If you have a sweet tooth that craves something dreamy and visually stunning, you are about to fall in love with the Galaxy Swirl Cotton Candy Fudge Recipe. This delightful treat captures the magic of cotton candy in a rich, creamy fudge that bursts with swirling pastel colors reminiscent of a cosmic night sky. The blend of smooth white chocolate, luscious sweetness, and that whimsical cotton candy flavor makes it an irresistible dessert perfect for any celebration or just a fun treat to brighten your day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things simple yet special, using a handful of ingredients that each play a crucial role in building the perfect texture, flavor, and those eye-catching galaxy colors. From the creamy white chocolate base to the vibrant food colorings, every component is essential for the final masterpiece.
- 3 cups white chocolate chips: Provides a buttery smooth base and sweet richness crucial for fudge.
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk: Adds creaminess and sweetness while helping the fudge set properly.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter: Enhances texture with a silky finish and balances sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon cotton candy extract: The star flavor that captures the nostalgic candy floss taste.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and rounds out the sweetness beautifully.
- Food coloring (pink, blue, and purple): Paints the fudge with those mesmerizing galaxy swirls.
- Sprinkles or edible glitter (optional): Adds extra sparkle and whimsy to your final presentation.
How to Make Galaxy Swirl Cotton Candy Fudge Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Start by lining an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, making sure you leave some overhang on all sides. This little trick ensures you can easily lift the fudge out when it’s time to cut, preventing any stickiness or mess.
Step 2: Melt the Base Ingredients
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the white chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and unsalted butter together. Stir constantly to avoid burning and to create a smooth, silky mixture that’s ready to transform into fudge.
Step 3: Add Flavors
Once your mixture is perfectly smooth, remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the cotton candy extract and vanilla extract, mixing until the flavors meld. This is where your fudge starts to step into its unique, nostalgic personality.
Step 4: Divide and Color
Split the fudge mixture into three equal bowls. Into each bowl, add a few drops of pink, blue, or purple food coloring. Stir each portion thoroughly so the color infuses completely, creating vibrant layers for your cosmic masterpiece.
Step 5: Create the Galaxy Swirl
Alternate spoonfuls of each colored fudge into the prepared baking dish, layering them to create depth. Use a toothpick or skewer to delicately swirl the colors together—you want to mimic the swirling patterns of a galaxy. This step is part art, part joy, so take your time!
Step 6: Set the Fudge
Let your swirled fudge set at room temperature for 2 to 3 hours or place it in the refrigerator for about 1 hour to firm up. The texture should be perfectly soft yet hold its shape when sliced.
Step 7: Slice and Garnish
Once firm, use the parchment overhang to lift the fudge from the pan and onto a cutting board. Cut into 16 squares for perfectly sized treats. If you like, sprinkle edible glitter or colorful sprinkles on top for a little extra sparkle that makes it pop.
How to Serve Galaxy Swirl Cotton Candy Fudge Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of edible glitter or a scatter of rainbow sprinkles elevates the whimsical vibe of this fudge. These garnishes catch the light, making each piece feel like a piece of confectionery art from a magical galaxy.
Side Dishes
This fudge pairs well with simple accompaniments like a cup of herbal tea or a glass of cold milk to balance out the sweetness. For a party, consider serving it alongside fresh fruit to add a refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve slices on a velvet platter or arrange them in a pattern that mimics a starry sky. Wrap individual squares in colorful foil or clear treat bags tied with ribbon for gift giving. The vibrant colors make the Galaxy Swirl Cotton Candy Fudge Recipe a showstopper wherever you take it.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Keeping it sealed prevents the fudge from drying out and helps the flavors stay vibrant for each indulgent bite.
Freezing
If you want to keep the fudge longer, wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.
Reheating
The fudge is best enjoyed as is, but if you want it slightly softer, leave it at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving as it can melt the texture and lose the beautiful swirl effect.
FAQs
Can I substitute dark chocolate chips instead of white chocolate?
The Galaxy Swirl Cotton Candy Fudge Recipe really shines with white chocolate because it provides that creamy canvas for the cotton candy flavor and pastel colors. Dark chocolate will overpower the delicate taste and alter the look.
Is cotton candy extract easy to find?
Yes! Cotton candy extract is widely available online or at specialty baking stores. It’s a key ingredient that brings the signature sweet and airy flavor to this fudge, so it’s worth seeking out.
Can I use gel food coloring instead of liquid?
Absolutely! Gel food coloring is actually preferred by many for fudge because it adds vibrant color without thinning out the mixture. Just use sparingly to achieve your desired shades.
How long does the fudge take to set properly?
The fudge usually sets in about 2 to 3 hours at room temperature or about an hour in the fridge. Avoid rushing this process to ensure the perfect soft but firm texture.
Can I make this fudge gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your food coloring and sprinkles are gluten-free certified. It’s a great treat for guests with dietary restrictions!
Final Thoughts
Making the Galaxy Swirl Cotton Candy Fudge Recipe is like creating your own little universe of sweetness and color. It’s fun, satisfying, and totally delicious, with a playful flavor that brings out the kid in all of us. I can’t wait for you to try it and watch your friends and family’s faces light up with every bite. Trust me, this fudge will become a treasured favorite in your dessert rotation!
Print
Galaxy Swirl Cotton Candy Fudge Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours (including setting time)
- Yield: 16 squares
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Galaxy Swirl Cotton Candy Fudge is a vibrant and whimsical treat combining the creamy richness of white chocolate fudge with fun cotton candy flavors and a mesmerizing galaxy swirl effect. This easy no-bake recipe uses food coloring to create pink, blue, and purple swirls, perfect for parties or a colorful dessert indulgence.
Ingredients
Fudge Base
- 3 cups white chocolate chips
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon cotton candy extract
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Coloring and Garnish
- Food coloring (pink, blue, and purple)
- Sprinkles or edible glitter (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Dish: Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides to easily lift the fudge out once set.
- Melt Ingredients: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the white chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and unsalted butter. Stir constantly until the mixture is completely melted and smooth.
- Add Extracts: Remove the saucepan from heat. Add the cotton candy extract and vanilla extract, stirring thoroughly to combine the flavors evenly into the smooth fudge base.
- Divide Mixture: Pour the fudge base into three separate bowls, dividing it equally to prepare for coloring.
- Color the Fudge: Add a few drops of pink food coloring to one bowl, blue to the second, and purple to the third. Stir each until the color is fully blended.
- Layer and Swirl: Spoon each colored fudge mixture into the baking dish in alternating layers. Using a toothpick or skewer, gently swirl the colors together to create a beautiful galaxy effect.
- Set the Fudge: Let the fudge firm up at room temperature for 2 to 3 hours or place it in the refrigerator for about 1 hour if you want to speed up the setting process.
- Cut into Squares: Once set, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the fudge out of the baking dish and cut it into 16 equal squares.
- Optional Garnish: Sprinkle edible glitter or sprinkles on top of the fudge squares for extra sparkle and visual appeal.
- Serve: Enjoy your colorful, cotton candy-flavored fudge as a delightful treat for any occasion.
Notes
- Ensure constant stirring when melting chocolate to prevent burning.
- The fudge can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Use high-quality food coloring for vibrant colors without altering the flavor.
- For a firmer fudge, refrigerate rather than leaving at room temperature.
- Optional garnish adds visual appeal but can be omitted if preferred.
