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Easy Crispy Homemade Funnel Cake Recipe

Close-up of golden brown, crispy funnel cake recipe portions heavily dusted with white powdered sugar on a white plate.

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Make classic, fair-style funnel cake at home with this simple recipe. This batter yields a crispy exterior and a tender interior, perfect for dusting with powdered sugar.

Ingredients

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  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Vegetable oil, for frying
  • Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg, milk, and vanilla extract until combined.
  3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; do not overmix the batter. A few small lumps are acceptable.
  4. Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a deep, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven. Heat the oil to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature.
  5. Carefully transfer the batter to a funnel with a small stopper or your finger closing the opening. Hold the funnel over the hot oil.
  6. Release your finger and quickly move the funnel in a circular or zigzag motion to create a lattice pattern, filling the pan without overcrowding.
  7. Fry for about 1 to 2 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
  8. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to carefully remove the funnel cake from the oil. Place it on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
  9. Repeat with the remaining batter, ensuring the oil temperature stays consistent between batches.
  10. Dust generously with powdered sugar before serving immediately.

Notes

  • For a crispier cake, ensure your oil temperature is accurate (375°F). If the oil is too cool, the cake will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
  • If you do not have a funnel, you can use a large zip-top bag, snip a small corner off, and use that to pipe the batter.
  • Serve with fresh berries or chocolate sauce for extra flavor.

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