Cotton Candy Fudge Recipe

Magical Cotton Candy Fudge Recipe: Sweet Fairground Bliss

Sweet dreams come true with this whimsical cotton candy fudge that captures childhood memories in one delightful bite.

Soft, cloud-like textures melting on your tongue with vibrant pink swirls.

Carnival nostalgia meets dessert magic in this playful treat that sparkles with sugary delight.

Colorful and creamy, this fudge brings unexpected joy to any gathering.

Ridiculously simple ingredients combine to create something extraordinary and Instagram-worthy.

Nobody will believe how effortlessly you can craft this magical confection.

Nobody can resist these pastel-hued squares of pure happiness.

You’ll want to make this recipe again and again.

Why Cotton Candy Fudge Is So Fun

  • Burst with Playful Colors: Create a visually stunning dessert that transforms ordinary fudge into a whimsical treat with vibrant pink and blue swirls that'll make everyone smile.
  • Capture Nostalgic Carnival Vibes: Enjoy the sweet cotton candy flavor that instantly transports you to fun fairground memories, bringing childhood joy right to your kitchen.
  • Super Simple No-Bake Delight: Whip up this impressive-looking fudge with minimal effort, using just a few ingredients and no complicated baking techniques – perfect for newbie dessert makers.
  • Quick Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Prepare this eye-catching dessert in under 20 minutes of active time, with just a few hours of chilling, making it ideal for last-minute gatherings or sweet cravings.

Cotton Candy Fudge Ingredient Lineup

Fudge Base Ingredients:
  • White Chocolate Chips: Creamy base for the fudge, providing smooth texture and sweet flavor. Choose high-quality chips for best results.
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, creamy consistency. Essential for binding ingredients together.
Flavoring Ingredients:
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with warm, classic sweetness. Pure vanilla gives the best taste.
  • Cotton Candy Flavoring: Brings playful cotton candy taste to the fudge. Optional but recommended for authentic cotton candy experience.
Coloring and Decoration Ingredients:
  • Pink Gel Food Coloring, Blue Gel Food Coloring: Creates vibrant swirled colors reminiscent of cotton candy. Gel colors provide more intense hue than liquid food coloring.
  • Colorful Sprinkles: Adds festive look and extra fun texture. Provides visual excitement and childlike charm to the fudge.
Additional Ingredient:
  • Parchment Paper: Helps with easy removal and clean cutting of the fudge. Ensures smooth release from baking dish.

Make Cotton Candy Fudge In Simple Steps

Step 1: Prepare Magical Fudge Base

Grab a square baking pan and line it with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over like a cozy blanket. In a saucepan, create a dreamy mixture by combining:
  • White chocolate chips
  • Sweetened condensed milk
Melt these together over low heat, stirring until they become silky smooth. Pull the pan off the heat and stir in:
  • Vanilla extract
  • Cotton candy flavoring

Step 2: Color Your Fudge Adventure

Divide the fudge mixture into two separate bowls. This is where the magic happens! Add a splash of color to each bowl:
  • Pink gel food coloring to one bowl
  • Blue gel food coloring to the other

Swirl each color until it’s perfectly blended, creating a vibrant canvas of sweetness.

Step 3: Create Swirling Wonderland

Pour spoonfuls of pink and blue fudge into the prepared pan, alternating colors like a playful dance. Take a knife or skewer and gently sweep through the colors, creating mesmerizing swirls that look like a cotton candy dream.

Step 4: Add Sparkle and Chill

Sprinkle a handful of colorful confetti sprinkles across the top for an extra burst of fun. Slide the pan into the refrigerator and let it rest for at least 4 hours. The fudge will transform into a solid, creamy treat.

Step 5: Slice and Enjoy

When the fudge is completely set, lift it out of the pan using the parchment paper edges. Slice into perfect squares and serve up your cotton candy fudge masterpiece. Get ready for a flavor explosion that’ll make taste buds dance with joy!

Pro Tip: Store your fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh and delicious for up to a week.

Cotton Candy Fudge Helpful Tips

  • Prepare Perfectly: Line the baking dish with parchment paper hanging over the edges for effortless fudge removal and clean cutting.
  • Color with Care: Use gel food coloring for vibrant, even colors that won't water down the fudge mixture and create a stunning marbled effect.
  • Flavor Boost: Experiment with cotton candy flavoring to enhance the sweet, nostalgic taste and make the fudge more exciting for kids and adults alike.
  • Chill Completely: Refrigerate for at least 4 hours to ensure the fudge sets firmly and develops the perfect smooth, creamy texture.
  • Sprinkle Magic: Add colorful sprinkles just before setting to create a playful, festive look that makes the fudge more visually appealing and fun to eat.

Store Cotton Candy Fudge And Keep It Sweet

  • Refrigerate: Store cotton candy fudge in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 7 days. Cover each layer with wax paper to prevent sticking.
  • Freeze: Wrap individual fudge pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 3 months without losing flavor or texture.
  • Thaw: Remove frozen fudge from the freezer and let it sit in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing helps maintain its creamy consistency.
  • Serve Chilled: Always serve fudge cold for the best taste and texture. Take out of the refrigerator just before enjoying to keep its smooth, melt-in-your-mouth quality.

Perfect Matches For Cotton Candy Fudge

  • Pair with Playful Pink Lemonade: Complement the sweet cotton candy fudge with a refreshing, tangy pink lemonade that balances the richness and echoes the whimsical pink color of the dessert.
  • Match with Vanilla Bean Milkshake: Blend a creamy vanilla bean milkshake that enhances the fudge's sweetness and provides a smooth, cool contrast to the sugary treat.
  • Create a Carnival Drink Combo: Serve alongside a light, fizzy blue raspberry soda that mirrors the fudge's blue swirls and brings a nostalgic carnival-like experience to your dessert.
  • Enjoy with Sparkling Water Twist: Add a splash of lemon-flavored sparkling water to cleanse the palate between bites of the rich, sweet fudge, cutting through its intense sweetness.

Fun Cotton Candy Fudge Variations To Try

  • Carnival Carnival Fudge: Add a mix of colorful candy corn and mini marshmallows for extra carnival-style sweetness and texture.
  • Rainbow Swirl Treat: Replace cotton candy flavoring with fruity extracts like raspberry and blueberry, creating a vibrant rainbow-inspired dessert.
  • Unicorn Magic Fudge: Incorporate edible glitter and pastel-colored sprinkles, transforming the fudge into a magical unicorn-themed confection.
  • Circus Blast Edition: Mix in crushed animal crackers and additional bright sprinkles to capture a playful circus carnival atmosphere.

Cotton Candy Fudge Q&A Time

  • What gives this fudge its unique cotton candy flavor?

The cotton candy flavoring extract is the secret ingredient that transforms this classic fudge into a whimsical, carnival-inspired treat. Just a few drops will infuse the fudge with that nostalgic, sweet cotton candy taste.

  • Can I make this fudge without food coloring?

Absolutely! The food coloring is purely for visual appeal. If you prefer, you can skip the coloring and still enjoy the delicious cotton candy flavor. The fudge will look more traditional but taste just as amazing.

  • Is this recipe kid-friendly to make?

Yes! This fudge recipe is super easy and fun to prepare. Kids will love helping with mixing colors, swirling the fudge, and adding sprinkles. Just supervise them during the stovetop part where you melt the chocolate.

  • What if I can't find cotton candy flavoring?

No worries! You can still make this fudge using vanilla extract. While it won’t have the exact cotton candy taste, it will still be a delicious and creamy treat that everyone will enjoy.

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Cotton Candy Fudge Recipe

Cotton Candy Fudge Recipe


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4.7 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Sweet cotton candy fudge brings nostalgic carnival vibes to dessert lovers, delivering a playful twist on classic confections. Creamy, colorful indulgence melts perfectly on palates, promising a whimsical treat that delights both kids and adults.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 3 cups white chocolate chips
  • 1 can (14 ounces / 396 grams) sweetened condensed milk

Flavoring and Coloring:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 23 drops cotton candy flavoring (optional but recommended)
  • Pink and blue gel food coloring

Garnish:

  • Sprinkles (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the foundation by lining a square baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring edges extend slightly beyond the rim for easy extraction later.
  2. Melt white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk in a saucepan over gentle heat, stirring continuously until the mixture transforms into a silky, uniform consistency.
  3. Remove the melted mixture from heat and incorporate vanilla extract and cotton candy flavoring, blending thoroughly to distribute aromatic essence evenly.
  4. Separate the fudge mixture into two equal portions, creating separate vessels for color transformation.
  5. Introduce vibrant pink and electric blue gel food colorings into respective fudge portions, gently folding until colors integrate seamlessly without overmixing.
  6. Transfer alternating dollops of pink and blue fudge into the prepared pan, creating a playful canvas of color.
  7. Use a thin knife or skewer to delicately weave colors together, generating a mesmerizing marbled landscape without completely blending hues.
  8. Sprinkle an array of colorful confetti-like decorations across the surface for whimsical visual appeal.
  9. Refrigerate the creation for a minimum of four hours, allowing the fudge to solidify and develop its characteristic dense texture.
  10. Extract the fudge from the pan using parchment paper edges, slice into precise squares, and present these delightful sweet morsels for enjoyment.

Notes

  • Opt for high-quality white chocolate chips to ensure a smooth, creamy texture that melts perfectly without seizing.
  • Use gel food coloring instead of liquid to prevent altering the fudge’s consistency and maintain a vibrant color.
  • Experiment with different flavor extracts like strawberry or blueberry to complement the cotton candy theme and create unique variations.
  • Chill the fudge completely before cutting to achieve clean, precise squares that showcase the beautiful swirled colors.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 200
  • Sugar: 24g
  • Sodium: 60mg
  • Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg
Jenna Stewart

Jenna Stewart

Head Chef & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Farm-to-Table Cooking; Seasonal Menu Development; Visual Plating Techniques; Flavor Layering and Simple Prep Hacks.

Education

The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY

  • Program: Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in classic and modern techniques, global cuisines, and flavor development, combined with real-world experience in restaurant operations, business management, and industry internships.

Jenna Stewart is the inventive spirit behind many of our standout dishes at Pro of Delicious Creations. A proud graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, she built her skills mastering both classic recipes and fresh, modern twists.

Now, Jenna celebrates the beauty of seasonal, local ingredients, often sourced from her garden and nearby markets, to create recipes that are bursting with flavor yet easy to follow. When she’s not experimenting in the kitchen, Jenna loves exploring nature on hikes and discovering new treasures at local co-ops.

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