Delicious Cotton Candy Fudge

This rich, creamy cotton candy fudge combines the nostalgic flavor of cotton candy with the indulgent texture of traditional fudge. The vibrant swirls of pink and blue create a treat that's as beautiful as it is delicious, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings or impressing guests at your next gathering.

I first made this cotton candy fudge for my niece's birthday party last summer, and it's been requested at every family gathering since. The delighted faces when guests see those beautiful pink and blue swirls never gets old.

Ingredients

• White almond bark: Forms the creamy base of our fudge and provides the perfect blank canvas for our colors and flavors.
• Sweetened condensed milk: Creates that irresistible fudge texture while adding the perfect level of sweetness.
• Cotton candy flavoring: Gives this fudge its signature carnival taste without being overwhelming.
• Light blue and light pink food coloring gel: Produces vibrant colors that won't fade or bleed into each other when properly swirled.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Pan:

Line an 8x8-inch baking dish with aluminum foil or parchment paper, making sure to leave some overhang for easy removal. This step is crucial as it allows your finished fudge to lift out cleanly for perfect cutting.

Melt The Almond Bark:

Place your white almond bark in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly between each. Continue until completely smooth and melted, usually taking 2-3 minutes total. Avoid overheating as white chocolate can seize easily.

Add Condensed Milk And Flavoring:

Pour in the sweetened condensed milk and add cotton candy flavoring, stirring until completely incorporated. The mixture will thicken slightly but remain pourable. Make sure to incorporate the flavoring evenly throughout the mixture.

Create Your Colors:

Divide the mixture equally between two bowls. Add light blue food coloring to one bowl and light pink to the other, stirring each until you achieve your desired shade. Start with just a drop or two of each color and add more as needed for the perfect pastel hue.

Layer And Swirl:

Alternately drop spoonfuls of pink and blue fudge into your prepared pan, creating a random pattern. Once all the fudge is in the pan, use a toothpick or skewer to gently swirl the colors together. Be careful not to overmix or your beautiful separate colors will become muddled.

Set And Slice:

Refrigerate the fudge for at least 2 hours or until completely firm. Once hardened, use the foil or parchment overhang to lift the fudge out of the pan. Cut into small squares with a sharp knife, wiping the blade between cuts for clean edges.

Pin it

The cotton candy flavoring is truly the secret star of this recipe. The first time I made this, my daughter closed her eyes and said it transported her straight to the county fair. Now we make a batch every year on the first day of summer to celebrate the beginning of fair season.

Perfect Swirling Technique

Achieving that beautiful marbled effect requires a light touch. Instead of stirring the colors together, use a gentle up-and-down motion with your toothpick, lifting through both colors in just a few places. Too much swirling will blend the colors, while too little won't create enough visual interest. Think of creating a pattern similar to the swirls you see in actual cotton candy.

Flavor Variations

While the classic cotton candy flavor is magical on its own, this fudge can be adapted in numerous ways. Try using bubblegum flavoring with the same color scheme for a different carnival treat vibe. Alternatively, swap in vanilla extract and add sprinkles between the layers for a birthday cake version. For a more sophisticated take, use almond extract with the blue coloring and rosewater with the pink for a delicate floral fudge.

Pin it

Serving Suggestions

This cotton candy fudge makes a stunning centerpiece for dessert tables, especially at children's birthday parties or baby showers. For extra visual impact, serve pieces in pastel-colored cupcake liners arranged on a tiered stand. During summer gatherings, pair small pieces with vanilla ice cream for an irresistible sundae topping. The fudge also makes wonderful gifts when packaged in clear cellophane bags tied with coordinating ribbons.

Storage Tips

For everyday enjoyment, store your fudge in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. It will stay fresh at room temperature for up to a week or in the refrigerator for two weeks. For longer storage, this fudge freezes beautifully for up to three months. Simply wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil before freezing. Allow to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What does cotton candy fudge taste like?

Cotton candy fudge has a rich, creamy texture with the sweet, nostalgic flavor of cotton candy. The added food coloring makes it as visually appealing as it is delicious.

→ How do I prevent the colors from mixing too much?

When swirling the pink and blue colors, use a toothpick for a gentle swirling motion. Avoid overmixing to keep the colors distinct, creating a marbled look rather than blending them together.

→ Can I use white chocolate instead of almond bark?

Yes, you can substitute almond bark with white chocolate mixed with 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil for a similar consistency and flavor.

→ How should I store cotton candy fudge?

Store the fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. You can also freeze it for up to three months if needed.

→ Can I change the colors of the fudge?

Absolutely! Use any food coloring gel you like to match specific themes or occasions. You can also make it solid-colored by skipping the swirling step.

→ Why does my fudge feel too soft to cut?

Ensure you've chilled the fudge for at least 2 hours or until completely firm. If it's still soft, refrigerate it longer to let it set properly.