Cotton Candy Fudge is a dreamy, colorful treat with a sweet carnival-style flavor and a soft, creamy bite. I like making it for parties, gifting, holidays, or anytime I want a dessert that looks playful and tastes extra sweet.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
22 ounces white chocolate chips
14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
¼ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
2 teaspoons cotton candy flavoring, divided
½ to ¾ teaspoon pink gel food coloring
½ to ¾ teaspoon purple gel food coloring
Directions
I line an 8 x 8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving enough overhang on the sides so I can lift the fudge out easily after it chills.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, I melt the white chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and unsalted butter together for 6 to 7 minutes, stirring often until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
I divide the melted mixture evenly between two medium bowls. In the first bowl, I stir in 1 teaspoon cotton candy flavoring and the pink gel food coloring until the mixture is evenly pink. In the second bowl, I stir in the remaining 1 teaspoon cotton candy flavoring and the purple gel food coloring until the mixture is evenly purple.
Using a large spoon for each color, I drop spoonfuls of the pink and purple mixtures randomly into the prepared pan until all the fudge mixture has been added.
I gently swirl the colors together with a butter knife or small offset spatula to create a marbled design. Then I place another piece of parchment paper over the top and gently press to smooth the surface. I leave the top parchment in place while the fudge sets so the swirl pattern stays neat.
I chill the fudge in the refrigerator for 2 hours or let it set at room temperature for 4 hours. Once firm, I slice it into squares and serve.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes 16 servings.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 7 minutes
Chill/Set Time: 2 to 4 hours
Total Time: about 2 hours 17 minutes if chilled, or about 4 hours 17 minutes if set at room temperature
Variations
I like adding colorful sprinkles on top before the fudge sets for an extra party look. I can also use blue and pink gel food coloring for a classic cotton candy theme, or pastel colors for baby showers and spring celebrations. For a stronger flavor, I add a tiny extra splash of cotton candy flavoring, but I keep it light so it does not overpower the white chocolate.
Storage/Reheating
I store Cotton Candy Fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. I place parchment paper between layers so the pieces do not stick together.
For longer storage, I freeze the fudge in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. I thaw it in the refrigerator before serving. I do not reheat this fudge because it is meant to be served chilled or at room temperature.
FAQs
Can I make Cotton Candy Fudge ahead of time?
Yes, I like making it a day ahead because it gives the fudge plenty of time to firm up and slice cleanly.
Can I use liquid food coloring instead of gel food coloring?
I prefer gel food coloring because it gives stronger color without adding too much liquid to the fudge mixture.
Why is my fudge too soft?
The fudge may need more chilling time, or the mixture may not have been fully melted and combined. I chill it until it feels firm before slicing.
Can I use candy melts instead of white chocolate chips?
Yes, I can use white candy melts, but the flavor and texture may be slightly different from white chocolate chips.
Does Cotton Candy Fudge need to stay refrigerated?
I prefer storing it in the refrigerator so it stays firm and fresh, especially in a warm kitchen.
Conclusion
Cotton Candy Fudge is a fun, colorful dessert that I love making when I want something simple but memorable. With creamy white chocolate, sweet cotton candy flavor, and pretty swirls, it is perfect for parties, holidays, gifts, or a playful homemade candy treat.
📖 Recipe:
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Cotton Candy Fudge
- Total Time: 2 hours 17 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cotton Candy Fudge is a colorful, creamy dessert with a sweet carnival-inspired flavor and a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Perfect for parties, gifting, or a fun homemade treat.
Ingredients
22 ounces white chocolate chips
14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
¼ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
2 teaspoons cotton candy flavoring, divided
½ to ¾ teaspoon pink gel food coloring
½ to ¾ teaspoon purple gel food coloring
Instructions
- Line an 8 x 8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the white chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter for 6 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently until smooth and fully combined.
- Divide the mixture evenly into two bowls.
- In one bowl, mix in 1 teaspoon cotton candy flavoring and pink gel food coloring until evenly colored.
- In the second bowl, mix in the remaining flavoring and purple gel food coloring until evenly colored.
- Drop alternating spoonfuls of each mixture into the prepared pan.
- Use a knife or spatula to gently swirl the colors into a marbled pattern.
- Place parchment paper on top and gently press to smooth the surface.
- Refrigerate for 2 hours or let set at room temperature for about 4 hours until firm.
- Lift from the pan, slice into squares, and serve.
Notes
Add colorful sprinkles before setting for a festive look.
Use different color combinations for themed events.
Do not overuse flavoring to avoid overpowering sweetness.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Freeze for up to 2 months and thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Place parchment between layers to prevent sticking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 60 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
