How To Make Funnel Cakes (with video!)

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Funnel cakes are the only reason I go to the fair! Just like at the carnival, this deep fried sweet treat has a light, airy batter that’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Although funnel cakes are made of simple ingredients, there are a few tips and tricks you need to make them perfectly! Here’s how to make funnel cakes right at home.

What is a funnel cake?

Funnel cakes are delicately sweet, deep fried treats popular at American carnivals and fairs. They are made from a light batter, similar to pancake mix and their name comes from the batter being poured through a funnel to achieve its unique shape. They are served fresh out of the oil and sprinkled with powdered sugar and can also be topped with fruit fillings, caramel, chocolate, or whipped cream.

Simple ingredients

I have to say my favorite part of making funnel cakes is the simple ingredients. They’re made with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. All you need is:

• All purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Granulated sugar
• Milk
• Egg
• Vanilla extract
• Powdered sugar
• Vegetable oil

How to make funnel cakes

Here’s an overview of the process. See the full recipe details below!

1. Combine the dry ingredients.
   
   
2. Whisk together the milk, egg, and vanilla extract.
   
   
3. Gently stir the milk mixture into the dry ingredients.
   
   
4. Pour the batter into a piping bag.
   
   
5. Squeeze the batter into the hot oil and cook until golden brown.
   
   

FAQs

1. Why won’t my funnel cake stick together?
   – When forming the funnel cake in the hot oil, it can sometimes separate. This is caused by a thin or watery batter. Solution: use a heaping cup of flour. This isn’t a baking recipe so it’s OK to dig your measuring cup right into the flour when measuring.
2. Can I refrigerate the batter or the funnel cake for later use?
   – Great question! Both the batter and the funnel cake itself can be stored in the fridge for later. You can store either in the fridge for up to two days, although I recommend storing the batter versus a cooked funnel cake.
3. Do funnel cakes, get soggy?
   – Unfortunately, funnel cakes lose their crisp texture as they cool down.
4. How can I reheat my homemade funnel cake?
   – Funnel cakes can be saved even if it gets soggy or if you refrigerated it overnight! Just remove any toppings as best you can then pop it in the air fryer at 350°F for about 2 to 3 minutes and it’s literally good as new!
5. Can I substitute whole milk for another type of milk?
   – Yes! This recipe will work with pretty much any milk, even the dairy free stuff!
6. Why does my funnel cake have holes?
   – If the oil is not hot enough or if the batter is too thin, it can result in a spongy looking funnel cake with holes like the one pictured below.
   
   
   

This recipe works and here’s why!

Funnel cakes are so exciting to eat and now you can make them yourself! My homemade funnel cake recipe is foolproof, easy to make, and tastes just like the ones at the carnival. My recipe is made with simple ingredients and there’s no special kitchen equipment required. I’m so excited to share this recipe with you, don’t forget to leave me a comment if you give this recipe go!

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