Oh, hello there! Come on in, grab a seat at the kitchen table, and let’s chat! Today, I want to share something truly magical with you – my Cotton Candy Fudge. This isn’t just any fudge, mind you. It’s a swirl of sweet memories, a burst of carnival fun, and an easy fudge recipe that even my kids can help with. I remember the first time I tried to make Cotton Candy Fudge. Let’s just say it involved a kitchen covered in powdered sugar and a very sticky situation. But hey, that’s how we learn, right? Now, it’s a well-honed recipe, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and something I whip up whenever we need a little bit of sunshine in our lives. This Cotton Candy Fudge recipe quickly became a family favorite because, well, who can resist the sweet, whimsical cotton candy flavor?
It fits perfectly into our busy family life because it’s quick to make, needs minimal ingredients, and is always a hit at school bake sales and birthday parties. I first perfected this recipe about five years ago when my daughter requested a carnival inspired fudge for her birthday. After a few (sticky) attempts, I finally nailed it! My cooking philosophy is simple: food should be joyful, nourishing, and shared with love. That’s exactly what this Cotton Candy Fudge embodies. This Cotton Candy Fudge is more than just a sweet treat dessert; it’s a little piece of happiness on a plate. So, are you ready to make some magic? Let’s get started! I promise, even if you’ve never made fudge before, you can totally do this! You can try this Cotton Candy Fudge recipe to make it easier.
What You’ll Need for This Cotton Candy Fudge
Alright, let’s gather our supplies! This Cotton Candy Fudge recipe is delightfully simple, which is exactly what we need on a busy weeknight. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- ⅔ cup evaporated milk
- 1 (7 ounce) jar marshmallow cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pink and blue gel food coloring
- Optional: Cotton candy flavored extract (to enhance the cotton candy flavor)
I always use good quality butter for my Cotton Candy Fudge. It makes a difference in the richness and flavor! When making Cotton Candy Fudge, you can find marshmallow cream in the baking aisle of most grocery stores. Sometimes, it’s near the marshmallows, other times it’s with the baking ingredients like flour and sugar. Here’s a Cotton Candy Fudge trick I learned: lightly grease your measuring cup before scooping the marshmallow cream – it slides right out! For a time-saving shortcut when making Cotton Candy Fudge, I use pre-cut butter cubes. It’s just one less thing to worry about when you’re juggling a million things.
To save money on ingredients for Cotton Candy Fudge, buy evaporated milk in bulk if you plan on making this often (and trust me, you might!). Store any leftover evaporated milk in an airtight container in the fridge for a few days. For the gel food coloring, I recommend investing in a set of good quality colors. They last forever, and the colors are so vibrant. And remember, a little goes a long way! Make sure that you’re storing your food coloring in a cool dark place so that it will last longer. If you’re looking for more ways to make fun and delicious treats, you should try my recipe for Candy Corn Pretzel Bites.
Let’s Make This Cotton Candy Fudge Together
Okay, are you ready to dive into the fun part? Let’s make this Cotton Candy Fudge together! I’ll walk you through each step, just like we’re side-by-side in my kitchen.
- Prepare Your Pan: Grease an 8×8 inch square pan with butter or line it with parchment paper. This will prevent the Cotton Candy Fudge from sticking and make it easier to remove later.
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, butter, and evaporated milk. Stir over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved and the butter is melted.
- Boil and Stir: Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, stirring constantly. Once it reaches a full boil, continue cooking for 5 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent scorching. I learned the hard way with Cotton Candy Fudge that constant stirring is non-negotiable! Trust me, burned fudge is not a fun experience.
- Remove from Heat: Take the saucepan off the heat and immediately stir in the marshmallow cream and vanilla extract (and cotton candy extract, if using) until everything is smooth and completely combined.
- Divide and Color: Quickly divide the fudge mixture into two bowls. Add pink food coloring to one bowl and blue food coloring to the other, stirring until each color is evenly distributed. Don’t worry if your Cotton Candy Fudge isn’t perfectly even in color. The swirls will make it look fantastic!
- Swirl: Drop spoonfuls of pink and blue fudge into the prepared pan, alternating colors. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the colors together for that signature Cotton Candy Fudge effect.
- Chill: Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until the fudge is firm. In my kitchen, Cotton Candy Fudge usually takes about 3 hours to fully set.
- Cut and Serve: Once the fudge is firm, remove it from the pan using the parchment paper (if you lined it) or by inverting it onto a cutting board. Cut the Cotton Candy Fudge into squares and serve!
While the Cotton Candy Fudge is cooking, I usually tidy up the kitchen and maybe sneak a peek at my favorite cooking blogs for inspiration. Your Cotton Candy Fudge should smell like a sweet, sugary dream – a little bit like a carnival and a whole lot like happiness. If you want a different Cotton Candy Fudge recipe for parties, this can help you Cotton candy fudge recipe for parties. If you find that your fudge is too soft, don’t worry! Just pop it back into the fridge for another hour or so. The key is patience. And remember, even if it’s not perfect, it will still taste amazing!
How I Love to Serve This Cotton Candy Fudge
Now, the best part – serving and enjoying this delightful Cotton Candy Fudge! My family loves this Cotton Candy Fudge when I pack it in their lunchboxes for a special treat. It always brings a smile to their faces. I also love to serve this with a cold glass of milk, which makes the perfect combination of flavors.
This Cotton Candy Fudge is perfect for birthday parties, school bake sales, or even just a fun weekend treat. It’s always a hit! For presentation, I like to arrange the Cotton Candy Fudge squares on a pretty platter and sprinkle them with a little extra powdered sugar or edible glitter. It makes them look extra festive! If you have extra Cotton Candy Fudge, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to a week (if it lasts that long!).
For a seasonal variation, you could try adding some crushed peppermint candies for a festive Christmas version. Friends always ask for this Cotton Candy Fudge recipe whenever I make it. It’s just so unique and fun! For another fun and colorful dessert, give my Candy Corn Poke Cake a try!
Your Cotton Candy Fudge Questions Answered
Alright, let’s tackle some common questions I get about making Cotton Candy Fudge. I’ve been there, made the mistakes, and learned from them, so I’m here to help you avoid any potential fudge fails!
- Question: My fudge is grainy. What did I do wrong?
- Answer: Grainy fudge is usually caused by sugar crystals forming during the cooking process. This can happen if you don’t stir the mixture constantly or if you don’t dissolve the sugar completely before boiling. To prevent this, make sure to stir continuously and use a clean saucepan. You know what I do when my Cotton Candy Fudge starts to look a little grainy? I add a tiny splash of lemon juice. It seems to help break down the sugar crystals.
- Question: Can I use regular marshmallows instead of marshmallow cream?
- Answer: While you can use regular marshmallows, the texture of the fudge will be slightly different. Marshmallow cream melts more smoothly and creates a creamier fudge. If you do use regular marshmallows, make sure to melt them completely before adding them to the mixture.
- Question: My fudge is too soft. How can I fix it?
- Answer: If your fudge is too soft, it likely means it didn’t cook long enough or didn’t chill for long enough. Pop it back into the fridge for a few more hours. If it’s still too soft, you can try re-melting it in a saucepan and cooking it a bit longer, but be careful not to burn it! I’ve had this happen with my Cotton Candy Fudge before. Adding a tablespoon of cornstarch to the mix can also help it set up better.
- Question: Can I use different food coloring?
- Answer: Absolutely! You can use any food coloring you like. I just love the classic pink and blue combo for that Cotton Candy Fudge effect. But feel free to get creative!
- Question: How long does this fudge last?
- Answer: When stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, this fudge will last for up to a week. However, it’s usually gone much faster than that in my house!
- Question: Can I freeze this fudge?
- Answer: Yes, you can freeze this fudge! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will last for up to 2-3 months in the freezer. Just let it thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
- Question: What if I don’t have evaporated milk?
- Answer: You can substitute it with half-and-half or whole milk, but the texture of the Cotton Candy Fudge may be slightly different. Evaporated milk gives it a richer, creamier consistency.
I hope those answers help! Remember, cooking is all about experimenting and having fun. Don’t be afraid to try new things and make mistakes. That’s how we learn!
My Final Thoughts on This Cotton Candy Fudge
This Cotton Candy Fudge recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s a little bit of magic that I can create in my own kitchen. It’s a reminder of fun times, sweet memories, and the joy of sharing good food with the people I love. The cotton candy flavor is irresistible, and the pretty pink and blue fudge swirls make it so visually appealing.
Here are a few of my Cotton Candy Fudge Pro Tips:
- Don’t skip the constant stirring: This prevents burning and graininess.
- Use good quality ingredients: It makes a difference in the flavor and texture.
- Be patient: Let the fudge chill completely before cutting it.
I’ve tried a few different Cotton Candy Fudge variations with my family. My son loves it with a sprinkle of edible glitter, while my daughter prefers it with mini chocolate chips mixed in. I even tried adding some crushed Oreos once, and it was a huge hit! One of my favorite variations is adding a layer of my Christmas Cracker Candy on top. https://delilita.com/christmas-cracker-candy.
I hope you’ll give this Cotton Candy Fudge recipe a try. Make it your own, experiment with different flavors and colors, and most importantly, have fun! This is a great and easy fudge recipe. And if you love Cotton Candy Fudge recipes, you can check out Cotton Candy Fudge.
I hope that your Cotton Candy Fudge cooking experience is filled with laughter, sweet smells, and happy memories. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes – they’re just learning opportunities. And remember, the most important ingredient is love! I know you can do this, and I can’t wait to hear all about your Cotton Candy Fudge success! Happy baking!
\n \n Print
Cotton Candy Fudge
Indulge in a sweet and whimsical treat with this Cotton Candy Fudge! This easy-to-make fudge recipe captures the nostalgic flavor of cotton candy in a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth dessert.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: About 36 squares
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup butter (1 ½ sticks)
- ⅔ cup evaporated milk
- 7 ounces marshmallow creme
- 12 ounces white chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon cotton candy flavoring
- Pink and blue food coloring (optional)
- Sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, butter, and evaporated milk. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a full rolling boil.
- Continue boiling for 5 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Remove from heat and immediately stir in marshmallow creme and white chocolate chips until smooth.
- Stir in cotton candy flavoring.
- If desired, divide the fudge mixture in half. Tint one half pink and the other half blue with food coloring. Gently swirl the colors together in the prepared pan.
- Sprinkle with sprinkles, if desired.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
- Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
For a more intense cotton candy flavor, use cotton candy-flavored extract. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.