Cotton candy isn't just for carnivals anymore! If you're a fan of its light, airy sweetness, you'll love this recipe for cotton candy flavored whipping cream! With only a few ingredients, it's easy to make and can be used in a variety of desserts to add a nostalgic, sweet flavor.
For this recipe we used Dolce Flav cotton candy flavoring. It gave our whipped cream a really nice cotton candy taste. If you use the code TRACI10 you can save yourself 10%! Besides cotton candy, they have a HUGE amount of delicious flavorings you can purchase for making recipes like dragons beard candy or salt water taffy.
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Ingredients
You need just a few ingredients to make this recipe:
- Heavy whipping cream
- Powdered sugar
- Cotton candy flavoring
- Pink or blue dye (optional)
- Sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
It's time to get started making this delicious flavored whipped cream!
- Step 1: In a chilled mixing bowl, whip cream and sugar until soft peaks form.
- Step 2: Measure and pour your cotton candy flavoring into the mixture.
- Step 3: Add food dye if using. Stir to mix.
- Step 4: Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Serve with sprinkles if desired.
Substitutions
There are some substitutions you can make to this recipe to adapt for food allergies or intolerances.
- Gluten free: This recipe for cotton candy whipped cream is naturally gluten free. The flavoring we used is also gluten free.
- Dairy free: Use a dairy free heavy whipping cream.
- Vegan: Use a plant based heavy whipping cream. The whipping cream we used I found at Kroger and is plant based and dairy free. The cotton candy flavoring we used is also vegan. Use code TRACI10 to save yourself 10%.
Variations
Cotton candy tends to use pink or blue colors so feel free to use whatever color you like for your recipe for cotton candy!
Equipment
You will want a good mixer that can whip the heavy whipping cream into soft peaks. A hand mixer or bowl mixer works well.
Storage
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Uses
- Topping for cupcakes and cakes: Use the cotton candy whipped cream as a frosting alternative. It’s light, fluffy, and adds a whimsical sweetness to vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry cupcakes. You can also pipe it onto a cake for a dreamy and colorful frosting.
- Pairing with fresh fruit: The rich sweetness of the cotton candy whipping cream pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit. Use it to top strawberries, blueberries, or sliced bananas for a quick and fun dessert.
- Milkshakes and ice cream: Elevate your milkshakes or ice cream sundaes by adding a dollop of cotton candy whipped cream. It works especially well with vanilla, cotton candy-flavored ice cream, or even chocolate milkshakes for an added twist.
- Filling for eclairs or cream puffs: Cotton candy whipping cream can make a fun and unexpected filling for pastries like eclairs or cream puffs. Just pipe the whipped cream into the pastries for a light, flavorful filling that will impress anyone with a sweet tooth.
- Layered desserts: Create eye-catching, layered desserts by alternating cotton candy whipping cream with layers of cookies, cake, or fruit in a parfait glass or trifle bowl. The light pastel color and sweet flavor will stand out visually and taste-wise.
FAQ
If you can’t find cotton candy flavoring, you can still make this whipped cream using a small amount of blue raspberry or bubblegum flavoring, which mimic the essence of cotton candy. However, the exact flavor won’t be the same.
Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or another dairy-free whipping cream alternative. Keep in mind that the texture may differ slightly, but the flavor will still be delicious. And if you use coconut cream, it might alter the taste of the whipped cream.
You’ll know your whipped cream is over-whipped when it turns grainy or begins to look clumpy. To avoid this, stop whipping as soon as stiff peaks form, or the whipped cream starts holding its shape.
Absolutely! You can easily double or halve this recipe based on your needs. Just make sure to adjust the other ingredients accordingly while maintaining the ratios.
Whipped cream can lose some of its volume over time, but keeping it in the refrigerator will help it stay fluffy for longer. If you notice it deflating, you can lightly re-whip it for a few seconds before serving.
To achieve stiff peaks, start with cold ingredients and equipment, and whip on medium-high speed until the cream thickens and begins to hold its shape. Keep whipping until the peaks stand up straight when you lift the beaters. Don’t over-whip, or the cream may turn grainy.
While it’s possible to whip cream by hand using a whisk, it takes significantly more time and effort. An electric hand or stand mixer is recommended for the best and quickest results.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
5 Ingredient Recipe for Cotton Candy Whipped Cream
Equipment
- 1 hand or stand mixer for whipping the cream
Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon cotton candy flavoring
- 1-2 drops pink or blue food coloring optional
- Sprinkles optional
Instructions
- Place your mixing bowl and beaters in the freezer for about 15-20 minutes before you start. Whipping cream whips faster and holds its shape better when everything is cold. This simple step ensures your whipped cream reaches stiff peaks quickly.
- Pour the chilled heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar into the cold bowl. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium-high speed, beat the mixture until it begins to thicken. You’ll start to see soft peaks forming after about 2-3 minutes.
- Once soft peaks form, reduce the mixer’s speed to low and add the cotton candy flavoring and dye (if using). Beat these ingredients on medium speed until the mixture starts to form stiff peaks, typically another 2-3 minutes.
- Once the whipped cream has reached stiff peaks and is fully flavored and colored, it’s ready to use. Serve immediately or store in the fridge until you’re ready to use it.
Notes
Nutrition
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with this recipe for cotton candy whipped cream!
Sarah
So good couldn’t stop eating it!
Eliza
Was only going to have a taste, ended up eating half the recipe. Soooo good thank you!