Funnel Cake

By
Carroll Pellegrinelli
Carroll Pellegrinelli
Expert baker and published author, Carroll Pellegrinelli shares her knowledge of bread baking and desserts.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 11/2/21
Funnel Cake
Dirk Richter/Getty Images
Prep: 15 mins
Cook: 2 mins
Total: 17 mins
Servings: 24 servings
Yield: 2 large funnel cakes
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
72 Calories
5g Fat
6g Carbs
1g Protein
Show Full Nutrition Label Hide Full Nutrition Label
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 24
Amount per serving
Calories 72
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 5g 6%
Saturated Fat 1g 3%
Cholesterol 9mg 3%
Sodium 45mg 2%
Total Carbohydrate 6g 2%
Dietary Fiber 0g 1%
Total Sugars 2g
Protein 1g
Vitamin C 0mg 0%
Calcium 23mg 2%
Iron 0mg 2%
Potassium 24mg 1%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

Sometimes the best part of a carnival, street festival, or county fair is the food, and a standout example is the funnel cake. This popular fried dough treat is actually simple enough to make at home, requiring basic ingredients you probably already have in your pantry and fridge, and a simple tool that gives the dessert its name: a funnel.

To make the batter, flour, baking powder, and salt are whisked together and then added to a combination of eggs, milk, and sugar and beaten until nice and smooth. Then the batter is poured into a funnel and swirled into hot oil to create a uniquely shaped treat that is crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside.

This recipe is enough to make two large funnel cakes or four small ones. They are delicious served warm sprinkled with powdered sugar, but feel free to get creative with other toppings. Try cinnamon-sugar, apple or cherry pie filling, ice cream, Nutella, caramel sauce, whipped cream, or a combination of a few for a more decadent dessert.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour

  • 3/4 teaspoon baking powder

  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

  • 1 large egg

  • 1 cup plus 1 tablespoon milk

  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

  • Oil for frying

  • Confectioners' sugar, optional

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

  2. Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl and mix with a wire whisk.

  3. In a separate large bowl, beat the egg with the milk. Add the sugar and stir to dissolve.

  4. Add the dry ingredients to the egg mixture and beat, using a hand or electric mixer, until smooth.

  5. Heat at least 1 inch of oil to 375 F in either a deep fryer or a skillet.

  6. To form each funnel cake, place one finger over the hole at the bottom of the funnel. Carefully fill the funnel with batter.

  7. Over the hot oil, remove your finger and allow the batter to drizzle into the oil, making circular or other shapes. Cook for 1 minute; using tongs or two spatulas, turn over the funnel cake.

  8. Cook until golden brown, about another minute or so. Remove and drain on paper towels.

  9. Sprinkle with the confectioner's sugar, if desired, or use other toppings.

  10. Serve warm and enjoy.

Deep-Frying Tips

Although this may seem like a fun recipe to get the kids involved in, cooking food in hot, bubbling oil can be dangerous. To make deep-frying safe and simple, make sure to use the best oil for frying, the right pan, and a deep-fry thermometer. And keep the little ones away from the stove when making the funnel cakes.