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Easy Homemade Funnel Cake Recipe for Crispy Fairground Treats

Close-up of freshly fried, golden brown funnel cake recipe generously dusted with white powdered sugar on a white plate.
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Make the best crispy, golden funnel cake at home with this simple recipe. You get that classic fairground texture in under 30 minutes using basic ingredients.

Ingredients

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  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for flavor)
  • 1 1/2 cups milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Vegetable oil, for deep frying
  • Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions

  1. Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon until mixed.
  2. Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, and vanilla extract.
  3. Mix batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Whisk until just combined. Do not overmix; a few small lumps are fine. This is the best funnel cake batter base.
  4. Heat oil: 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 monitor the temperature for best results.
  5. Fry the cake: Transfer the batter into a funnel with a small opening, or use a large piping bag fitted with a plain round tip (about 1/2 inch opening). Hold the funnel over the hot oil and quickly move your hand in a circular motion while letting the batter stream out to create a crisscross pattern, forming a funnel shape.
  6. Cook until golden: Fry the funnel cake for about 1 to 2 minutes per side, until it is deep golden brown and crispy.
  7. Drain excess oil: Carefully lift the funnel cake out of the oil using tongs or a slotted spoon. Place it on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain the excess oil.
  8. Serve immediately: Dust generously with powdered sugar while the funnel cake is still warm. Serve this quick fried dessert right away for the best crispy edges and soft centers.

Notes

  • For extra crispy edges, make sure your oil temperature stays steady at 375°F. If the oil is too cool, the dough will soak up too much oil and become soggy.
  • If you want a carnival dessert experience, top your funnel cake with fresh strawberries and whipped cream instead of just powdered sugar.
  • You can add 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a slightly different flavor profile in your homemade funnel cake.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://littlekitchendiary.com/funnel-cake-recipe-easy-crispy-homemade/