Classic Deep-Fried Funnel Cakes

Basic Funnel Cake with Strawberries

The Spruce / Diana Rattray

Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 30 mins
Total: 40 mins
Servings: 20 to 30 servings

The classic funnel cake is one of America's favorite carnival treats. The batter for the deep-fried dough is poured through the narrow opening of a funnel into deep hot fat while the funnel swirls to make the circular pattern. No two will be alike! It might take a little practice to get the batter just the right consistency, but after a few cakes, you'll be a pro.

You can top these classic funnel cakes with strawberries and whipped cream (pictured), but there are so many ways to serve them. Make them a dessert with confectioners' sugar, berries, a lemon, Nutella, or chocolate sauce, or serve them as a breakfast treat with maple syrup and fruit or a fruit sauce. 

The origin of the funnel cake in the U.S. is unclear, but many attribute the cakes to the Pennsylvania Dutch region. Others believe they were first created on the New Jersey boardwalks.

Ingredients

Steps to Make It

  1. In a mixing bowl, whisk the eggs with the milk.

  2. Sift together the flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder; add to eggs and milk. Beat until very smooth.

  3. Heat oil in deep-fryer to 370 F. Holding the funnel with 1 finger keeping the opening closed, fill with batter.

  4. Hold the funnel over the hot oil. Remove your finger from the end of the funnel and allow the batter to run out in a stream into the hot fat. Move funnel from the center, swirling outward in a circular pattern. 

  5. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes, until golden brown. Transfer fried funnel cakes to paper towels to drain. Shake sifted confectioners' sugar over drained funnel cakes.

  6. Makes 20 to 30 funnel cakes, depending on size.

  7. Note: You can also use a plastic condiment container or squeeze bottle to drizzle the batter. You might have to cut the top opening to make it large enough to pipe the batter.

Variations

  • For a doughnut-like flavor, add about 1 teaspoon of grated nutmeg and a pinch of cinnamon along with 1 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla extract.

A Few Deep Fryer Safety Tips

  • Always keep a metal lid nearby when deep frying. If oil reaches the smoking point and cooking continues, it could ignite. Quickly put a metal lid over the pot if this happens. Never try to put a grease fire out with water.

  • If using an electric deep-fryer, keep the fryer and the cord well out of reach of children.

 

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
143 Calories
6g Fat
20g Carbs
3g Protein
×
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 20 to 30
Amount per serving
Calories 143
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 6g 8%
Saturated Fat 1g 4%
Cholesterol 20mg 7%
Sodium 99mg 4%
Total Carbohydrate 20g 7%
Dietary Fiber 0g 2%
Total Sugars 7g
Protein 3g
Vitamin C 0mg 0%
Calcium 52mg 4%
Iron 1mg 5%
Potassium 48mg 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.)

Recipe Tags: