Homemade Cotton Candy Fudge: A Sweet and Swirly Treat
If you’re looking for a fun and whimsical dessert, this Homemade Cotton Candy Fudge is the perfect choice. With its vibrant colors and delightful cotton candy flavor, this fudge is sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face. Easy to make and requiring just a few ingredients, this treat is perfect for parties, gifts, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the recipe step by step, share tips for success, and explore creative variations to make this fudge your own. Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this fudge is quick and easy to prepare.
- Fun and Colorful: The vibrant pink and blue swirls make this fudge visually stunning and perfect for parties.
- Delicious Flavor: The cotton candy extract gives this fudge a sweet, nostalgic taste.
- Customizable: You can easily adapt the recipe to suit your taste or dietary needs.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delightful fudge:
- 3 cups white chocolate chips
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 teaspoon cotton candy extract
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pink and blue gel food coloring
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Directions
1. Melt the Chocolate
- In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk.
- Stir continuously until melted and smooth.
2. Flavor and Color
- Remove from heat and stir in the cotton candy extract, vanilla extract, and salt.
- Divide the mixture into two bowls.
- Add pink food coloring to one bowl and blue food coloring to the other, stirring until evenly combined.
3. Create the Swirl
- Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper.
- Drop spoonfuls of each color into the pan randomly.
- Use a toothpick or skewer to swirl the colors together for a marbled effect.
4. Set and Slice
- Refrigerate for at least 3 hours or until firm.
- Once set, cut into squares and enjoy!
Tips for Success
- Use an Offset Spatula: Smooth the top of the fudge with an offset spatula before refrigerating for a polished finish.
- Gel Food Coloring: Gel food coloring works best for vibrant colors without altering the texture of the fudge.
- Storage: Store the fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: Freeze the fudge in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Creative Variations
This recipe is versatile and can be customized to suit your preferences:
- Different Flavors: Swap the cotton candy extract for other extracts like vanilla, almond, or lemon.
- Add Mix-Ins: Stir in sprinkles, crushed cookies, or chopped nuts for extra texture and flavor.
- Holiday Colors: Use red and green food coloring for a festive holiday treat.
- Chocolate Swirl: Add a layer of melted chocolate on top for a chocolate-cotton candy combo.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving: These fudge squares are perfect for parties, gifts, or as a sweet snack. Pair them with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee for a delightful treat.
- Storage: Store the fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: Freeze the fudge in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Conclusion
This Homemade Cotton Candy Fudge is a sweet, colorful, and utterly delicious treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With its easy preparation and delightful flavor, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household.
So, gather your ingredients, grab your saucepan, and get ready to enjoy this whimsical fudge. Happy baking! 🍬✨
