Dreamy Cotton Candy Fudge: An Easy Recipe!

Okay, flavor adventurers, buckle up! I’m about to share a recipe that’s pure magic: Cotton Candy Fudge. Seriously, this isn’t your grandma’s fudge. This Cotton Candy Fudge is a flavor explosion that’ll transport you straight to the carnival – but with an upgrade, of course.

I first tasted something close to this Cotton Candy Fudge at a local fair. The colors were beautiful, but the flavor was…meh. It tasted like plain sugar with a hint of artificialness. The moment wasn’t memorable, but it got me thinking, “How can I create a Cotton Candy Fudge that lives up to the hype?”

My first few batches were a disaster! Too grainy, not enough cotton candy flavor, too sickly sweet. But then, BAM! I had a breakthrough: using a combination of cotton candy flavor extract and a secret ingredient that I’ll reveal later. The result? A creamy, dreamy, melt-in-your-mouth Cotton Candy Fudge that actually tastes like real cotton candy flavor.

This recipe? It’s Cuba Queen approved, which means it’s BOLD, unforgettable, and ridiculously fun to make. I’m all about turning everyday moments into celebrations, and this Cotton Candy Fudge does exactly that. Get ready to unleash your inner candy artist!

This Cotton Candy Fudge ingredient list is SHORT but mighty! Don’t let the simplicity fool you. Every ingredient plays a crucial role in creating that perfect cotton candy flavor and dreamy texture.

• 3 cups granulated sugar: The base sweetness. Don’t skimp here!
• 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter: Adds richness and that melt-in-your-mouth feel.
• 2/3 cup evaporated milk: The secret to creamy, dreamy fudge.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness. Trust me.
• 1 (12 ounce) package white chocolate chips: High-quality white chocolate is KEY for smooth Cotton Candy Fudge.
• 7 ounces marshmallow crème: Adds that signature gooey texture.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the cotton candy flavor.
• 1 teaspoon cotton candy flavoring: This is where the magic happens! You can find cotton candy flavor extract online or at specialty baking stores.
• Pastel food coloring (pink and blue): For that authentic cotton candy swirl!

The secret to epic Cotton Candy Fudge is using GOOD white chocolate. Cheap chocolate won’t melt as smoothly and can affect the overall texture. Splurge on this one Cotton Candy Fudge ingredient – trust me. You’ll find the best cotton candy flavor extract at online retailers or specialty baking stores.

Want a flavor boost? A tiny pinch of citric acid will intensify the cotton candy flavor. For budget-friendly alternatives, you can try using store-brand white chocolate chips, but be sure to taste-test first!

Storage wisdom: Measure out all your ingredients before you start. This will make the process smoother and ensure you don’t miss anything.

Ready to dive into the magical world of Cotton Candy Fudge? Don’t stress – your Cotton Candy Fudge is going to be incredible! These instructions are your guide to creating a sweet treat masterpiece.

1. Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes it easy to remove the Cotton Candy Fudge. Set aside.
2. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the sugar, butter, evaporated milk, and salt. Here’s where most people mess up their Cotton Candy Fudge – but not you! Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves and the butter is melted. This typically takes about 5-7 minutes.
3. Once the mixture is smooth and the sugar is completely dissolved, bring it to a boil. Insert a candy thermometer and continue to cook, without stirring, until the mixture reaches 235°F (soft-ball stage). Pro tip for Cotton Candy Fudge perfection: Don’t stir while it’s boiling! This can cause sugar crystals to form and result in grainy fudge.
4. Remove from heat and immediately add the white chocolate chips and marshmallow crème. Stir until completely melted and smooth. This might take a minute or two, but keep stirring until everything is fully incorporated. Your Cotton Candy Fudge should look smooth and glossy at this stage.
5. Stir in the vanilla extract and cotton candy flavor extract. Now it’s starting to smell like a carnival! In my kitchen, this Cotton Candy Fudge takes exactly 30 seconds to get the cotton candy flavor extract mixed in completely.
6. Divide the fudge mixture in half. Add pink food coloring to one half and blue food coloring to the other. Stir each half until the color is evenly distributed. This is where your Cotton Candy Fudge transforms into pure magic.
7. Drop spoonfuls of the pink and blue fudge mixtures alternately into the prepared pan. Use a knife or toothpick to swirl the colors together. Don’t over-swirl, or the colors will blend too much! While your Cotton Candy Fudge is working its magic, grab your camera – this is Instagram gold!
8. Gently press the fudge into the pan to create an even layer. Now, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
9. Once firm, remove the Cotton Candy Fudge from the pan using the parchment paper. Cut into squares and enjoy! Sensory cues: Your Cotton Candy Fudge should feel firm but slightly soft to the touch.

Here’s where efficiency hacks come in: Prepare your pan and measure out your ingredients before you start cooking. This will save you time and prevent any last-minute scrambles. If your Cotton Candy Fudge is too soft, add a tablespoon of cornstarch to the mixture while it’s still in the saucepan.

Presentation is EVERYTHING when it comes to Cotton Candy Fudge. I’m talking about making it as fun to look at as it is to eat. This sweet treat deserves to be the star of the show.

People absolutely lose their minds when I serve this Cotton Candy Fudge at birthday parties! It’s a total crowd-pleaser and brings out the inner child in everyone.

Cut the Cotton Candy Fudge into small squares or playful shapes using cookie cutters. Arrange the squares on a tiered dessert stand or a colorful platter. Garnish with edible glitter or sprinkles for extra sparkle. This Cotton Candy Fudge absolutely slays at dinner parties!

Bold pairing suggestions: Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or alongside fresh berries. The creamy fudge pairs perfectly with the tartness of the berries.

Perfect occasions for this Cotton Candy Fudge: Birthday parties, baby showers, carnival-themed events, or any time you want to add a touch of whimsy to your day.

For an Instagram-worthy plating technique, drizzle melted white chocolate over the Cotton Candy Fudge squares and sprinkle with cotton candy flavored sugar.

Creative leftover transformations: Crumble the Cotton Candy Fudge over ice cream or use it as a topping for cupcakes. For a seasonal Cotton Candy Fudge variation, try adding crushed peppermint candies during the holidays.

Got questions about making the perfect Cotton Candy Fudge? Don’t worry, I’ve got answers! Here are some common challenges and my tried-and-true solutions, based on my Cotton Candy Fudge testing adventures.

Q: Can I make this Cotton Candy Fudge spicier?
A: While traditional Cotton Candy Fudge isn’t spicy, I say go for it! A pinch of cayenne pepper to the mixture will add a surprising kick!

Q: What if I don’t have marshmallow crème for my Cotton Candy Fudge?
A: You can substitute with an equal amount of marshmallow fluff. It’ll give you a similar texture and sweetness.

Q: How do I know when my Cotton Candy Fudge is perfectly done?
A: Use a candy thermometer! The mixture should reach 235°F (soft-ball stage). This ensures the fudge sets properly.

Q: Can I use a different type of chocolate in this recipe?
A: I highly recommend sticking with white chocolate for that authentic cotton candy flavor. Dark or milk chocolate will overpower the delicate cotton candy flavor.

Q: My Cotton Candy Fudge is grainy. What did I do wrong?
A: Grainy fudge is usually caused by sugar crystals forming during the cooking process. Make sure to stir constantly until the sugar is dissolved and avoid stirring while the mixture is boiling.

Q: How long does this Cotton Candy Fudge last?
A: Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Q: Can I make this Cotton Candy Fudge ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! It’s actually better to make it a day or two in advance to allow the flavors to meld together.

Q: What if I don’t like the blue and pink colors?
A: Get creative with your colors! Use any pastel shades you like, or even leave it plain white. It’s all about having fun! Community feedback about my Cotton Candy Fudge recipe has been overwhelmingly positive, with many people raving about the authentic cotton candy flavor.

This Cotton Candy Fudge recipe represents everything Cuba Queen stands for: bold flavors, playful creativity, and turning ordinary moments into celebrations. I want you to make this Cotton Candy Fudge your signature dish.

My Cotton Candy Fudge Power Tips:

• Use high-quality white chocolate: It makes a HUGE difference in the texture and flavor.
• Don’t stir while boiling: This prevents grainy fudge.
• Get creative with colors and toppings: Make it your own!

I’ve created tons of variations of this Cotton Candy Fudge, and the one that gets the biggest reaction is a version with edible glitter sprinkled on top! Another favorite is a swirl of raspberry jam in the mixture. And don’t forget the classic option of adding a few drops of bubblegum extract instead of cotton candy flavor to change things up!

I have total confidence in your cooking success. Get in there and make some Cotton Candy Fudge memories! And remember, share your creations with me – I want to see your colorful, delicious masterpieces! Go create a memory that taste like a sweet treat!

For more bold flavor adventures, check out my Christmas Cracker Candy. Looking for something completely different? Try my Candy Corn Poke Cake or even Pineapple Cowboy Candy and have a celebration! For those with cotton candy flavor experimentation I would suggest looking at these easy fudge recipe’s: cotton candy fudge – How to make easy fudge! and What flavoring can you add to chocolate fudge to change it up a bit?. I even saw a post about fondue and a sweet treat on a facebook group: Fondue candy recipe please. This Cotton Candy Fudge will have you feeling like a kid again with an easy fudge recipe!