Cotton Candy Fudge Marble

Cotton candy fudge brings a hit of circus nostalgia right into your home kitchen with its swirly pastel colors and creamy bite. I make this whenever I need something eye-catching for birthday parties or potlucks and it always disappears in a flash. The recipe is all about quick fun and pure whimsy baked right into every piece.

When I first tried swirling the colors together my youngest declared it looked like unicorn fudge and now it is the most requested treat at every family celebration.

Ingredients

• White bark: gives the fudge a rich base and melts smooth for perfect texture look for high quality bark at holiday baking displays or online
• Sweetened condensed milk: creates maximum creaminess and helps the fudge set up firmly use one with just milk and sugar for the purest flavor
• Cotton candy flavoring: turns plain fudge into a carnival treat a few drops go a long way so start with a little
• Light blue and light pink food coloring gel: delivers bright gorgeous color without watering down the mix gels give the prettiest results and are easy to control

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Pan:

Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper or foil so you can easily lift out the fudge for slicing later spread the lining up and over the edges

Melt the White Bark:

Chop white bark if needed and place in a microwave safe bowl microwave for thirty seconds at a time stirring well between blasts continue until the bark is just melted with no lumps do not overheat or the texture may suffer

Mix in Flavor and Milk:

Pour the sweetened condensed milk into the melted bark blend thoroughly using a spatula until everything is completely combined add the cotton candy flavoring now a drop or two at a time until you really smell the sweetness

Divide and Color:

Split the mixture evenly into two clean bowls add blue gel coloring to one and pink gel to the other starting with a small amount mix well adjust the color until you reach the pastel hue you like best

Swirl:

Plop alternating dollops of blue and pink fudge into the prepared pan use a clean toothpick or skewer to gently swirl the colors together for a pretty marbled effect stop before overmixing to keep the swirls clear

Chill and Set:

Place the pan in your fridge uncovered allow the fudge to chill for at least two hours or until completely set it should be firm but still soft enough to slice

Cut and Serve:

Lift the fudge out of the pan using the parchment or foil transfer to a cutting board slice into small squares or rectangles wipe the knife between cuts for clean edges serve pieces on a platter and watch them vanish

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My absolute favorite part is swirling the two colors together I always let the kids help with this step and some of our prettiest batches have come from their wild artistic swirls Our kitchen gets loud with laughter every time

Storage Tips

Keep cotton candy fudge in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week If you want the texture to stay soft let pieces come to room temperature for a few minutes before serving You can also freeze the squares wrapped individually for up to three months perfect for planning ahead

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find white bark good quality white chocolate chips work too just be sure to melt them gently Cotton candy flavoring is easy to buy online but raspberry or even bubblegum extracts will give a playful twist if you want to experiment

Serving Suggestions

This fudge shines on dessert platters for birthday parties and baby showers Try tucking a few pieces into party favor bags or adding them to a candy buffet You can also top each piece with a tiny bit of edible glitter or extra cotton candy for a festive finish

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Cultural Notes

Cotton candy fudge takes its cues from both classic American fudge and the fairground treat everyone loves at circuses and summer fairs Cotton candy itself originated in the nineteenth century and has become a symbol of childhood fun and celebration This recipe captures that spirit in every bite sized swirl

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of white bark works best?

Choose a high-quality vanilla-flavored almond bark for a smooth, creamy base that's easy to melt and blend.

→ Can I use regular food coloring instead of gel?

Gel food coloring is recommended for vibrant colors without altering the texture, but liquid food color can work in small quantities.

→ How do I achieve a marbled effect?

Drop spoonfuls of both colored mixtures into the pan and swirl gently with a toothpick or skewer to create beautiful patterns.

→ Is there a substitute for cotton candy flavoring?

You can use vanilla or another candy flavor extract, but the distinctive cotton candy taste comes from the specific flavoring.

→ How should I store the finished fudge?

Store the fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator; it will stay fresh and maintain its texture for up to two weeks.