Is there anything more whimsical than the magical sweetness of cotton candy? It’s the kind of treat that instantly transports you to childhood fairs, with sticky fingers and big smiles all around. Now imagine taking that beloved flavor and turning it into something even more irresistible—cotton candy fudge. It’s as fun to make as it is to eat, with pretty swirls of pink and purple adding to its charm. This is the kind of recipe that looks impressive but is easy enough to whip up when you’re feeling a little nostalgic or just want to add some whimsy to your dessert table.

I first made this cotton candy fudge for a birthday party, thinking it’d be just another sweet treat among many. But as soon as people caught sight of those pastel swirls, it became the star of the dessert table. The colors, the melt-in-your-mouth texture, and the unexpected cotton candy flavor had everyone reaching for seconds. I don’t think I’ve ever had more requests for a recipe! The best part? It’s deceptively simple to make, and no one has to know just how easy it is.

🎠 Why this cotton candy fudge is the ultimate throwback treat

This recipe is pure nostalgia wrapped up in creamy, dreamy fudge form. The cotton candy flavor instantly takes you back to childhood, and the soft, chewy texture is a comforting contrast to the airy cotton candy we all remember. What’s even better is how the pastel pink and purple swirls make it visually stunning—perfect for parties, baby showers, or even a fun gift.

But let me tell you, this isn’t your typical fudge recipe. There’s no candy thermometer required, no hard-to-navigate sugar stages. We’re taking the easy route here by melting white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk together for a base that’s silky smooth, then flavoring and coloring it to perfection. It’s foolproof, fun, and delicious all rolled into one.

A sweet memory of cotton candy summers

The first time I made this, it was for my niece’s birthday. She’s got that eternal love for anything pink and sweet, and when I saw a cotton candy-flavored oil at the store, I knew it had her name all over it. As we swirled the pink and purple fudge together, I couldn’t help but think back to summer fairs, sticky with sugar and giddy on rides, clutching cotton candy like it was the most precious thing in the world. That sugary smell alone brings back memories of late summer nights, with the sun setting and the sky full of twinkling lights.

The fudge ended up being an instant hit, and every bite seemed to carry a little bit of those carefree childhood memories. Since then, it’s become a go-to recipe for when I need a little bit of fun and whimsy in my kitchen. Plus, it’s hard to beat the reactions you get when you reveal those swirls—especially when no one expects cotton candy in fudge form!

The background of cotton candy (and how it inspired this fudge)

Cotton candy itself has an interesting history, which I found out while making this recipe. Did you know it was invented by a dentist? Yep, the dentist William Morrison teamed up with confectioner John C. Wharton in 1897 to create the first cotton candy machine. They introduced it at the 1904 World’s Fair, where it became an instant hit. Fast forward to today, and it’s a carnival staple, bringing joy to children and adults alike.

This cotton candy fudge recipe takes that classic flavor and gives it a creamy, modern twist. While cotton candy is light and airy, this fudge is rich and indulgent. Yet, it keeps that playful, nostalgic flavor alive.

Let’s talk ingredients: the stars of the show

White chocolate chips: These make up the bulk of the fudge base. I recommend Ghirardelli or another high-quality brand to ensure you get a smooth, creamy texture. White chocolate can be finicky—if you want a creamier texture, go for the best quality you can find.
Sweetened condensed milk: This is what helps the fudge set without needing a candy thermometer or boiling sugar. It gives the fudge its signature silky texture and makes the process practically foolproof.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps bind everything together. Make sure it’s room temperature so it melts evenly with the chocolate and milk.
Cotton candy flavoring: This is where the magic happens! I use LorAnn Oils cotton candy flavoring, which gives the fudge that nostalgic fairground taste. If you don’t have this, vanilla extract works as a decent substitute, though you won’t get the same cotton candy vibe.
Gel food coloring: The Americolor pink and purple are my go-to for creating those vivid pastel swirls. You can adjust the shades to suit your preference—go for softer hues or bolder pops of color!

Kitchen tools you’ll need

Luckily, you don’t need any fancy equipment for this fudge. Here’s what I recommend:

Medium saucepan: To melt your white chocolate, butter, and sweetened condensed milk. A good, heavy-bottomed pan will help prevent scorching.
Spatula: A heatproof silicone spatula is perfect for stirring the fudge mixture to prevent any burning on the bottom.
Parchment paper: This will save you when it comes time to lift the fudge out of the pan. It also prevents sticking—so don’t skip this!
Offset spatula or butter knife: Essential for swirling the colors together. If you don’t have an offset spatula, the back of a spoon works just as well.

Step-by-step: how to make cotton candy fudge (without the stress!)

Alright, let’s dive in. This is one of those recipes that’s hard to mess up, but there are a few tips and tricks to make it go even smoother.

Prepare your pan: Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides. This makes it easy to lift the fudge out later.
Melt the fudge base: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine your white chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter. Stir frequently—trust me, you don’t want the white chocolate to burn or seize. It should take about 6-7 minutes to melt down into a smooth, glossy mixture.
Divide and conquer: Once melted, split the mixture between two bowls. This is where we’ll add our color and flavor.
Add the cotton candy magic: To the first bowl, add 1 teaspoon of cotton candy flavoring and your pink gel food coloring. Start with a small amount of coloring and gradually add more until you hit your desired shade. Stir until smooth. Repeat the same with the second bowl, adding purple gel food coloring and the remaining cotton candy flavoring.
Layer and swirl: Now comes the fun part! Drop spoonfuls of the pink and purple fudge mixture into the lined pan, alternating colors. Once all the fudge is in the pan, use a butter knife or small spatula to gently swirl the colors together, creating a beautiful marbled effect.
Smooth and chill: Place a piece of parchment paper over the top of the fudge and gently press it down to smooth the surface. Be careful not to disrupt your swirls! Pop it in the fridge for at least 2 hours or leave it at room temperature for about 4 hours to set completely.
Slice and enjoy: Once the fudge is fully set, use the parchment overhang to lift it out of the pan. Slice into squares, and you’re ready to serve!

Variations and adaptations

Gluten-free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, so no need for substitutions!
Vegan version: Swap the white chocolate for a dairy-free alternative, and use coconut condensed milk instead of regular sweetened condensed milk. You can use a plant-based butter substitute too.
Different flavors: If you’re not a cotton candy fan, you can swap the flavoring for vanilla, almond, or even peppermint for a holiday twist. Just adjust the food coloring to match!
Seasonal colors: Customize the colors for different occasions—think red and green for Christmas, pastels for Easter, or bold blues and yellows for a fun summer treat.

Presentation and serving ideas

This fudge is almost too pretty to eat—almost! For an extra fun presentation, cut the fudge into small squares and place them in colorful cupcake liners. You can also sprinkle a bit of edible glitter on top before serving for an extra magical touch. This fudge makes a great centerpiece for a dessert table or a sweet gift wrapped up in a cute box.

Drink pairings

Since this fudge is sweet and rich, you’ll want something to balance that out. A glass of sparkling water with a twist of lemon is refreshing alongside a bite of fudge. If you’re serving this at a party, a glass of champagne or prosecco would complement the fun, celebratory vibe. For kids, a light lemonade or even a fun cotton candy-flavored soda would keep the theme going.

Storing and reheating tips

Cotton candy fudge keeps beautifully! Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or in the fridge for up to two weeks. Just make sure it’s sealed tightly to prevent it from drying out. If you need to freeze it, wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Let it thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Adjusting for different serving sizes

If you want to make more (or less), it’s easy to scale this recipe. Just remember that the thickness of the fudge will change depending on the size of your pan. If you double the recipe, use a 9×13 pan for a thinner fudge, or stick with the 8×8 for thicker squares. You may also need to adjust the chilling time slightly depending on the thickness.

Potential issues and tips for success

Chocolate seizing up: If your white chocolate mixture seems too thick or grainy, it might be overheating. Take it off the heat and stir vigorously to smooth it out. Adding a small splash of milk can also help.
Swirls blending too much: If your colors start to blend into one instead of staying distinct, try swirling less. Less is more here—just a few swipes with the knife are all you need for that marbled effect.

Give it a try!

I can’t wait for you to try this cotton candy fudge—it’s like a little bite of nostalgia with every square. Whether you’re making it for a party, a fun gift, or just because, it’s sure to bring smiles. Play around with the colors, the flavors, and make it your own. I guarantee it’ll be the star of any dessert table!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this fudge without the cotton candy flavoring?
Yes! You can substitute vanilla extract for a more classic fudge flavor, though you’ll lose that nostalgic cotton candy taste.

2. How do I know when the fudge is set?
The fudge should be firm to the touch when fully set. If you press lightly on the top and it feels soft, it needs more time to chill.

3. Can I use regular food coloring instead of gel?
Gel food coloring is more concentrated, so you get vivid colors without adding too much liquid. If using regular food coloring, you may need to add more to achieve the same effect.

4. How should I store leftover fudge?
Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or in the fridge for up to two weeks. For longer storage, freeze it!

5. Can I use a different type of chocolate?
You could try milk or dark chocolate, but the flavor will be very different. White chocolate keeps the cotton candy flavor front and center!