Cotton Candy Fudge

This Cotton Candy Fudge is a fun, pastel-swirled sweet that melts smoothly on the tongue with a creamy vanilla base and a gentle cotton candy flavour. The texture is soft, rich, and sliceable without being crumbly. It is an easy, no-bake recipe that suits beginners perfectly and makes a brilliant homemade gift or party treat. From start to finish, it takes about 20 minutes plus chilling time.

Ingredients

For the fudge base

• 400g sweetened condensed milk
• 450g white chocolate, broken into small pieces
• 30g unsalted butter

For flavour and colour

• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp cotton candy flavouring
• Pink gel food colouring
• Blue gel food colouring

How to Make Cotton Candy Fudge

• Prepare the tin: Line a square 20cm tin with baking parchment, leaving a little overhang so the fudge can be lifted out easily later.
• Melt the base: Add the condensed milk, white chocolate, and butter to a heavy-based saucepan. Place over a low heat and stir gently until everything has melted into a smooth, glossy mixture.
• Add flavour: Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and cotton candy flavouring until fully combined.
• Colour the fudge: Divide the mixture evenly between two bowls. Tint one bowl pink and the other blue, using a small amount of gel colouring for soft pastel shades.
• Create the swirl: Spoon alternating dollops of pink and blue fudge into the prepared tin. Use a skewer or knife to gently swirl the colours together without overmixing.
• Chill and set: Smooth the top lightly, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours or until completely firm.
• Slice and serve: Lift the fudge out of the tin, peel away the parchment, and cut into neat squares using a warm knife.

Tips

Why is my fudge too soft?

Soft fudge usually means it has not chilled long enough or the mixture was overheated. Chill for longer and always melt gently over low heat.

How do I get clean slices?

Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between cuts for neat, professional-looking squares.

Can I make the colours brighter?

You can, but pastel shades suit this fudge best. Strong colours can make the fudge look artificial and less appealing.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve on a dessert platter with other small sweets
• Wrap pieces individually for party favours
• Enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee

Storage

Room temperature

Keep in an airtight container in a cool place for up to 3 days.

Refrigerator

Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Freezing

Freeze wrapped pieces for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge.

Nutrition

• Calories: 180 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated fat: 5g
• Sodium: 45mg

Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients used.

FAQs