Description

This whimsical Cotton Candy Poke Cake combines the classic moist white cake with a fun cotton candy twist. Poked holes allow a vibrant, marbled white chocolate pudding to seep in, keeping every bite rich and creamy. Topped with fluffy cool whip and a whimsical cloud of cotton candy, this dessert is perfect for parties and celebrations, delivering a playful and sweet treat that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake

1 box white cake mix (or your favorite white cake recipe)
1/4 tsp cotton candy flavoring (can use up to 1/2 tsp for stronger flavor)

Pudding Filling

2 boxes white chocolate instant pudding mix (or vanilla instant pudding mix)
3 cups milk
food coloring (colors of your choice to marble the pudding)

Topping

1 large container cool whip
1 package cotton candy

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare Cake Batter: Prepare your cake batter according to the directions on the box or in your recipe.
Add Cotton Candy Flavor: Stir in 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of cotton candy flavoring into the batter and mix well to incorporate the unique flavor.
Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into a greased or sprayed 13 x 9 inch pan. Bake according to the instructions on the box or your recipe, typically about 25 minutes.
Cool Slightly: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for 5 to 10 minutes, allowing it to firm slightly but remain warm.
Poke Holes: Using the back of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the cake evenly to allow the pudding to soak in.
Prepare Pudding: Quickly mix the two boxes of instant pudding mix with 3 cups of milk until combined.
Add Food Coloring: Add your choice of food coloring to the pudding mixture. Mix gently just enough to create a marbled effect, being careful not to let the pudding thicken before pouring.
Pour Pudding Over Cake: Immediately pour the pudding mixture evenly over the entire cake, ensuring it seeps into the holes.
Chill the Cake: Place the cake in the refrigerator and chill for about one hour to allow the pudding to set.
Add Cool Whip & Cotton Candy: After chilling, spread the cool whip evenly over the top. Just before serving, gently top with fresh cotton candy for a playful finish.

Notes

For more intense cotton candy flavor, increase the cotton candy flavoring to 1/2 teaspoon.
Use food coloring sparingly and blend lightly to achieve a beautiful marbled look in the pudding.
Serve immediately after topping with cotton candy, as the cotton candy will dissolve if left out too long.
This cake is best enjoyed the same day for optimal cotton candy freshness.
If preferred, substitute the white chocolate instant pudding with vanilla for a classic flavor profile.