Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Cotton Candy Cloud Bites are as fun to make as they are to eat! They require just a few simple ingredients, and their vibrant colors make them a beautiful addition to any dessert table. Plus, the cotton candy extract adds a unique, sweet flavor that brings back childhood memories of fairs and carnivals.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 cups white cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cotton candy extract
- 2 tablespoons milk
- Pink and blue food coloring
Directions
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the vanilla extract, cotton candy extract, and milk. Mix until well combined.
- Gradually add the white cake mix and stir until a soft dough forms.
- Divide the dough into two separate bowls. Add pink food coloring to one bowl and blue food coloring to the other. Mix each until the colors are evenly distributed.
- Take small portions of each color and gently swirl them together to create a marbled effect. Roll the dough into bite-sized balls.
- Place the bites on a parchment-lined tray and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- Serve and enjoy these sweet, fluffy bites of cotton candy goodness!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12-16 bites
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Chill time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Roll the bites in powdered sugar or sprinkles for extra texture and sweetness.
- Add edible glitter for a magical, sparkling effect.
- Use other pastel colors, such as lavender or yellow, for a rainbow effect.
- Turn them into truffles by dipping them in melted white chocolate.
Storage/Reheating
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- These bites are best enjoyed chilled but can be left at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving for a softer texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Yes! While white cake mix keeps the colors vibrant, you can use vanilla, funfetti, or even strawberry for a slight twist.
Where can I find cotton candy extract?
Cotton candy extract can usually be found online or in specialty baking stores. If you can’t find it, you can use a mix of vanilla and raspberry extract for a similar flavor.
Can I bake these?
No, these are no-bake treats! The cake mix is used as a base to create a soft, dough-like texture.
How do I make sure the colors swirl properly?
Gently knead the two colors together without overmixing. You want them to be marbled rather than completely blended.
Can I freeze these?
Yes! Store them in an airtight container and freeze for up to a month. Let them thaw in the fridge before serving.
Can I use buttercream instead of butter?
Butter gives the best texture, but you can try using thick buttercream for a sweeter version.
How do I make them extra fluffy?
You can sift the cake mix before adding it to ensure a lighter texture.
Can I add mix-ins like sprinkles?
Absolutely! Stir in pastel sprinkles for extra fun and color.
Can I make a larger batch?
Yes, simply double or triple the recipe to make more bites.
Do these taste exactly like cotton candy?
They have a sweet, cotton candy-inspired flavor with a buttery, cake-like texture that melts in your mouth.
Conclusion
Cotton Candy Cloud Bites are a dreamy, melt-in-your-mouth treat that brings a touch of magic to any occasion. Their soft, sweet flavor and playful colors make them irresistible, and they’re easy to whip up in just a few minutes. Whether you’re making them for a party, a special event, or just to treat yourself, these little bites of happiness are sure to delight!
Print
Cotton Candy Cloud Bites
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cotton Candy Cloud Bites are a dreamy, no-bake treat with a soft, buttery texture and the nostalgic flavor of cotton candy. With swirls of pastel pink and blue, these bite-sized delights are perfect for parties, birthdays, or a fun dessert. Easy to make with just a few ingredients, they bring the magic of carnival cotton candy into a melt-in-your-mouth snack.
Ingredients
- 2 cups white cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cotton candy extract
- 2 tablespoons milk
- Pink and blue food coloring
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, beat softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add vanilla extract, cotton candy extract, and milk. Mix until combined.
- Gradually add white cake mix, stirring until a soft dough forms.
- Divide the dough into two bowls. Add pink food coloring to one and blue to the other. Mix until evenly distributed.
- Take small portions of each color and gently swirl them together to create a marbled effect. Roll into bite-sized balls.
- Place on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- Serve chilled and enjoy!
Notes
- Roll the bites in powdered sugar or sprinkles for added texture.
- Add edible glitter for a magical touch.
- Use pastel colors like lavender or yellow for a rainbow effect.
- Turn them into truffles by dipping them in melted white chocolate.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American