I don't know about you, but one of my favorite things about summer is funnel cake! If you've ever been to an amusement park or summer carnival, then you have probably had some warm, sugary funnel cake. But did you know you can make it at home? When you try this easy funnel cake recipe I bet you'll agree that it is just as good or better than anything you'd get at a carnival. If you are in a carnival mood, you should check out our Circus Popcorn Cupcakes and our Powdered Sugar Zeppoles.
Jump to:
Why you'll love this Funnel Cake Recipe
- You can make a carnival favorite at home
- So many ways to personalize this - top with whipped cream, ice cream, chocolate sauce, caramel...
- Make it any time of the year!
Ingredients
- milk
- flour
- baking powder
- egg
- powdered sugar
- vegetable oil
- salt
- cinnamon
You will need a candy thermometer and a Funnel for this recipe.
This funnel cake recipe makes 4 large funnel cakes.
How to Make Funnel Cake
Heat oil to 375 degrees in a large skillet. While the oil is heating, beat the egg and milk together in one bowl and combine flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon and powdered sugar in another bowl. Mix the wet ingredients and dry ingredients together and whisk until the batter is smooth.
When the temperature of the oil has reached 375 degrees, pour the batter mixture into a funnel, holding your finger over the small opening. We did a practice run to make sure the funnel cake mix was not too thick. We just removed a finger from the opening and poured the batter back into the bowl, making sure it poured out easily.
Hold the funnel with the batter over the hot oil and make a circle with your hand repeatedly to form the cake. We noticed when we added the batter it cooled the oil somewhat and we needed to turn the heat up on the oil.
Fry until the bottom has turned golden brown and turn over and fry the other side.
When both sides are golden brown, remove from oil and drain on paper towels.
You'll want to serve these warm with some powdered sugar dusted on top. An easy way to add the powdered sugar is by using a small strainer and shaking it over the funnel cake.
How good does that look? At this point you can serve it as is, or go wild with toppings. Whipped cream, berries, chocolate syrup, ice cream - I've seen all these things on funnel cakes.
This fair funnel cake recipe was a huge hit with the kids. The powdered sugar made for quite a mess, but it was so worth it! If you love funnel cake but not gluten, try this gluten free funnel cake.
Funnel Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup of milk
- 1 cup of flour
- ½ teaspoon of baking powder
- 1 Egg
- 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar for making the batter and more for dusting
- 4 cups of vegetable oil
- ¼ teaspoon of salt
- ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon
Instructions
- Heat oil to 375 degrees in a large skillet.
- While the oil is heating, beat the egg and milk together in one bowl and combine flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon and powdered sugar in another bowl.
- Mix the wet and dry ingredients together until the batter is smooth.
- When the oil has reached 375 degrees, pour the batter into a funnel, holding your finger over the small opening.
- Hold the funnel with the batter over the oil and make a circle with your hand repeatedly to form the cake.
- Fry until the bottom has turned golden brown and turn over and fry the other side.
- When both sides are golden brown, remove from oil and drain on paper towels.
- Use a small strainer to shake powdered sugar over the funnel cake.
Notes
Nutrition
The nutritional info is showing a lot more fat and calories than are actually in the recipe because it uses 4 cups of oil for frying. Most of the oil is not absorbed.
This nutritional information is approximate and was calculated using online calculators. Your nutritional information may vary depending on numerous factors.
Frequently asked questions
This batter is best used as soon as it is made. If you need to refrigerate it, I would try and use it within a day. I recommend freezing funnel cake batter and letting it thaw in the refrigerator before using.
You can freeze funnel cake between sheets of wax paper. To reheat, let them thaw and then place in a 350 degree oven until it becomes crispy.
Eat At Home Meal Plans
Have you heard about Eat At Home Meal Plans? If the cost of eating out or the decision of what to make for dinner each night is stressing you out, then you must try these. When you sign up, you get access to four separate meal plans each month (Traditional, Wholesome Traditional, Slow Cooker, and No Flour/No Sugar). All you do is print the plans, color-coded grocery lists, and recipes you want for that month. Don't worry, there are lots of options, so even picky eaters will find something they like.
Then when it is time for dinner, make that night’s recipe (choices include make-ahead, freezer meals, slow-cooker recipes, and other time-saving strategies).
That's it! Dinner is on the table and you can enjoy a home cooked meal with the family – without the stress!
We all have more important things to do than meal planning. Let someone else do it for you with Eat At Home Meal Plans. Monthly, quarterly and annual plans are available.
Vicky
Thank you so much Sue! This is super helpful especially coming from someone of your expertise. Will be trying your technique next time!