Description
This Cotton Candy Poke Cake is a delightful American dessert that combines a classic white cake with a fun twist of cotton candy-flavored gelatin soaked right into the cake. Topped with colorful whipped cream and garnished with real cotton candy, it’s a vibrant and playful treat perfect for birthdays or any festive occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cake
- 1 box white cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box: typically eggs, oil, and water)
For the Gelatin Soak
- 1 (3 oz) box cotton candy-flavored gelatin or blue raspberry gelatin
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1/2 cup cold water
For the Topping and Garnish
- 1 (8 oz) tub whipped topping (thawed)
- Cotton candy for garnish
- Pink and blue food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
- Mix and Bake the Cake: Prepare the white cake mix according to the package instructions, which usually includes adding eggs, oil, and water. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 28–32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Poke Holes: Let the baked cake cool for about 15 minutes. Then, using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes evenly all over the surface of the cake to allow the gelatin to soak in.
- Prepare Gelatin Mixture: In a bowl, dissolve the cotton candy-flavored gelatin powder into 1 cup of boiling water. Stir thoroughly until completely dissolved, then stir in 1/2 cup of cold water.
- Soak the Cake: Pour the gelatin mixture evenly over the cake, making sure it seeps into all the holes you poked. Cover the cake and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours to let the gelatin set and infuse the cake with flavor.
- Tint and Spread the Topping: Before serving, if desired, tint the whipped topping with pink or blue food coloring to add a colorful touch. Spread the tinted whipped topping evenly over the chilled cake.
- Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, garnish the cake with pieces of real cotton candy for an extra whimsical and tasty decoration.
Notes
- For a stronger cotton candy flavor, add a few drops of cotton candy extract to the whipped topping before spreading.
- Only add the cotton candy garnish right before serving to prevent it from melting due to moisture.
- For a playful look, swirl pink and blue food coloring into the whipped topping instead of mixing it completely.
