Cotton candy adds a fun and colourful touch to cakes, but many bakers wonder: Does cotton candy melt on buttercream? The short answer is yes. The moisture in buttercream causes cotton candy to dissolve quickly. Let’s explore why this happens and how you can prevent it from melting too fast.
Why Does Cotton Candy Dissolve?
Cotton candy consists of sugar, which absorbs water from the air and any surface it touches. Since buttercream contains both moisture and fat, it speeds up the melting process. Once cotton candy touches the frosting, it starts to lose its fluff and structure.
For example, this cotton candy cake shows how quickly the candy can melt when placed on buttercream.
How to Slow Down the Melting
You can’t completely stop cotton candy from melting, but you can delay it. One effective way is to add a barrier between the candy and the frosting, like a thin layer of melted chocolate or wafer paper. This method works well for cakes such as carrot cake with cream cheese frosting, helping the cotton candy stay intact for longer.
The Effect of Different Frosting Types
Some frostings affect how fast cotton candy melts. American buttercream, for example, contains more moisture, which makes the candy dissolve faster. In contrast, Swiss and Italian meringue buttercreams contain less moisture, so the candy holds up a bit longer.
Best Practices for Decorating with Cotton Candy
If you want to decorate cakes with cotton candy, follow these tips:
- Add the candy right before serving: This limits how long it’s exposed to moisture.
- Use a low-moisture frosting: Meringue-based buttercreams work better than American buttercream.
- Store the cake in a cool, dry place: High humidity speeds up the melting process.
For more creative ideas, check out these lemon cheesecake crescent rolls for a fun combination of fluffy toppings and light frosting.