This is such a common pairing to navigate! Aquarius processes through logic and space, Cancer processes through closeness and feeling - and neither is wrong, they're just different operating systems.

One thing that helps: you don't have to become naturally huggy to meet her needs. Even a few minutes of full, undistracted presence (no phone, actually looking at her) can register as the same safety a more physically affectionate parent gives instinctively. Cancer kids are incredibly attuned to whether you're really there, not just physically present.

Also worth checking your moon sign - if you've got water or earth there, you may have more built-in softness to draw on than you think.

not a parent but I was raised by an aquarius dad and honestly what worked was him learning MY way of needing things instead of expecting me to adapt to his. sounds like you're already doing that just by asking the question tbh