These scrumptious Funnel Cakes are so easy to make. You can bring the carnival home to your kitchen anytime. These fun and crispy treats taste so good straight out of the frying pan and sprinkled with powdered sugar. Surprise the little ones today with all those fond summer fair memories.
Some food can be so nostalgic, and fair food certainly falls into that category. It brings back 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, walking tacos, and toasted ravioli are just a few of our family favorites.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
See the complete list of ingredients below on the recipe card.
- Milk: Whole milk is best
- Eggs: Please use large eggs for this recipe
- Vanilla extract: Use the pure stuff, please
- Oil: Use any neutral oil with a high-smoke point like canola, vegetable, or peanut.
Preparation Tips
- 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 or a thin funnel that flows pretty 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 a swirling motion, followed by a crisscross pattern connecting those circles, is all you need. It all seems to work out just fine without you working too hard.
How to Make Funnel Cakes Without a Funnel
With all the kitchen gadgets a good cook has, is it necessary to purchase yet another one? Absolutely not! I use a large measuring cup with a spout. Just pour the batter in a slow, steady stream. Pour the funnel cake batter into a circular swirl, followed by crisscrossing zig-zag lines connecting the swirl. After one or two cakes, you will find that you have this down pat, and it becomes an effortless breeze.
Funnel Cake Toppings
- Sugar: dust with 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 Sweet Treats
Funnel Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ 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.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
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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.