How to Make Funnel Cake: A Step-by-Step Guide
Funnel cake is a crispy, sweet treat that is popular at fairs and carnivals. It is made from a batter that is poured through a funnel into hot oil, creating a delicate and airy pastry. Funnel cake can be served with a variety of toppings, such as powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar, or fruit.
Making funnel cake at home is easy and only requires a few simple ingredients. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make funnel cake:
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, and vegetable oil.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and whisk until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Heat a large pot or Dutch oven filled with 2 inches of vegetable oil to 375 degrees F.
- Place a funnel over the pot and fill it with the batter.
- Hold the funnel about 6 inches above the oil and slowly pour the batter into the oil, creating a spiral shape.
- Fry the funnel cake for 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
- Remove the funnel cake from the oil and drain it on paper towels.
- Serve the funnel cake immediately with your favorite toppings.
Tips
- For a crispier funnel cake, fry it at a higher temperature (375-400 degrees F).
- For a more tender funnel cake, fry it at a lower temperature (350-375 degrees F).
- If you don’t have a funnel, you can use a plastic bag with the corner cut off.
- Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this will make the funnel cake tough.
- If the funnel cake starts to brown too quickly, reduce the heat.
- Serve the funnel cake immediately with your favorite toppings, such as powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar, fruit, or ice cream.
Variations
- Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the batter for a sweeter flavor.
- Add a tablespoon of cinnamon to the batter for a cinnamon-flavored funnel cake.
- Top the funnel cake with fresh fruit, such as strawberries, blueberries, or bananas.
- Drizzle the funnel cake with chocolate syrup or caramel sauce for a decadent treat.
FAQ
Q: What is funnel cake made of?
A: Funnel cake is made from a batter that is poured through a funnel into hot oil, creating a delicate and airy pastry.
Q: How do you make funnel cake batter?
A: To make funnel cake batter, whisk together 1 cup all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons sugar, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Then, in a separate bowl, whisk together 1 egg, 1 cup milk, and 1 tablespoon vegetable oil. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and whisk until just combined.
Q: What is the best oil to fry funnel cake in?
A: The best oil to fry funnel cake in is vegetable oil. Vegetable oil has a high smoke point, which means it can be heated to a high temperature without burning.
Q: How long do you fry funnel cake for?
A: Fry funnel cake for 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
Q: What can I top funnel cake with?
A: Funnel cake can be topped with a variety of toppings, such as powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar, fruit, or ice cream.
Q: Can I make funnel cake ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make funnel cake ahead of time. To do so, fry the funnel cake as directed and then let it cool completely. Store the funnel cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. When you’re
