funnel cake

Funnel cake is a popular fried dessert that is commonly found at fairs, carnivals, and amusement parks. It is made by pouring a batter through a funnel or a squeeze bottle into hot oil, creating a web-like pattern. Once fried, the funnel cake is typically dusted with powdered sugar and often served hot.

The main ingredients for cake include all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, milk, eggs, and oil for frying. Some variations may include additional ingredients like vanilla extract or cinnamon for added flavor.

The batter is so quick and easy, you only need 20 minutes to make this fun treat at home. It will feel like a night out and taste better than any funnel cake you’ve ever had. This homemade cake recipe is perfect topped with cinnamon sugar and whipped cream, or a serving of ice cream!

Contents hide

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Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons granulated sugar

1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs

1 1/2 cups milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Vegetable oil, for frying

Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instruction:

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract together.

Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients while whisking, until a smooth batter is formed. Ensure there are no lumps in the batter. Let the batter rest for 10-15 minutes.
Meanwhile, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large, deep skillet or pot over medium heat. The oil should reach a temperature of around 375°F (190°C).
Once the oil is hot, hold a funnel over the skillet and pour about 1/2 cup of batter into the funnel, covering the bottom opening with your finger. Position the funnel close to the oil’s surface and release your finger, moving the cakein a circular motion to create a spiral or web-like pattern. Fry only one funnel cake at a time to maintain control.

Fry the funnel cake for about 2-3 minutes, or until it turns golden brown. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to carefully flip it and fry for an additional 1-2 minutes until both sides are evenly cooked.
Remove the funnel cake from the oil and let it drain on a plate lined with paper towels to remove excess oil.
Repeat steps 5-7 with the remaining batter, adjusting the heat as necessary to maintain a consistent frying temperature.

Once the funnel cakes have cooled slightly, dust them generously with powdered sugar. You can use a sifter or a fine-mesh sieve to distribute the sugar evenly.
Enjoy your homemade cakes!

Tips

Having all the ingredients measured and ready before you start will make the process smoother.

Maintain the oil at around 375°F (190°C) for optimal frying. Use a candy or deep-fry thermometer to monitor the temperature.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract.
Fry each side until golden brown, typically for about 2-3 minutes per side. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to flip the funnel cake.

Fry each side until golden brown, typically for about 2-3 minutes per side. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to flip the funnel cake.
The crispy exterior and soft interior is most enjoyable when consumed right away.

FAQs

Can I make funnel cakes at home?

Yes, these cakes can be made at home! They are relatively simple to prepare. You can find numerous recipes online that provide step-by-step instructions on how to make funnel cakes using basic ingredients like flour, eggs, milk, sugar, and baking powder.

Are funnel cakes vegetarian/vegan-friendly?

Traditional cakes are vegetarian as they typically contain eggs and milk. However, it’s possible to adapt recipes to make them vegan-friendly by using plant-based alternatives like almond milk, flaxseed or chia seed substitutes for eggs, and vegan butter or oil for frying.

Are funnel cakes gluten-free?

Traditional funnel cakes are not gluten-free since they are made with wheat flour. However, gluten-free versions can be made by using gluten-free flour blends or alternative flour like rice flour or almond flour.

How should funnel cakes be stored?

These cakes are best consumed immediately after frying for optimal taste and texture. If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature