Imagine the irresistible aroma of carnival treats wafting through your home, without ever leaving your kitchen! Funnel cakes are the ultimate indulgence that transport you instantly to summer fairgrounds, with their crispy, lace-like texture and cloud-like dusting of powdered sugar. Whether you're craving a nostalgic treat or want to impress your family with a classic dessert, this easy homemade funnel cake recipe will make you feel like a carnival chef in just 15 minutes!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 funnel cakes
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1 egg
- Oil for frying
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg and then add milk, mixing thoroughly to create a smooth liquid base.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and whisk until the batter is completely smooth and free of lumps. The consistency should be similar to pancake batter.
- Heat vegetable or canola oil in a deep, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven to 375°F (190°C). Use a deep-fry thermometer to ensure accurate temperature.
- Transfer the batter to a funnel or a squeeze bottle with a wide opening for easy pouring.
- Hold the funnel or squeeze bottle over the hot oil and drizzle the batter in a circular, web-like pattern, creating overlapping circles and lines.
- Fry each funnel cake for approximately 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown, flipping once halfway through cooking.
- Remove the funnel cake using a slotted spider or metal spatula, allowing excess oil to drain on a wire rack lined with paper towels.
- Repeat the process with remaining batter, ensuring oil returns to the correct temperature between batches.
- Once cooled slightly, generously dust the funnel cakes with powdered sugar using a fine-mesh sieve.
- Serve immediately while warm and crispy, optionally garnishing with fresh berries or chocolate sauce.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Use a deep-fry thermometer to maintain oil at exactly 375°F for the crispiest, non-greasy result.
- Batter Consistency Matters: Your batter should be smooth and flow easily, similar to pancake batter. Whisk thoroughly to eliminate lumps.
- Drizzling Technique: For beautiful, intricate patterns, move your funnel or squeeze bottle in a circular motion, creating overlapping web-like designs.
- Oil Safety: Always use a deep, heavy-bottomed pan and never fill more than halfway with oil to prevent splattering.
- Serving Suggestion: Dust with powdered sugar just before serving to keep the sugar looking fresh and prevent it from absorbing moisture.Pro Hack: For extra flavor, try adding a dash of vanilla extract to your batter or experimenting with different toppings like chocolate sauce, fresh berries, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 55mg
