Okay, fellow comfort seekers! Let’s chat about something that brings pure joy and a touch of whimsy to our busy lives: Cotton Candy Fudge. It’s like a carnival in your mouth, and honestly, who doesn’t need a little carnival sometimes? My first try at Cotton Candy Fudge was a bit of a disaster, I won’t lie. The flavor was there, but the texture? Yikes! But seeing my kids’ faces light up at the pink hue and sugary aroma kept me going.
That’s how I knew this Cotton Candy Fudge was worth perfecting. This isn’t just a candy; it’s a memory in the making. A simple treat that can turn an ordinary day into something special. I’m here to share my sanity-saving version of this Cotton Candy Fudge with you all, because we deserve simple comfort food that brings smiles, not stress. If you’re craving a simple way to make a sweet treat, pull up a chair, grab a cup of coffee (or tea, if that’s your cozy vibe), and let’s get started.
INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:

- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 2/3 cup evaporated milk
- 1 (7 ounce) jar marshmallow cream
- 1 teaspoon cotton candy flavoring
- Pink gel food coloring
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional)
Trust me, this Cotton Candy Fudge ingredient list is simple because busy moms need comfort without complexity! You can find these simple ingredients at your regular grocery store.
No worries if you don’t have evaporated milk – I use whole milk with a tablespoon of flour whisked in for extra comfort in my Cotton Candy Fudge. This Cotton Candy Fudge proves delicious doesn’t mean expensive, and every ingredient plays a part in creating that iconic cotton candy flavor. My family gets extra comfort when I add a sprinkle of edible glitter on top – it’s a total kid-pleaser!
Here’s a Cotton Candy Fudge comfort hack that changed our family’s dinnertime: I always double the recipe and freeze half. Instant sweet treat for unexpected guests or a particularly rough day.
Let’s Make it Happen!
- First, line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper. This will make removing the Cotton Candy Fudge a breeze later.
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the sugar, butter, and evaporated milk.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a full rolling boil. This means it’s bubbling vigorously even while you’re stirring.
In my busy kitchen, this comforting Cotton Candy Fudge usually takes about 8-10 minutes to reach this stage.
- Once it’s boiling, continue cooking for exactly 5 minutes, still stirring constantly. Set a timer!
Perfect time to prep tomorrow’s lunch!
- Remove from heat and quickly stir in the marshmallow cream, cotton candy flavoring, and pink gel food coloring.
Your Cotton Candy Fudge should smell amazing by now.
- If using, stir in the white chocolate chips until melted and smooth.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
Don’t worry if your Cotton Candy Fudge looks a little uneven – it’ll all taste delicious!
- Let it cool completely at room temperature, about 2-3 hours.
While your Cotton Candy Fudge is cooling, take a moment to appreciate creating comfort for your family!
- Once firm, lift the parchment paper out of the pan and cut the fudge into squares.
- Store in an airtight container.
Here’s where I used to struggle with my Cotton Candy Fudge – I’d rush the cooling process and end up with a soft, melty mess. Learn from my experience and be patient!
How We Love to Eat This!
The kids devour this comforting Cotton Candy Fudge when I serve it with a glass of cold milk. This Cotton Candy Fudge is perfect for birthday parties or those busy weeknights when we need comfort food fast!
We also love to bring this Cotton Candy Fudge to potlucks; it’s always a hit. For presentation, I like to cut the squares into smaller, bite-sized pieces and arrange them on a pretty platter. I’ve even tried swirling a little extra pink food coloring on top for a marbled effect – fancy, right?
Leftover Cotton Candy Fudge (if there is any!) can be crumbled and used as a topping for ice cream. During the holidays, I add a touch of peppermint extract to make a festive version. My friends always rave about how delicious and fun this fudge is!
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Is this Cotton Candy Fudge really filling enough for growing kids?
Absolutely! It’s a sweet treat, not a meal replacement, but it provides a quick energy boost and a happy dose of sugar to fuel their adventures. For more filling snacks, pair it with some fruit or yogurt.
What if my picky eater won’t try this Cotton Candy Fudge?
I get it! Picky eaters are my specialty! Start by letting them help you make it. Kids are more likely to try something they’ve helped create. Also, the pink color and cotton candy flavor are usually a winning combination! If not, no pressure – more for you!
Can I meal prep this Cotton Candy Fudge for busy weeks ahead?
Yes! This is a perfect make-ahead treat. It stores well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or in the freezer for longer. Just let it thaw completely before serving.
Can I use a different type of flavoring instead of cotton candy?
Definitely! The beauty of this candy fudge recipe is that it’s super customizable. Try vanilla, strawberry, or even bubblegum flavoring. The possibilities are endless!
What’s the best way to cut the Cotton Candy Fudge neatly?
Run a large knife under hot water and dry it before each cut. This will help prevent the fudge from sticking and give you clean, even squares.
My fudge turned out too soft. What did I do wrong?
It’s possible you didn’t cook it long enough. Make sure you reach that “full rolling boil” and cook for the full 5 minutes. Also, humidity can affect fudge, so on humid days, you might need to cook it a little longer.
Can I make this Cotton Candy Fudge without marshmallow cream?
Marshmallow cream gives the fudge its smooth texture, so it’s a key ingredient. You might be able to substitute it with an equal amount of melted marshmallows, but the texture might be slightly different.
If your kids love this hearty recipe, they’ll go crazy for this Candy Corn Poke Cake!
Final Thoughts:

This Cotton Candy Fudge is more than just a recipe; it’s a way to bring a little joy and sweetness into our busy family lives. It supports my family’s comfort food goals because it’s simple, satisfying, and creates happy memories. I truly believe food should be fun, not stressful!
My Cotton Candy Fudge Comfort Hacks:
- Edible glitter is a must for extra sparkle!
- Freezing half the batch saves time later.
- Involve the kids in the making process.
Family-Tested Variations:
- Peppermint Cotton Candy Fudge: Add ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract for a festive twist. My daughter loves this version!
- Strawberry Cotton Candy Fudge: Use strawberry flavoring instead of cotton candy flavoring. My son prefers this one!
- Chocolate Chip Cotton Candy Fudge: Add 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips for a richer flavor. This is my husband’s favorite!
I hope you and your family enjoy this easy fudge as much as we do. Don’t be afraid to make it your own, experiment with different flavors, and most importantly, have fun! I know you can create some dinnertime wins!
For more simple comfort food ideas for busy families, check out this Strawberry Cool Whip Candy. And if you want to add another festive cool whip recipe, check out this Peppermint Cool Whip Candy.
You can also find the recipe for a sweet treat from this Cotton candy fudge recipe for a sweet treat.
Cotton Candy Fudge is definitely a crowd pleaser. And you can also find one by Cotton Candy Fudge – Princess Pinky Girl.
Give this satisfying Cotton Candy Fudge a try and get ready for some smiles. You got this, fellow comfort seeker! 💕
Cotton Candy Fudge
Indulge in the whimsical delight of Cotton Candy Fudge! This easy-to-make treat captures the sweet, airy flavor of cotton candy in a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth fudge.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 32 squares
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- ⅔ cup evaporated milk
- 1 teaspoon cotton candy flavoring
- 1 (7 ounce) jar marshmallow crème
- Pink and blue food coloring (optional)
- ½ cup white chocolate chips (optional for topping)
Instructions
- Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, butter, and evaporated milk. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is dissolved and the butter is melted.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, and continue cooking, stirring constantly, until a candy thermometer reaches 234°F (soft-ball stage).
- Remove from heat and immediately stir in the cotton candy flavoring and marshmallow crème until completely smooth.
- If desired, divide the fudge mixture into two bowls. Add pink food coloring to one bowl and blue food coloring to the other, stirring until evenly colored.
- Pour the fudge mixture (either all one color or alternating colors) into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- If using, sprinkle white chocolate chips over the top.
- Let the fudge cool completely at room temperature, or refrigerate for faster setting.
- Once set, lift the fudge out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
For an extra touch, sprinkle cotton candy sugar on top before the fudge sets. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

