Cotton candy has always been a symbol of fun, fairs, and summer days spent at the carnival. Imagine capturing that sweet, airy flavor in the form of a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth fudge. That’s exactly what this fluffy cotton candy fudge does! Whether you’re reminiscing about the sweet treat from your childhood or just looking for something colorful and fun to make, this easy-to-follow recipe will bring the carnival vibes right into your kitchen. Whip up this colorful fudge and enjoy a delightful blend of nostalgia and sweetness with every bite!

Why You’ll Love This Fluffy Cotton Candy Fudge

There’s something irresistible about the bright colors and sweet flavors of cotton candy. This fluffy cotton candy fudge brings all those fun, carnival-inspired flavors together into a rich, creamy treat. The combination of white bark, sweetened condensed milk, and cotton candy flavoring gives this fudge its smooth, velvety texture and sweet, sugary taste that is perfectly reminiscent of the classic treat you’d find at any amusement park or fairground. What sets this fudge apart is its vibrant pink and blue swirls that are not just fun to look at but incredibly delicious to eat.

This fudge is not only easy to make but also customizable and versatile. Whether you’re serving it at a party, as a gift, or just for yourself, this colorful treat will impress everyone. The fun swirl design and sweet cotton candy flavor make it a memorable dessert for any occasion. Plus, it only takes about 15 minutes to prepare and two hours to chill, making it a quick and satisfying indulgence.

What You’ll Need

To create this whimsical, sweet treat, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients. These ingredients combine to create the perfect fudge with a delightful cotton candy flavor and colorful presentation. Here’s a list of everything you’ll need:

Ingredients:

14 oz sweetened condensed milk
24 oz white bark (this is a type of white chocolate coating, available at most stores in the candy aisle)
Cotton candy flavoring (you can find this at most specialty baking or candy supply stores, or online)
Light blue food coloring gel
Light pink food coloring gel

Equipment:

8×8-inch pan (or similar size)
Aluminum foil or parchment paper (for lining the pan)
Microwave-safe bowl
Spoon or spatula
Toothpick or skewer for swirling

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making fluffy cotton candy fudge is a simple process. Just follow these easy steps, and in no time, you’ll have a colorful and delicious treat!

1. Prepare the Pan

Start by preparing your pan. Line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper. This step ensures that the fudge can be easily removed from the pan once it has set. It also helps to prevent sticking and makes cleaning up afterward a breeze.

2. Melt the White Bark

Next, break the white bark into small pieces and place them in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave the white bark in 30-second intervals, stirring well between each session to ensure it melts evenly. Continue microwaving and stirring until the white bark is completely melted and smooth.

3. Mix in Sweetened Condensed Milk and Flavoring

Once your white bark has melted, pour in the sweetened condensed milk. This adds creaminess and sweetness to the fudge. Stir the mixture until fully combined and smooth. Then, add a generous splash of cotton candy flavoring. This will bring that nostalgic cotton candy taste to life in your fudge.

4. Divide the Mixture

Now, carefully divide the melted fudge mixture into two separate bowls. You’ll need one bowl for the pink mixture and another for the blue mixture.

5. Add Food Coloring

To one bowl, add a few drops of light blue food coloring gel. Stir well until the desired shade of blue is reached. In the second bowl, do the same with the pink food coloring gel. Keep in mind that food coloring gels are potent, so only a few drops are needed to achieve vibrant colors.

6. Layer the Colors

Take a spoon and alternately scoop the blue and pink fudge mixtures into the prepared pan. Don’t worry about making it perfect—let the colors naturally create a patchwork effect as you layer them.

7. Swirl the Mixtures

Now for the fun part! Grab a toothpick or skewer and gently swirl the blue and pink mixtures together in the pan. Be careful not to overdo it—just swirl enough to create a beautiful marbled effect, allowing the colors to blend slightly but not completely. This creates the fluffy, swirled look that gives the fudge its visual appeal.

8. Chill the Fudge

Transfer the pan to the refrigerator and chill the fudge for about two hours. This step is essential for the fudge to set and become firm enough to cut into squares. You’ll know it’s ready when the fudge is firm to the touch.

9. Cut and Serve

Once the fudge has set, remove it from the pan using the edges of the foil or parchment paper. Place it on a flat surface and cut it into bite-sized squares. Serve and enjoy your fluffy, colorful cotton candy fudge!

Tips for Success

To ensure that your fluffy cotton candy fudge turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips:

Be gentle with the swirling: While it’s tempting to swirl the colors vigorously, a light touch will give you that beautiful marbled effect without turning the colors into a muddy blend. Swirl just a few times, enough to create the desired look.
Use quality white bark: The white bark is a crucial component of this recipe. Make sure to use high-quality white bark for the smoothest, creamiest fudge texture.
Cotton candy flavoring: The amount of cotton candy flavoring you use is important. Too little, and the flavor won’t be strong enough; too much, and it could be overpowering. A little goes a long way, so start with a few drops and taste as you go.

Variations to Try

While this cotton candy fudge recipe is delicious on its own, you can try a few fun variations to customize it to your taste or to add a unique twist. Here are some ideas to experiment with:

Use different food colors: While light pink and light blue are classic cotton candy colors, feel free to try different shades, such as purple and teal, for a fresh look.
Add sprinkles or candy bits: After swirling the fudge, top it with colorful sprinkles or small pieces of your favorite candy for added texture and visual appeal.
Incorporate marshmallows: For an even fluffier texture, mix in some mini marshmallows before chilling the fudge. They’ll add a chewy surprise to each bite.
Change the flavoring: If cotton candy flavoring isn’t available, try substituting with bubblegum or another fruity flavoring for a fun twist.

Storing and Reheating

To store your fluffy cotton candy fudge, follow these simple steps:

Storing: Keep the fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you live in a warmer climate, it’s best to store it in the refrigerator to prevent it from becoming too soft.
Freezing: You can also freeze the fudge for up to three months. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Let it thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating: If your fudge becomes too hard after being stored in the fridge, you can warm it up for a few seconds in the microwave to soften it slightly, making it easier to cut and serve.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use white chocolate instead of white bark? Yes! White chocolate can be used in place of white bark, though white bark tends to melt more easily and creates a smoother texture in fudge.

2. Is cotton candy flavoring available at most stores? Cotton candy flavoring can be a bit harder to find in regular grocery stores. However, it’s usually available at specialty baking stores or online retailers.

3. Can I make this recipe without food coloring? Yes! If you prefer a simpler look, you can skip the food coloring and make the fudge all white. It will still be delicious but without the vibrant, fun appearance.

4. How can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan? To make the fudge dairy-free or vegan, use dairy-free white chocolate chips or bark and a plant-based sweetened condensed milk alternative.

The Final Word

Fluffy cotton candy fudge is the perfect treat for anyone who loves bright colors, nostalgic flavors, and the joy of carnival-inspired sweets. Whether you’re looking for a fun activity to do with the family, a quick treat for a party, or simply a sugary indulgence to brighten up your day, this recipe is sure to deliver. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a decadent and playful fudge that’s as sweet as it is beautiful. Try it today and bring the magic of cotton candy to your next dessert table!