These scrumptious Funnel Cakes are so easy to make. You can bring the carnival home to your kitchen anytime. These fun, crispy treats have never tasted so good straight out of the pan and sprinkled with powdered sugar. Surprise the little ones today with all those fond summer fair memories.
Some food can be so darn nostalgic, and fair food certainly falls into that category. It brings back such wonderful memories of good times with friends and family going on amusement rides, listening to good music, and playing ring toss, and skeeball. And let’s not forget the delicious fairground food. Corn Dogs, Navajo Tacos, and Blooming Onions are just a few of our family favorites.
How to make Funnel Cakes
First, in a large bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, and vanilla. Then in another bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Now add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients whisking until the mixture is smooth and combined.
Next, in a medium-sized heavy pan, heat the oil to 375 degrees. Pour the batter into a measuring cup with a spout. Slowly drizzle about 1/2 cup of the mixture into the hot oil in a circular motion and then crisscross to connect them. Cook until golden brown on the bottom (less than 2 minutes). Then flip and brown the other side. Next, remove to paper towels to drain and then sprinkle with powdered sugar. For best results, serve warm. See full recipe instructions below.
Recipe notes and helpful tips
- To measure the flour, spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off with the back of a table knife.
- When the batter is dropped into the oil, the funnel cake will naturally take on the shape and size of the pan in which you are frying it. So keep that in mind when choosing a pan. I use an 8-inch pot for these.
- Use a measuring cup with a spout (see picture above) or a thin funnel that flows fairly slowly. The measuring cup with a spout is much easier and less messy.
- A candy thermometer attached to the side of the pot will help you control the temperature of the oil. The oil rises when there is nothing in the pot and drops when you add the batter. Turn up or down the heat to try to maintain a somewhat constant oil temperature. A little bump up or down works best.
- Don’t get too wrapped up in the drizzling process. A slow, steady drizzle in a swirling motion followed by a crisscross pattern connecting those circles together is all you need. Somehow it all seems to work out just fine without working too hard on it.
- For best results, I recommend using the batter soon after mixing it; however, I have had good results using it up to 24 hours after mixing it. Always store the batter in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
How to make funnel cakes without a funnel
With all the kitchen gadgets that a good cake has, is it really necessary to purchase yet another one? Absolutely not! I use a large measuring cup with a spout. Just pour it in a slow, steady stream. Pour the funnel cake batter into a circular swirl, followed by crisscrossing zig-zag lines connecting the swirl together. You will find after 1 or 2 cakes that you have this down pat, and it becomes an effortless breeze.
Fun Funnel Cake Toppings
- Sugar – powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar
- Fresh fruit and whipped cream – strawberries, blueberries, blackberries or raspberries
- Ice cream – vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry
- Sauce – chocolate sauce or caramel sauce
- Other toppings – sprinkles, toasted coconut, chopped chocolate, chopped pecans, chopped walnuts
More sweets you will love!
Homemade Funnel Cakes
These fun and easy Funnel Cakes are crispy, hot, and delicious! Better than any fair cakes, these are made right in the confines of your own kitchen in less than twenty minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 cakes
- Category: dessert
- Method: fried
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- vegetable oil or canola for frying
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, and vanilla. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients whisking until the mixture is smooth and combined.
- In a medium-sized heavy pot or Dutch oven, heat oil to 375 degrees. Pour batter into a measuring cup with a spout. Slowly drizzle about 1/2 cup of the mixture into the hot oil in a circular motion and then crisscross to connect them. Cook until brown on the bottom (less than 2 minutes). Flip and brown the other side.
- Remove to paper towels to drain, and then sprinkle with powdered sugar. For best results, serve warm.
Notes
- To measure the flour, spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off with the back of a table knife.
- When the batter is dropped into the oil, the funnel cake will naturally take on the shape and size of the pan in which you are frying it. So keep that in mind when choosing a pan. I use an 8-inch pot for these.
- Use a measuring cup with a spout (see picture above) or a thin funnel that flows fairly slowly. The measuring cup with a spout is much easier and less messy.
- A candy thermometer attached to the pot’s side will help you control the temperature of the oil. The oil rises when nothing is in the pot and drops when you add the batter. Turn up or down the heat to try to maintain a somewhat constant oil temperature. A little bump up or down works best.
- Don’t get too wrapped up in the drizzling process. A slow, steady drizzle in circles followed by a crisscross pattern connecting those circles together is all you need. Somehow it all seems to work out just fine without working too hard on it.
- For best results, I recommend using the batter soon after mixing it; however, I have had good results using it up to 24 hours after mixing it. Always store the batter in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Keywords: how to make funnel cake, funnel cake recipe, easy funnel cake
On the hunt for more delicious recipes? Follow Small Town Woman on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.
https://www.smalltownwoman.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Beth-1.pdf
Christiana Acha
So this is the first time I’m hearing about funnel cakes, they look so good. I’m such a huge cake lover, can’t wait to try it sometime soon.
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Christiana! Enjoy!
briannemanzb
This easy funnel cake lets us enjoy a delicious old-fashioned treat without going to a county fair. I loved it.
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Brianne! So happy that you loved it!
Debbie
I love these funnel cakes. This recipe is perfect for the winter when there aren’t any fairs, carnivals, or festivals happening!
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
So true!
Julie
Funnel cakes are one of my favorite treats. They make fond summertime memories come alive. Great recipe!
★★★★★
Rosey
What a fun idea to make these. They remind me of being a kid and going to the fair!
Ntensibe Edgar
Ooohhhh…I am seeing funnel cakes for my very first time. They look lovely and unconventional! Thanks for sharing your recipe.
Steph S
I had no idea that these are so easy to make! Thank you so much for this, love funnel cakes! YUM!
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
You are most welcome Steph!
Mila R
I heard that these funnel cakes are so easy to make and are delicious. I’m going to try it this weekend.
briannemanzb
These funnel cakes are one of the best desserts I’ve ever had. I had to ask for help from my sister and we had fun making it. Thank you so much
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
The pleasure is all mine. So glad that you enjoyed them and had fun!
Melanie Edjourian
I’ve not seen these before. I’d love to try making funnel cakes as I do like to try experimenting with different recipes.
★★★★★
Tweenselmom
This is a unique recipe! I’d love to bake more cakes so I’m adding this one on the list, thanks!
★★★★★
Sara | mshealthesteem.com
I’ve actually had never had a funnel cake before! You inspired me to give them a try and they were delicious and easy.
Bryan
Funnel cakes are one dessert item that most anyone will love! I try to add fresh fruit, too, so there is at least a little nutrition.
Talya Stone
I’ve never seen anything like this before! Looks super yummy and very easy to make. I love how it doesn’t have to look perfect.
Escape Lounge
These Funnel Cakes are the best dessert. They remind me of my childhood. They’re also my favorite place to stop at a carnival or fair. I love when they add different toppings too.
★★★★★
Heather
We make funnel cakes at home all the time. They are so easy and so delicious. My kids love them.
Grasyah
looks like a delish cake!! I missed cooking for the family.. Pinned it also!
Alexis
I absolutely adore everything about funnel cakes. This recipe is amazingly simple and delicious!
★★★★★
Milton Coyne
The first time i saw this cake was from a YouTube video. I find it very intriguing so i decided to watch it.. it seems very fun to make and very simple and quick recipe too.. I will definitely try this one day
★★★★★
Rose Ann Sales
I was imagining a different kind of funnel cake hehe. I haven’t tried this one. I bet it taste great too.
★★★★★
Kushigalu
Funnel cakes are my favorite carnival food. This looks delicious
★★★★★
Clarice
Wow! That looks delicious and easy to make. I would love to try making these funnel cakes. Thank you for sharing your notes and tips. Will keep in mind to choose the right pan.
Marysa
I have never tried making funnel cakes, but they are soooo good! This would be a nice treat to try making.
Elise Ho
I have never even heard of a funnel cake and I came to California. It is amazingly popular.
★★★★★
Thena
Funnel cakes are my favorite thing to get at fairs and now I can make them at home! Thank you so much for sharing this recipe!
Rosey
Oh yes, let’s bring the carnival home. These look fun to make!!
Nicz Escat
This funnel cake look so delicious. It’s more easier to make because the recipe is printable.
★★★★★
Fransic verso
This looks yummy, and better yet it’s easy and we can make it at home. Great guide on how to make it.
Ashley t
This is one of my favorite foods!! I would love to try and make them one day.
Saïda
Looks so delicious! Xx
Lubna
It’s been ages since I had these….looks delicious…thank you for the detailed recipe.
★★★★★
Alice
I haven’t had funnel cake in years — I’ll try your recipe over the weekend.
★★★★★
Katherine
These funnel cakes are awesome! Thanks for such detailed instructions.
★★★★★
Dannii
I have heard of funnel cake, but I have never tried one. They look amazing though.
★★★★★
Maria
Recipe sounds fun and by the looks of the image, it looks good too. My kids would love this.
★★★★★
Pavani
These funnel cakes turned out absolutely delicious and they are so easy to make. Made these for my kids and they loved them. Thank you for the recipe.
★★★★★
Allyssa
Thank you so much for this funnel cakes recipe, tasted really good and super easy to make! Highly recommended!
★★★★★
Lisalia
My favorite fair-grounds treat that I can make at home? YES please!! These were easy and so so good. Especially fresh and hot!
★★★★★
Biana
The funnel cake is the perfect summer dessert. Yours looks great!
★★★★★
Emily Flint
We just got back from the zoo where they served elephant ears and I immediately thought a funnel cake would be so much better, LOL. I’m so glad I found your recipe, it was easy to follow and everyone loved it!
★★★★★
Kath
Huge fan of yours and can’t wait to try this…my grandson is gonna love this!
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks Kath! Have fun cooking them. They bring back such wonderful memories.
Petro
This sounds fun, delicious and easy, the perfect recipe for us! My little one will love helping me make these!
★★★★★
Cathleen
I love funnel cakes so much, but I have always been too intimidated to make them myself. I think with your guidance, I am feeling a lot more comfortable trying my hand at this. Thanks so much for the recipe 🙂
★★★★★
Tavo
I love the recipe! It was so easy to make and super quick! Perfect treat and I loved your toppings suggestions. We made ours with blueberries and tasted great!
★★★★★
Anaiah
I have not been to an amusement park for years and have missed funnel cakes so much. Thank you for this recipe! It was so fun to make with the kids and tasted AMAZING!
★★★★★
Seema Sriram
The recipe notes that you have are such great pointers to get this recipe perfect. I love the way you have dusted it with powdered sugar, looks like snow!!
★★★★★
Gavin Sutherland
It’s been a minute since I had funnel cake and when I saw this recipe I knew I had to make one again. It tasted AMAZING and was really easy to follow too!
★★★★★
Vidya Narayan
Love what I see here – Absolutely decadent. Love the topping ideas and the detailed recipe with notes. Can’t wait to try these.
★★★★★
Dannii
I have heard of funnel cakes, but never knew what they were. These look amazing. Total comfort food.
★★★★★
Bintu | Recipes From A Pantry
I am definitely going to try making these, they sound amazing! I love funnel cakes but don’t have them very often.
★★★★★
Tara
What a fun and nostalgic treat to make at home! It especially looks so good topped with all that powdered sugar. My kids will love this so much.
★★★★★
Biana
Such fun summer dessert! Your funnel cake looks amazing.
★★★★★
Andrea
The grandkids and I are going to have so much fun gobbling these funnel cakes up.
★★★★★
Catalina
Funnel cake is one of my favorite. The best one for sure!
★★★★★
Erin | Dinners, Dishes and Dessert
These Funnel Cakes would disappear in our house!
★★★★★
Krystle
SO good, tastes just like the fair. I served mine with ice cream like you suggested and they were out of this world.
Jo
Fantastic funnel cakes! Such a great mix of textures and sweetness, everyone in the family loved it!
★★★★★
Amanda
I will never turn down a funnel cake, these look fantastic!
Sara Welch
Always my favorite at the state fair! Glad I found your recipe to make from the comfort of my own home; they were spot on delicious!
★★★★★
Irina
I read a lot about Funnel Cakes and was curious to know if it is difficult to make. Well, it is not difficult at all. A few ingredients, less than an hour, and the cakes are ready. I made the recipe today, and it turned out perfect!
★★★★★
Sharon Chen
This cake looks yummy! Can’t wait to try it this weekend 🙂
★★★★★
Denay DeGuzman
These funnel cakes taste just like those sold at the State Fair. So easy to make and so delicious!
★★★★★
Anjali
I love funnel cakes!!! They are one of my favorite summertime treats – we often get them whenever we go to the local fair. Can’t wait to try this homemade version too!
★★★★★