Funnel Cake

5 from 1 vote
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This funnel cake recipe is made with just a handful of ingredients in under 10 minutes. The funnel cakes are finished off with a dusting of powdered sugar for a sweet and delicious bite.

I love a good fried fair dessert but this homemade version is so much better! Some of my other favorite carnival foods include deep-fried Oreos and Philly cheesesteak sandwiches.

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Funnel cake up close with powdered sugar on top.

Growing up my brother and I would devour these in seconds at the boardwalk. Crispy dough topped off with sugar after a long beach day? Yes, please. These are so ridiculously delicious and super easy to make! If you’ve never tried them before, you are going to love them.

What Is Funnel Cake Made Of?

  • All-Purpose Flour
  • Baking Powder
  • Vanilla Extract – optional
  • Eggs – Make sure they are at room temperature.
  • Whole Milk
  • Granulated Sugar
  • Salt
  • Powdered Sugar
ingredients in small bowls and a measuring cup.

How To Make Funnel Cake Step By Step

  1. Begin by heating 2 inches of oil to 375 degrees F.
  2. While the oil heats up, add the eggs, vanilla extract, milk, and granulated sugar to a large bowl and mix well.
  3. Add the flour, salt, and baking powder to the wet ingredients and mix until well incorporated.
  4. While covering the funnel with one finger, pour 3/4 cups of batter into the funnel. Drop the batter into the oil in a swirling motion. Fry on both sides for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown. Remove it from the oil and place it on a wire rack.
  5. Sprinkle with powdered sugar and serve warm.
funnel cake frying in a cast-iron skillet on the stovetop.

Top Tips And Flavor Variations

  • Not a fan of confectioners sugar? Serve with ice cream, whipped cream, and chocolate syrup instead!
  • Other fun toppings you can add are walnuts, caramel sauce, cherry pie filling, sprinkles, and crushed Oreo cookies.
  • For a perfect funnel cake, use a thermometer and make sure the oil reaches 375 degrees F otherwise it can fall apart.
  • For best results, use a funnel with a 7/16″ spout.
  • If you don’t have a funnel, use a piping bag instead.

What Is The Difference Between Fried Dough And Funnel Cakes?

The difference is that funnel cake is made with baking powder while fried dough is made with yeast.

What Kind Of Oil Should I Use?

Any neutral high heat oils such as vegetable oil, canola oil, peanut oil, or safflower oil are all great options.

Can I Make This Ahead Of Time?

You may certainly prepare the batter ahead of time and refrigerate it, but I highly recommend frying the funnel cakes when you’re ready to serve them.

funnel cake on a white plate.

More Delicious Desserts To Try

These red velvet fried Oreos are another summer classic favorite. This buttermilk chocolate cake is another delicious dessert option you’ll love!

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Funnel cake up close with powdered sugar on top.
5 from 1 vote

Funnel Cake

This funnel cake recipe is made with just a handful of ingredients in under 10 minutes. The funnel cakes are finished off with a dusting of powdered sugar for a sweet and delicious bite.
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 4 minutes
Total: 9 minutes
Servings: 6
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Equipment

  • Funnel

Ingredients 

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/8 tsp salt
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 3 eggs, room temperature
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • oil, for frying
  • powdered sugar , to taste

Instructions 

  • Begin by heating 2 inches of oil to 375 degrees F. 
  • While the oil heats up, add the eggs, vanilla extract, milk, and granulated sugar to a large bowl and mix well. 
  • Add the flour, salt, and baking powder to the wet ingredients and mix until well incorporated. 
  • While covering the funnel with one finger, pour 3/4 cups of batter into the funnel. Drop the batter into the oil in a swirling motion. Fry on both sides for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown. Remove it from the oil and place it on a wire rack. 
  • Sprinkle with powdered sugar and serve warm. 

Video

Notes

  • Not a fan of confectioners sugar? Serve with ice cream, whipped cream, and chocolate syrup instead!
  • For a perfect funnel cake, use a thermometer and make sure the oil reaches 375 degrees F otherwise it can fall apart.
  • If you don’t have a funnel, use a piping bag instead.

Nutrition

Calories: 344kcal | Carbohydrates: 61g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 90mg | Sodium: 117mg | Potassium: 340mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 251IU | Calcium: 172mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 4 minutes
Total Time: 9 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Servings: 6
Calories: 344
Keyword: Funnel Cake, Homemade funnel cake, How to make funnel cake
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5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

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