Description
Whimsical cotton candy cupcakes dance with sugary nostalgia, bringing childhood memories to life through fluffy frosting and delicate cake. Sweet dreams come true when you indulge in these playful confections that celebrate pure joy and celebration.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 large eggs
- 3.5 cups powdered sugar
- 0.5 cup whole milk
Leavening and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 0.5 teaspoon cotton candy flavoring
Coloring and Decorative Ingredients:
- 23 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
- Pink food coloring
- Blue food coloring
- Cotton candy (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the workspace by positioning the oven rack at the center and heating to 350F (175C). Arrange cupcake liners in a standard muffin tin.
- Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium mixing bowl. Create a uniform dry ingredient base and set aside momentarily.
- Using an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar until the mixture transforms into a light, airy consistency with a pale, smooth texture.
- Incorporate eggs individually into the butter mixture, ensuring complete integration after each addition. Gently fold in vanilla and cotton candy flavoring to distribute evenly.
- Gradually introduce flour mixture and milk into the batter, alternating between dry and liquid ingredients. Mix carefully to maintain a smooth, lump-free consistency.
- Separate the batter into two equal portions. Apply pink food coloring to one half and blue to the other, creating vibrant, distinct colors.
- Carefully layer pink and blue batters into cupcake liners, using a small spoon to create a marbled, swirled appearance within each liner.
- Transfer the muffin tin to the preheated oven. Bake for 18-20 minutes, monitoring for a golden surface and checking doneness with a clean toothpick.
- Remove cupcakes and allow complete cooling on a wire rack, ensuring they reach room temperature before frosting.
- Whip butter until it reaches a creamy, smooth consistency. Gradually introduce powdered sugar, blending thoroughly.
- Divide frosting into two portions, tinting one pink and the other blue. Prepare a piping bag by carefully positioning both colors side by side.
- Pipe the two-toned frosting onto cooled cupcakes, creating elegant swirled peaks.
- Just before serving, crown each cupcake with a delicate wisp of cotton candy for a playful, whimsical finishing touch.
Notes
- Carefully measure ingredients to ensure the perfect light and fluffy texture of these whimsical cupcakes.
- Use room temperature butter and eggs for smoother mixing and better incorporation of ingredients.
- Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent tough, dense cupcakes that lose their delicate cotton candy charm.
- Opt for gel food coloring for more vibrant colors without watering down the batter’s consistency.
- Swap regular milk with dairy-free alternatives like almond or oat milk for a lactose-free version of the treat.
- Create a gluten-free option by substituting all-purpose flour with a reliable gluten-free flour blend.
- Chill the frosting briefly if it becomes too soft for piping, ensuring crisp and beautiful swirl designs.
- Store unfrosted cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 345
- Sugar: 31 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 37 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg