Description
Make classic, crispy, golden funnel cakes at home quickly. This easy recipe delivers authentic fair-style fried dough.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg, milk, and vanilla extract until combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Whisk until the batter is smooth. Do not overmix; a few small lumps are acceptable.
- Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a deep, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven. Heat the oil to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Use a thermometer to check the temperature.
- Carefully transfer the batter into a funnel with a stopper or a large pastry bag fitted with a plain round tip (about 1/2 inch opening).
- Hold the funnel over the hot oil. Remove your finger from the stopper or start squeezing the bag to let the batter flow out in a continuous stream.
- Move the funnel in a circular motion to create a lattice or crisscross pattern, forming a round shape about 6 inches wide.
- Fry the funnel cake for about 1 to 2 minutes per side, until it is deep golden brown and crispy.
- Use tongs or a slotted spoon to carefully remove the funnel cake from the oil. Place it on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Repeat with the remaining batter, ensuring the oil temperature stays consistent between batches.
- Dust generously with powdered sugar before serving immediately.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, ensure your oil is at the correct temperature before frying. Oil that is too cool results in soggy cakes.
- To achieve the classic fair look, use a standard kitchen funnel with a small piece of aluminum foil rolled up to plug the hole, which you remove to start the flow.
- Serve with your favorite toppings like fresh strawberries, chocolate sauce, or whipped cream.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 15 min
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Deep Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cake
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 15
- Sodium: 300
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Unsaturated Fat: 14
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 40
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 6
- Cholesterol: 45