatives. Brands like Enjoy Life make great dairy-free white chocolate chips, and Earth Balance butter works beautifully.
- Gluten-free: Good news—this recipe is naturally gluten-free, so no swaps needed!
- Holiday twist: Want to make this fudge more festive? Try adding a touch of edible glitter or sprinkles on top before it sets. Or, change up the colors—red and green for Christmas, orange and black for Halloween, you get the idea.
- Different flavors: Not a fan of cotton candy? Swap the cotton candy flavoring for something else—think peppermint, strawberry, or even bubblegum for a fun twist!
How to serve your cotton candy fudge
This fudge is perfect for parties or just for a fun afternoon treat. I like to serve mine on a pretty plate with a few extra pieces of cotton candy on the side for decoration (and maybe some sprinkles if I’m feeling fancy!). You can also package them up in little treat bags as party favors—trust me, they’re a hit!
Drink pairings? Yes, please!
When it comes to drinks, you want something that balances out the sweetness of the fudge. A glass of cold milk is a classic choice. If you’re feeling a little extra, a creamy vanilla milkshake makes for a dreamy combo. Or, for the adults, try pairing it with a light rosé wine—it’s fruity and slightly acidic, which cuts through the richness of the fudge.
Storing and reheating (though I doubt there’ll be leftovers)
If by some miracle you have leftover fudge, you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks. I like to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. For a softer texture, take the fudge out of the fridge about 10 minutes before serving.
Scaling the recipe for more (or less!)
Need more fudge for a big party? You can easily double the recipe and use a 9×13 inch pan instead of an 8×8. If you want to make a smaller batch, just cut everything in half and use a loaf pan. Keep in mind, larger batches might take a little longer to set.
Potential pitfalls (and how to avoid them)
The most common issue with fudge is the chocolate seizing up, which happens when it gets too hot too fast. To avoid this, melt everything over medium heat and stir constantly. If it does seize up, try adding a tablespoon of warm water or milk and stirring vigorously—it sometimes helps to bring it back to life.
Time to whip up some magic in the kitchen!
I hope you’re as excited as I am to try this cotton candy fudge. It’s such a fun, colorful, and tasty treat that brings a little extra whimsy to your dessert table. Whether you’re making it for a party or just because you’re craving something sweet, I know it’ll be a hit. Don’t be afraid to play around with the colors and flavors to make it your own—it’s impossible to go wrong with fudge this good!
FAQs
1. Can I use regular food coloring instead of gel?
Yes, but the colors may not be as vibrant, and you might need to use more to get the same effect.
2. My fudge is grainy—what happened?
It’s likely the chocolate got too hot. Make sure to melt it slowly over medium heat and stir constantly.
3. Can I freeze this fudge?
Yes! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container. It’ll keep for up to 3 months in the freezer.
4. Can I use a different flavoring?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different extracts like vanilla, peppermint, or strawberry.
5. How long does this fudge last?
Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, it’ll stay fresh for up to two weeks (if it lasts that long!).
Cotton Candy Fudge Recipe
Whip up this fun, colorful cotton candy fudge in no time! It’s the perfect sweet treat for parties, packed with flavor and a gorgeous swirl design.
- Total Time: 2 hours 22 minutes
- Yield: 16–20 pieces 1x
Ingredients
- 22 oz (2 11-oz. bags) white chocolate chips (I used Ghirardelli brand)
- 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter room-temperature
- 2 tsp cotton candy flavoring divided (I used LorAnn Oils brand)
- ½-¾ tsp pink gel food coloring (I used Americolor brand Pale Peony #183)
- ½-¾ tsp purple gel food coloring (I used Americolor brand Lilac #169)
Instructions
- Line your pan: Start by lining an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides. This will make it easy to lift the fudge out once it’s set.
- Melt the chocolate: In a medium saucepan, combine your white chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter. Heat over medium, stirring constantly. You don’t want the chocolate to burn or seize up, so keep an eye on it! After about 6-7 minutes, everything should be melted and smooth.
(Tip: If the mixture starts to look grainy, reduce the heat and keep stirring. It usually smooths out!)
- Divide and conquer: Pour half of the melted chocolate mixture into each of your two bowls.
- Add flavor and color: To one bowl, add 1 teaspoon of cotton candy flavoring and the pink gel food coloring. Stir until fully combined. Do the same with the second bowl, but use the purple gel food coloring.
- Create the swirls: Now for the fun part! Drop spoonfuls of each colored mixture randomly into the prepared pan. Alternate between the pink and purple until you’ve used up all the fudge.
- Swirl it up: Take a butter knife or offset spatula and gently swirl the colors together. You don’t want to overmix—you’re aiming for a marbled effect, not a solid color!
- Set and chill: Place a sheet of parchment paper over the top of the fudge and gently press down to smooth the surface. Pop the pan in the fridge for about 2 hours to let it set, or leave it at room temperature for 4 hours if you’re not in a rush.
- Slice and enjoy: Once the fudge is fully set, use the parchment paper overhang to lift it out of the pan. Slice into bite-sized squares and serve!
Notes
How to serve your cotton candy fudge
This fudge is perfect for parties or just for a fun afternoon treat. I like to serve mine on a pretty plate with a few extra pieces of cotton candy on the side for decoration (and maybe some sprinkles if I’m feeling fancy!). You can also package them up in little treat bags as party favors—trust me, they’re a hit!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: drinks