This easy funnel cake donut is a crisp, sweet snack you can make at home. Read on for simple steps and tips.
introduction
Funnel Cake Donut Recipe – A Fun & Easy Carnival-Style Dessert is a small, fried cake you can make in minutes. This recipe uses simple batter and cooks fast. For other easy recipes that pair well with treats, try this butternut squash lentil soup for a warm meal.
why make this recipe
This recipe is quick and fun. It needs few ingredients you likely have at home. Kids will love the hands-on part and the sugar coating. It also works for small parties or a quick treat after dinner. If you like hearty, simple meals to pair with sweets, see this easy chili with beans for a filling main dish.
how to make Funnel Cake Donut Recipe – A Fun & Easy Carnival-Style Dessert
Follow the directions below for safe frying or use the air fryer method if you prefer less oil. Work in small batches and keep an eye on the oil temperature. Use a slotted spoon to remove the donuts and drain well.
Ingredients :
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk (whole milk preferred)
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Ground cinnamon (for cinnamon sugar coating)
- Chocolate sauce or fruit preserves for dipping
- Fresh blueberries or mashed banana (for variations)
Directions :
- Heat oil in a deep pot or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk milk, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
- Pour wet ingredients into dry and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Using a spoon or small scoop, carefully drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil. Fry in batches for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels or a wire rack.
- While warm, dust with powdered sugar or roll in cinnamon sugar. Serve immediately.
Air fryer directions:
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F.
- Spray the basket lightly with oil.
- Drop batter by spoonfuls onto parchment rounds or silicone molds.
- Air fry 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Dust with powdered sugar after cooking.
how to serve Funnel Cake Donut Recipe – A Fun & Easy Carnival-Style Dessert
Serve warm for the best texture and flavor. Dust with powdered sugar or roll in cinnamon sugar. Offer chocolate sauce, fruit preserves, or fresh berries for dipping. For a sweet party table, place them in a basket with small bowls of toppings. You can find more ideas for holiday sweets in these Christmas dessert recipes.
how to store Funnel Cake Donut Recipe – A Fun & Easy Carnival-Style Dessert
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day. Reheat in an oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes or in an air fryer for 2–3 minutes to refresh the crisp. Do not leave them out more than a day for best quality.
tips to make Funnel Cake Donut Recipe – A Fun & Easy Carnival-Style Dessert
- Do not overmix the batter. A few lumps are fine.
- Keep oil at 350°F for even cooking.
- Fry in small batches to keep oil temperature steady.
- Drain donuts well on paper towels or a rack.
- Try small shapes or different toppings for fun. See more spring and holiday ideas in this Easter American desserts list.
variation (if any)
- Blueberry: Fold fresh blueberries into the batter or top with a blueberry sauce.
- Banana: Mix mashed banana into the batter for a banana flavor.
- Cinnamon sugar: Mix powdered sugar with cinnamon and roll the warm donuts in it.
- Filled: Make a small hole and pipe in fruit preserves or chocolate.
FAQs
Q: Can I bake these instead of frying?
A: Baking changes the texture. Use the air fryer method for a lower-oil option.
Q: How do I know the oil is the right temperature?
A: Use a thermometer. The oil should be about 350°F (175°C). If you do not have a thermometer, drop a small bit of batter in oil; it should sizzle and rise to the surface quickly.
Q: Can I make the batter ahead?
A: You can mix the dry and wet ingredients separately and combine just before cooking. For best rise, fry soon after mixing.
Q: Are these safe for kids to help make?
A: Yes, but keep kids away from the hot oil. Let them help with mixing, scooping batter, and dusting with sugar.
Conclusion
If you want a classic funnel cake flavor and method, this Funnel Cake Recipe – Sugar Spun Run page has more tips and the full funnel cake technique to try.
Funnel Cake Donut
Ingredients
Method
- Heat oil in a deep pot or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk milk, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
- Pour wet ingredients into dry and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Using a spoon or small scoop, carefully drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil. Fry in batches for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels or a wire rack.
- While warm, dust with powdered sugar or roll in cinnamon sugar. Serve immediately.
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F.
- Spray the basket lightly with oil.
- Drop batter by spoonfuls onto parchment rounds or silicone molds.
- Air fry 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Dust with powdered sugar after cooking.