Cotton Candy Poke Cake – A Colorful, Fun & Fluffy Treat

This Cotton Candy Poke Cake is the ultimate fun dessert, packed with vibrant colors, a fluffy texture, and a delicious cotton candy flavor! Made with a soft white cake soaked in colorful Jell-O and topped with a dreamy cotton candy frosting, it’s perfect for birthdays, carnivals, baby showers, or any celebration that needs a touch of magic!

Ingredients:

The Cake Base:

• 1 box white cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box: eggs, oil, water)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

The Poke Cake Filling:

• 1 (3 oz) box cotton candy-flavored gelatin (or mix ½ box blue raspberry Jell-O & ½ box pink strawberry Jell-O for a cotton candy effect!)
• 1 cup boiling water
• ½ cup cold water

The Cotton Candy Frosting:

• 1 (8 oz) container whipped topping (Cool Whip), thawed
• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• ½ tsp cotton candy extract (or vanilla if unavailable)
• 2–3 drops pink and blue food coloring (for a swirled effect!)

The Toppings:

• Cotton candy pieces (added just before serving!)
• Pastel sprinkles
• Extra whipped topping (optional for decoration!)

Preparation:

1: Bake the Cake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Prepare the white cake mix according to the package instructions, but add 1 tsp vanilla extract for extra flavor.
3. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake according to the box instructions, usually 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
4. Let the cake cool for 10–15 minutes before poking holes.

2: Prepare the Jell-O Mixture

1. In a bowl, dissolve cotton candy-flavored gelatin (or blue & pink Jell-O mix) in 1 cup of boiling water, stirring until fully dissolved.
2. Add ½ cup of cold water and stir to cool slightly.

3: Poke & Fill the Cake

1. Using the handle of a wooden spoon, a fork, or a skewer, poke holes evenly across the surface of the cooled cake.
2. Carefully pour the Jell-O mixture over the cake, ensuring it seeps into the holes.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the cake to absorb the flavors and set.

4: Prepare the Cotton Candy Frosting

1. In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy.
2. Add powdered sugar and cotton candy extract, mixing until well combined.
3. Gently fold in the whipped topping (Cool Whip) until light and fluffy.
4. Divide the frosting into two bowls and tint one with pink food coloring and the other with blue food coloring.
5. Spoon both colors back into the same bowl and gently swirl with a spatula to create a cotton candy effect.

5: Frost & Decorate

1. Spread the swirled cotton candy frosting evenly over the chilled cake.
2. Sprinkle pastel sprinkles on top for an extra festive touch!
3. Refrigerate for 1 hour to let the flavors blend.

6: Add Cotton Candy & Serve

1. Just before serving, top with pieces of real cotton candy for the ultimate fun presentation!
2. Add extra whipped topping if desired and serve chilled.

Cooking Notes:

• For a firmer texture, refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free whipped topping and plant-based cream cheese.
• Want extra cotton candy flavor? Add cotton candy syrup to the whipped topping!

Serving Suggestions:

• Top with real cotton candy just before serving for a magical presentation! 🎡
• Pair with a cotton candy milkshake for an ultimate sweet treat experience! 🥤
• Slice and serve in individual dessert cups for a party-friendly option.

Tips for the Best Cotton Candy Poke Cake:

1. Swirl the frosting gently to keep the pink & blue colors distinct.
2. Let the cake chill before serving so the Jell-O has time to fully soak in.
3. Add the cotton candy just before serving to prevent it from melting.

Prep Time:

• 20 minutes

Baking Time:

• 25–30 minutes

Chilling Time:

• 2+ hours

Total Time:

• 3 hours 30 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate):

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 4g
• Sugar: 29g
• Sodium: 220mg

FAQs:

Q: Can I use different cake flavors?

A: Yes! Vanilla, funfetti, or strawberry cake mix work great for a unique twist.

Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?

A: Yes! Prepare 1–2 days in advance and keep it refrigerated.

Q: How do I prevent the cotton candy from melting?

A: Add cotton candy just before serving so it stays fluffy!

Q: Can I freeze this poke cake?

A: Yes! Freeze it before adding the whipped topping, then thaw and decorate before serving.

Conclusion:

This Cotton Candy Poke Cake is light, fluffy, and bursting with sweet cotton candy flavor! With its pastel swirls, soft texture, and fun decorations, it’s a perfect dessert for birthdays, parties, and holidays! Try this recipe and bring a little carnival magic to your dessert table! 🎡💖✨

Print