Description
This easy and delicious Funnel Cake recipe uses pantry-friendly pancake mix to create a crispy, golden fried treat reminiscent of fairground favorites. With a quick batter mix and simple frying method, you can enjoy this classic American dessert topped with powdered sugar and your choice of sweet accompaniments in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Funnel Cake Batter
- 2 cups pancake mix
- 1 cup milk
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
For Frying and Serving
- Vegetable oil, for frying (about 2 inches deep)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare the batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pancake mix, milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and granulated sugar until you achieve a smooth batter. The consistency should be slightly thicker than traditional pancake batter but still pourable to allow for easy funneling.
- Heat the oil: Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a deep skillet or pot and heat over medium-high until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Using a candy or deep-fry thermometer ensures accurate temperature for perfectly cooked funnel cakes.
- Form the funnel cakes: Pour the batter into a funnel or squeeze bottle. If using a funnel, cover the hole with your finger until ready to drizzle. Carefully drizzle the batter into the hot oil in a circular and crisscross pattern to build the classic funnel cake lattice shape.
- Fry until golden: Cook each funnel cake for 1 to 2 minutes per side, flipping carefully with tongs when edges begin to crisp and bottoms turn golden brown. The cakes should be crisp and cooked through.
- Drain and serve: Remove the funnel cakes from the oil and set them on paper towels to drain any excess oil. Repeat the frying process with the remaining batter. Once slightly cooled, dust generously with powdered sugar and serve immediately with optional toppings like whipped cream, chocolate syrup, or fresh fruit.
Notes
- If the batter is too thick to drizzle easily, add additional milk one tablespoon at a time until it flows smoothly.
- For added flavor, try mixing in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter.
- Creative toppings such as whipped cream, chocolate syrup, or fresh berries make this classic dessert even more delightful.
- Maintain oil temperature between batches to ensure consistent frying results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 funnel cake
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
