If you’ve ever wished to capture the magic of a night sky in a dessert, Galaxy Swirl Cotton Candy Fudge is your dream come true. This easy, no-bake treat combines creamy white chocolate, a hint of whimsical cotton candy flavor, and vibrant swirls of blue, pink, and purple, all topped with sparkly edible glitter. Every bite is pure nostalgic fun, yet elegant enough to steal the show at any celebration. Whether you’re hosting a party or just treating yourself to something extraordinary, Galaxy Swirl Cotton Candy Fudge is guaranteed to brighten your day and set imaginations swirling with its eye-catching appearance and melt-in-your-mouth sweetness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
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For the Fudge:
- 3 cups white chocolate chips
- 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon cotton candy extract
For Coloring and Decor:
- Gel food coloring in pink, purple, and blue
- Edible glitter or star-shaped sprinkles for decoration
How to Make Galaxy Swirl Cotton Candy Fudge
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Start by lining an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides to easily lift the fudge out later. This little step makes a huge difference for both presentation and cleanup—and guarantees your cosmic creation pops out in flawless slices.
Step 2: Melt and Mix the Base
In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine your white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk. Stir gently and constantly—the mixture will go from chunky to fabulously smooth in just a few minutes. Once everything is silky with no lumps, take it off the heat and stir in the cotton candy extract while the mixture is still warm and easy to work with.
Step 3: Divide and Color
Pour your fragrant fudge base evenly into three bowls. Now, squeeze in your chosen gel food coloring: pink, purple, and blue. Stir each bowl until the colors are bold, bright, and truly reminiscent of a nebula. Have fun with it—you want splashes of color that stand out when swirled together.
Step 4: Swirl the Galaxy
Using a spoon, drop random spoonfuls of each colored mixture into your prepared pan until all is used up. Grab a knife or wooden skewer and gently swirl the colors together, just enough to create a marbled, galactic effect. There’s no right or wrong here—just try not to overmix, so your beautiful colors stay vibrant and distinct.
Step 5: Add the Sparkle and Chill
Time to bring your galaxy to life! Immediately sprinkle the top with edible glitter or star-shaped sprinkles while the fudge is still soft, so everything sticks. Slide the dish into the fridge for at least 2 hours, or until the fudge is firm enough to slice cleanly. Once chilled, lift the fudge out using the parchment and cut it into 16 stellar squares. For picture-perfect slices, warm your knife with hot water, dry it, then slice away.
How to Serve Galaxy Swirl Cotton Candy Fudge
Garnishes
A little extra shimmer takes this fudge straight into astral territory. Dust the top with extra edible glitter, arrange extra star sprinkles, or even top each square with a tiny edible pearl for a “planet” effect. These little finishing touches are like a sprinkle of stardust just before lift-off.
Side Dishes
Galaxy Swirl Cotton Candy Fudge is fabulous on its own, but if you’re hosting a themed gathering, set it beside fresh berries, a bowl of pastel-hued popcorn, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Citrus sorbet makes a fun, zippy contrast to the sweet fudge, balancing every bite in a playful yet elegant way.
Creative Ways to Present
Get whimsical with your serving style! Stack the fudge squares on a star-shaped plate, arrange them in constellation patterns, or serve them in mini cupcake wrappers for mess-free party treats. For birthdays or parties, you can even package them up in holographic bags with a space-themed tag—your guests will feel like they’re taking home a piece of the universe!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Galaxy Swirl Cotton Candy Fudge keeps its magical flavor and texture for up to a week if stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Separate the layers with parchment to keep the swirls and sparkles looking fresh—no smudging allowed! Bring to room temperature for a few minutes before serving for the creamiest bite.
Freezing
If you want to make a batch for later, simply freeze the fudge squares in a single layer, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll stay delicious for up to 2 months. Allow frozen fudge to thaw in the fridge before serving for best texture and appearance (and to avoid condensation ruining that sparkle).
Reheating
Fudge doesn’t actually need reheating, but if you find yours a bit too firm straight from the fridge or freezer, let it sit out on the counter for 10 to 15 minutes. The squares will soften just enough to reveal their creamy, melt-in-your-mouth magic all over again.
FAQs
Can I use regular food coloring instead of gel?
For the most vivid galaxy swirls, gel food coloring is best—it delivers richer color without adding extra liquid that could affect your fudge’s texture. If you only have liquid food coloring, use just a drop or two per bowl to keep the mixture thick and creamy.
What can I use instead of cotton candy extract?
If you can’t find cotton candy extract, vanilla or almond extract works beautifully. The fudge won’t have that exact nostalgic flavor, but it will still be absolutely delicious and dreamy with the same galactic look.
How do I prevent the fudge from sticking to the pan?
Lining your pan with parchment paper is key! Make sure there’s enough overhang to grab the fudge and lift it out in one piece. This makes for easy slicing and serving—without any sticky struggles.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Absolutely! Just use a 9×13-inch pan and double all the ingredients. The chill time may be a little longer, so make sure the fudge is fully set in the center before cutting. Your crowd is about to be seriously impressed.
How do I keep the swirls from getting muddy?
Drop the colored fudge mixtures in random spoonfuls and swirl gently with a skewer or butter knife—less is more! You want the colors to stay distinct for that true Galaxy Swirl Cotton Candy Fudge effect, so stop swirling when you’re happy with the pattern.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dessert that looks as enchanting as it tastes, Galaxy Swirl Cotton Candy Fudge is a showstopper that never disappoints. It’s playful, surprisingly easy, and guaranteed to spark smiles—so gather your ingredients and get ready to create a batch of edible stardust you’ll want to share with everyone!
