If you have a sweet tooth and love a whimsical twist on classic treats, you are absolutely going to adore this Cotton Candy Fudge Recipe. This delightful confection combines creamy white almond bark with the nostalgic flavor of cotton candy, all brought to life with pastel pinks and blues swirled together in a marbled masterpiece. It’s not just fudge; it’s a playful burst of flavor and color that feels like a carnival in every bite. Perfect for parties, gifts, or simply treating yourself, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your dessert repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Cotton Candy Fudge Recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, you get a luscious texture, captivating flavor, and beautiful pastel hues that are sure to impress.
- White almond bark: This melts smoothly and sets perfectly, giving the fudge a creamy base that’s easier to work with than traditional chocolate.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Adds richness and sweetness, lending that classic fudge creaminess which melts in your mouth.
- Cotton candy flavoring: The star of the show, offering that light, airy sweetness reminiscent of carnival treats.
- Light blue and light pink food coloring gel: These vibrant gels create the iconic pastel swirl that makes this fudge as visually stunning as it is delicious.
How to Make Cotton Candy Fudge Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
Start by lining an 8×8-inch pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper. This not only makes it easy to lift the fudge out once it has set but also ensures a clean release so your fudge slabs come out perfectly shaped.
Step 2: Melt the Almond Bark
Place your white almond bark in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly between each session. This slow melting prevents scorching and results in a silky-smooth base for your fudge.
Step 3: Add Condensed Milk and Flavoring
Once the almond bark is fully melted, stir in the sweetened condensed milk and cotton candy flavoring. This blend forms the creamy and flavor-packed foundation you want your fudge to have, so mix until everything is uniform and glossy.
Step 4: Divide and Color
Split the mixture evenly into two separate bowls. Add a small dab of light blue food coloring gel to one bowl and light pink food coloring gel to the other. These pastel shades bring that iconic cotton candy look to the fudge, making it almost too pretty to eat.
Step 5: Layer the Fudge
Scoop the colored mixtures alternately into your prepared pan. This layering sets the stage for a stunning visual effect once the fudge sets, letting you enjoy the playful mix of colors before your first bite.
Step 6: Swirl the Colors
Grab a toothpick and gently drag it through the layers to swirl the pink and blue together. This marble effect is not only gorgeous but adds an artisanal touch that makes this fudge feel extra special.
Step 7: Refrigerate
Pop the pan into the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. Cooling is essential for the fudge to firm up perfectly, giving you that classic fudge texture that’s firm yet creamy.
Step 8: Serve
After chilling, lift the fudge out using the foil or parchment edges, then cut it into 1-inch squares. Serve your vibrant, fluffy cotton candy fudge bites for an irresistible treat everyone will love.
How to Serve Cotton Candy Fudge Recipe
Garnishes
While the cotton candy fudge itself is a showstopper, a sprinkle of edible glitter or tiny pastel candy pearls adds an extra sparkle that mirrors the magic of cotton candy at a fair. You can also lightly dust with powdered sugar for a snowy finish.
Side Dishes
Pair this fudge with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a simple fruit salad featuring fresh berries. The rich sweetness of the fudge balances perfectly against the fresh, tart notes of fruit, creating a well-rounded dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the fudge into fun shapes using cookie cutters for themed parties, or stack bite-sized pieces on decorative skewers for easy grab-and-go treats. Wrapping individual squares in cellophane with colorful ribbons also makes charming party favors or sweet gifts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover cotton candy fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Keep it away from heat sources to maintain its perfect texture and avoid any melting or stickiness.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze the fudge. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it inside a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature to preserve its creamy texture.
Reheating
Fudge is best enjoyed cool or at room temperature, so reheating is generally not necessary. If your fudge feels too firm after refrigeration or freezing, leave it out for about 10 minutes to soften slightly before eating.
FAQs
Can I use regular chocolate instead of white almond bark?
While white almond bark melts more smoothly and sets with a glossy finish, you can use white chocolate as a substitute. Just be sure to melt it gently and stir frequently to avoid burning or seizing.
How strong is the cotton candy flavor?
The cotton candy flavoring adds a subtle yet unmistakable sweet carnival taste that’s not overpowering. You can always adjust the amount based on your preference for a milder or more intense flavor.
Can I make this fudge vegan?
Traditional cotton candy fudge calls for sweetened condensed milk and almond bark, which are not typically vegan. However, you can experiment with vegan condensed milk alternatives and vegan white chocolate to create a plant-based version, though texture may vary.
Why do I need to refrigerate the fudge?
Refrigeration helps the fudge firm up properly and hold its shape when cut. Without chilling, the fudge may be too soft and sticky, making it difficult to slice cleanly.
How long does it take to set?
The fudge generally requires at least 2 hours in the refrigerator to fully set. For the best results, give it plenty of time so the flavors meld and the texture reaches that perfect creamy firmness.
Final Thoughts
This Cotton Candy Fudge Recipe is a delightful way to bring fun and flavor to your dessert table. The vibrant swirls and nostalgic taste make every bite feel like a little celebration. I encourage you to try this recipe and share it with friends and family — trust me, it will quickly become one of your favorite sweet treats to whip up whenever you want a cheerful candy fix.
Print
Cotton Candy Fudge Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 25 servings
- Category: Candy
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cotton Candy Fudge recipe creates a delightful pastel-colored treat that combines the creamy sweetness of white almond bark and sweetened condensed milk with the nostalgic flavor of cotton candy. Perfect for parties or a fun homemade gift, the fudge sets into rich, colorful swirls that are as visually appealing as they are delicious.
Ingredients
Fudge Base
- 24 oz white almond bark
- 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon cotton candy flavoring
Coloring
- Light blue food coloring gel, a few drops
- Light pink food coloring gel, a few drops
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Line an 8×8-inch pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the fudge once it has set.
- Melt the Almond Bark: Place the white almond bark in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring well between each to ensure it melts smoothly without burning.
- Add Condensed Milk and Flavoring: Stir the sweetened condensed milk and cotton candy flavoring into the melted almond bark until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Divide and Color: Evenly split the fudge mixture into two separate bowls. Add a few drops of blue food coloring to one bowl and pink food coloring to the other, mixing each until the color is uniform.
- Layer the Fudge: Alternate spoonfuls of the colored fudge mixtures into the prepared pan, creating layers of pink and blue.
- Swirl the Colors: Use a toothpick or skewer to gently swirl the pink and blue fudge layers together, giving it a beautiful marbled cotton candy effect.
- Refrigerate: Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, allowing the fudge to fully set and harden.
- Serve: Once firm, lift the fudge out using the foil or parchment paper and cut into 1 to 1.5-inch squares. Enjoy your colorful cotton candy fudge!
Notes
- Be careful not to overheat the almond bark in the microwave to prevent burning and seizing.
- Adjust food coloring amounts to achieve your desired shade; gel colorings are more concentrated than liquid.
- For best results, use high-quality cotton candy flavoring for an authentic taste.
- Store fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or refrigerate to keep it longer.
