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All this cold and snow can make a person feel as dreary as the sky looks outside their window, HOWEVER, today I'm bringing some color and sweetness to you with this delicious Cotton Candy Fudge! I shared this tasty treat over at Smart School House about a month ago and I'm so excited to bring it to my readers today!
I was surfing through channels the other night on the television and I happened to find a show that was highlighting carnival foods - you know, all of the stuff we're really not supposed to eat, but crave 24/7? The sweet, the fried, the treats on a stick? Yep, you know what I'm talking about.
Of course I watched the whole thing and then fell asleep dreaming of cotton candy. The smell, the taste, the color. I love cotton candy so much, I actually have a Cotton Candy Lemonade recipe that the kids beg me to make in the summer. Inspired by the show and in hopes of warmer weather soon, I thought it would be fun to share a fudge recipe with a sweet and colorful, carnival twist. Cotton candy flavoring is what keeps everyone coming back for more!
Kids love this fudge, adults love this fudge - it's an excellent dessert to serve at birthday parties and showers and even perfect for Valentine's Day and Easter!
The recipe makes an entire 13 x 9 inch pan of swirled sweetness. Double the recipe and you'll be able to fill a good size platter with these little squares. And that's all you really need - one or two of these little squares to get your dessert "fix." Oh, alright. Maybe three or four. . .well, who's counting really? Bottom line is, one pan of this fudge goes a LONGG way.
The swirled look to the fudge makes it more fun, more unique. If you put a plate of these little squares out at a party, it will certainly be a conversation starter, guaranteed. And once your guests taste a piece, they're going to be asking you for the recipe. . .trust me. Just take a closer look at that beautiful swirl.
And EVERY piece of this fudge looks a little bit different. Is this fudge difficult to make, you ask? Have I ever shared anything that's been difficult to make? Nope, not me. It's all about simplicity and deliciousness. This fudge is super simple to make. The most difficult part is stirring the ingredients for four whole minutes while they're warming in the pan.
I took a bite out of my creation, and. . .it was GOOD. Oh, so good. What could maybe make it even better, you ask? PUT IT ON A STICK. Oh, yes I did.
Can you even keep up with all of this foolishness? Fudge and cotton candy skewers. Wait until my mom reads this one. She's going to think I've lost my mind. How much worse is this than fried butter on a stick they sell at the Iowa State Fair? We're trying to forget it's cold outside, right? Right. See that glass of milk in the background? You're going to need that.
So, there you go. . .Cotton Candy Fudge. Sharing this with you all has made me feel so much better. Now I'm excited about summer, I've gotten my cotton candy fix and I can't wait to make another pan of this delicious fudge. It's happening for Valentine's Day for sure. A sweet treat for those I love the most!
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Cotton Candy Fudge
Ingredients
- 2 cups sugar
- ¾ cup butter
- 12 ounces white chocolate or vanilla chips
- 7 ounce jar marshmallow creme
- ¾ cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 ½ teaspoons cotton candy flavoring
- Pink food coloring (I used McCormick NEON food color)
Instructions
- Line a 13×9 inch pan with foil and spray with nonstick spray.
- Combine sugar, butter, heavy cream and butter in a saucepan, cooking and stirring over low heat until the sugar is dissolved.
- Once the sugar is dissolved, bring the contents to a boil while stirring for about 4 minutes. Remove from the heat and mix in the marshmallow creme and vanilla chips until all of the chips are melted.
- Pour ¾ of the mixture into the foil-lined pan.
- Add the cotton candy flavoring to the saucepan and stir until combined.
- Drop or drizzle spoonfuls of the cotton candy mixture over the mixture already in the pan.
- Add 2-3 drops of the pink food coloring in various areas on top of the fudge in the pan and then cut through the fudge with a butter knife to make the swirls.
- Cover and allow to set in the refrigerator.
- Remove the fudge from the pan by picking up with the foil and then cutting into squares.
Notes
- Precision in Cooking: Pay close attention to the temperature and consistency of the fudge mixture while cooking. Use a candy thermometer to ensure the sugar mixture reaches the soft ball stage (around 235–240°F or 113–116°C). This step is crucial for achieving the right texture and consistency of the fudge. Stir continuously to prevent the mixture from burning or crystallizing.
- Even Distribution of Flavor and Color: When adding the cotton candy flavoring and pink food coloring, aim for even distribution throughout the fudge mixture. Stir the flavoring thoroughly into the portion of the mixture designated for the cotton candy flavor. Similarly, add drops of pink food coloring strategically across the surface of the fudge before swirling it in with a butter knife. This ensures that every bite of fudge has a consistent flavor and visually appealing swirls of color.
- Proper Setting Time: Allow the fudge to set properly in the refrigerator before cutting into squares. This typically takes a few hours, but overnight chilling yields the best results. Chilling allows the fudge to firm up and set completely, making it easier to cut into neat squares without crumbling. Lift the set fudge out of the pan using the foil lining before cutting to ensure clean edges and easy removal.
Tally
This looks so good.
Karey
Thank you! My daughter and I just finished making it for her school bake sale. After it sets we are going to use cookie cutters and then stick the fudge pieces on Loli-pop sticks. Who is going to be able to say no to Cotton Candy Fudge pops?
Sara
Oh my goodness, Karey! The pops are going to be a hit at the bake sale! What a great idea!
Nicole
Where did you find the Cotton Candy Frosting Creations packets? I have been to our local grocery, Target and Meijer with no luck so far.
Thanks!
Sara
Hi Nicole, I found mine at Walmart in the baking section by the frosting!
Nicole
I will try there - thank you so much - can't wait to try these!
Chelsea
I couldn't find it at Wal-Mart I'm getting mine on Amazon
Jennie @ The Diary of a Real Housewife
Yumm!!! This would be a hit with my boys!! I would love if you would share on my Friday Favorites linkup!
Cheri
visiting from Project Parade linky....LOVE COTTON CANDY>>>HAVE TO TRY THIS>>>>> just printed it out and will try it next week when my grand daughter visits!
Cheri
http://www.fabricandmemories.blogspot.com
Candace | My White Picket Life
I saw this on Pinterest and can't believe how easy it actually is. I'm pretty sure even I'll be able to make it pretty! What a fantastic use for the frosting flavor packs. Thanks for sharing such a brilliant idea!
Jacqui
This sounds amazing! Thank you for linking up to Party Time and we hope to see you again next week!
Krysta @ KrystaSteen.com
Yum!! Thanks for linking up to Tips & Tricks! Hope to see you again this week! 🙂
Brandi Clevinger
These are so festive! My kids would love these!
Thanks for sharing at Inspire Me Mondays!
Chelc | Inside the Fox Den
Yum! I made a version of cotton candy fudge last year for Easter but I love the swirled effect that yours has. Definitely trying!
elaine
This looks amazing!! I would love for you to share them On My 2 Favorite Things on Thursday - Link Party, it's going on now!! I would love to have you!!
http://www.cookinandcraftin.com/my-2-favorite-things-on-thursday-link-party7/
Amanda
Well. My life is complete. Or, after I make this ridiculous good looking fudge, it will be! Thanks for sharing!
Sara
Amanda, I can't wait for you to try it. You're going to love it!
Marie
Oh my goodness!! My 9 year old, with a passion for cotton candy, thanks you! This was AWESOME!!! I can't wait to take this to the next family get together!! Blessings!!
Sara
I can't wait for your 9 year old to try this fudge, Marie! I hope your family loves it as much as we do!
Laura @PetiteAllergyTreats
This looks so FUN! Love all the swirls and colors. Pinned.
Sara
Thanks, Laura! These are so much fun to make and serve. Everyone seems to ooh and ahh when they see and taste them!