It's not a trip to the fair without indulging in a funnel cake. Sweet, crispy, and golden brown, funnel cakes date all the way back to the early medieval Persian world, were Persians would prepare a yeast-risen dough in a vat of hot oil. The funnel cake recipe traveled along to Europe where Pennsylvania Dutch immigrants brought the dish to America. It wasn't until 1879 that cooks substituted baking powder for yeast, ultimately turning it into the treat we know and love today.
But guess what? You don't have to wait for a visit to the county fair (or amusement park) to enjoy the delicious taste of funnel cakes. In fact, making your own homemade funnel cakes is relatively simple and doesn't require any special equipment!
How to Make a Quick Funnel Cake Recipe
Start by heating your vegetable oil (or canola oil) in a large pot over medium heat. There should be at least 2 inches of oil in the pan. Heat oil to 375ºF. You can also use a deep fryer for this recipe.
Next, combine your dry ingredients (all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and any extra spices) in a large bowl. In a separate bowl combine large eggs, vanilla extract, and whole milk. If this reminds you of a pancake batter, you would be on the money!
Combine the dry and wet ingredients with a whisk and transfer the funnel cake batter to a liquid measuring cup or a squeeze bottle. You can also use a funnel spout(hence why it's called funnel cake). Swirl the batter in a circular motion into the hot oil and fry until golden brown on both sides. Remove the cake from the oil and drain on paper towels. Dust with powdered sugar and top with whipped cream, ice cream, and syrups.
10 Of Our Favorite Funnel Cake Recipes
Funfetti Funnel Cake
Sprinkles and Funnel Cake? What more can you ask for?
Strawberry Funnel Cake
This fair funnel cake is topped with a dusting of confectioner's sugar and a homemade strawberry sauce.
Pumpkin Funnel Cake
Can you imagine fall without pumpkin? I can't. This is the best funnel cake to eat while decorating for autumn.
Air Fryer Funnel Cake
No oil here! While it may not be as crunchy as their fried counterparts, it holds up well.
Red Velvet Funnel Cake
?Top this fair food with cream cheese frosting. YUM.
Cheerwine Funnel Cake
A classic at the North Carolina State Fair, this soda-inspired funnel cake is easy to recreate at home.
Caramel Apple Funnel Cakes
Drizzle on that caramel sauce and you've got yourself a treat fit for a king or queen.
Easy Smores Funnel Cake
Topped with graham crackers, hot fudge, and marshmallows, this treat has it all.
Birthday Cake Funnel Cake
Sprinkles and frosting, oh my!
Churro Funnel Cake
If you've ever tried the churro funnel cake from Disneyland, this is an awesome homemade version.
