Funnel Cake Recipe
This Funnel Cake recipe allows you to recreate a fairground classic right at home. With simple ingredients like flour, milk, eggs, and sugar, you can make a crispy, golden funnel cake that's perfect for any occasion. The process involves mixing the batter, heating the oil, and shaping the cake into a spiral before frying it until golden brown. Finish with a dusting of powdered sugar, or get creative with additional toppings like chocolate syrup, fresh berries, or whipped cream. Homemade funnel cakes are easy, fun to make, and sure to satisfy any sweet craving!
Equipment
- Mixing Bowls – To combine dry and wet ingredients.
- Whisk – For mixing the batter until smooth.
- Funnel or Squeeze Bottle – To pour the batter into the hot oil in a controlled manner.
- Deep Frying Pan, Skillet, or Deep Fryer – To heat the oil and fry the funnel cakes.
- Thermometer – To monitor the oil temperature and ensure it's at 375°F (190°C).
- Slotted Spoon or Tongs – To carefully flip and remove the funnel cakes from the hot oil.
- Paper Towels – To drain excess oil from the cooked funnel cakes.
- Plate – To place the funnel cakes on once fried.
- Sifter or Fine Mesh Strainer – For dusting powdered sugar over the funnel cake. (Optional)
Ingredients
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Optional toppings:
- Chocolate syrup
- Whipped cream
- Fresh berries
- Caramel sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the Batter:In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, combine the milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and whisk until smooth. The batter should be slightly thick but pourable. Let the batter rest for 5 minutes.
- Heat the Oil:In a deep-frying pan or skillet, heat about 4 cups of vegetable oil over medium-high heat to 375°F (190°C). Use a thermometer to check the temperature, or test with a small drop of batter—it should sizzle immediately when dropped into the oil.
- Shape the Funnel Cake:Pour the batter into a funnel or squeeze bottle. Hold the funnel over the hot oil, covering the opening with your finger. Release your finger and allow the batter to pour out, forming a spiral shape. Start from the center and work outward, overlapping the batter slightly as you go.
- Fry the Funnel Cake:Fry the funnel cake for 2-3 minutes on one side until it turns golden brown and crispy. Flip it gently using tongs or a slotted spoon, and fry for another 2-3 minutes on the other side.
- Serve:Once both sides are golden and crispy, remove the funnel cake from the oil and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Dust generously with powdered sugar and serve warm with optional toppings like chocolate syrup, whipped cream, or fresh berries. Enjoy!
Notes
-
Oil Temperature is Crucial:
Maintaining the right oil temperature (375°F / 190°C) is key to achieving a crispy, golden funnel cake. If the oil is too hot, the cake may burn quickly. If it's too cool, the batter will absorb too much oil and become greasy. -
Rest the Batter:
Letting the batter rest for about 5 minutes helps the ingredients blend more evenly and thickens the batter slightly, making it easier to control when pouring into the hot oil. -
Don't Overcrowd the Fryer:
Fry one funnel cake at a time to prevent the oil temperature from dropping. If you add too many cakes at once, they may cook unevenly and turn out soggy. -
Safety First:
Always handle hot oil with care. Use long tongs or a slotted spoon to flip the funnel cakes and remove them from the oil. Make sure to place the fried funnel cakes on paper towels to drain excess oil. -
Serving Immediately:
Funnel cakes are best served right after frying when they’re hot and crispy. They can lose their crunch if left to sit too long, so make sure to serve them fresh. -
Topping Options:
While powdered sugar is traditional, feel free to get creative with toppings. Chocolate syrup, whipped cream, fresh berries, or even ice cream can make your funnel cake even more indulgent. Adjust the calories accordingly based on your topping choices. -
Gluten-Free Option:
For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that works well in frying.