Description
This easy funnel cake recipe uses simple pantry staples like pancake mix to create a classic fair food treat at home. Lightly crispy and golden brown, these funnel cakes are deep-fried and topped with powdered sugar and your favorite toppings, offering a perfect sweet snack or dessert in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Batter
- 2 cups Pancake Mix
- 1 Egg
- 1 cup Milk
- 1/4 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 2 teaspoons Vegetable Oil
For Frying
- Oil (enough for deep frying, around 3 inches deep)
Toppings
- 1/2 cup Powdered Sugar
- Topping(s) of Your Choice (e.g., fresh fruit, chocolate sauce, whipped cream)
Instructions
- Prepare the Batter: In a mixing bowl, combine the pancake mix, egg, milk, vanilla extract, and 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil. Mix on high speed until the batter is smooth and thick but not runny.
- Heat the Oil: Pour oil into a deep skillet or heavy pot (such as a Dutch oven) to a depth of about 3 inches. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches the appropriate frying temperature (generally around 350°F or until a small drop of batter sizzles when tested).
- Pipe the Funnel Cake: Transfer the batter into a piping bag and cut a small tip off the end. Carefully drizzle the batter into the hot oil in a circular, swirling motion to form a loose lattice pattern. Use slightly over half the batter per cake.
- Fry and Flip: Fry the funnel cake for about 2 minutes, then gently press it down with a spatula to ensure the top fries evenly. Continue frying until the cake is golden brown on both sides.
- Drain and Cool: Using tongs or a spatula, remove the funnel cake from the oil and place it onto paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Add Toppings: Generously dust the warm funnel cake with powdered sugar and add any additional toppings you desire such as fresh fruit, whipped cream, or syrup.
- Serve: Serve immediately while warm and enjoy a homemade taste of fair food fun.
Notes
- Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to achieve a crispy texture and prevent greasiness.
- You can use a sturdy plastic sandwich bag if you don’t have a piping bag, just cut a small hole in the corner.
- Try alternative toppings like cinnamon sugar, chocolate drizzle, or fresh berries for different flavor twists.
- Exercise caution when frying to avoid burns and do not overcrowd the skillet; fry one funnel cake at a time for best results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 funnel cake
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
