Bring the taste of the carnival into your own kitchen with my Funnel Cake recipe. My easy recipe can be made in just 15 minutes on the stove–no funnel or deep fryer required! Recipe includes a how-to video!
Carnival-Worthy Funnel Cakes
If your annual summer checklist includes grabbing a funnel cake and some caramel popcorn from your local carnival or beachside snack shack, you’ll definitely want to save this recipe! While I’m not suggesting you skip your annual tradition, I am suggesting that perhaps you could enjoy this treat more than once a year. From the comfort of your own kitchen. In your pajamas. Okay, the last part isn’t necessary, but let’s be real, funnel cakes are essentially breakfast food…right (if fried donut holes count, these certainly do)?!
Despite the frying step, it’s actually very easy to make funnel cakes. If you’re not familiar with frying, I do suggest you watch the video included below for some helpful tips. But really though, this recipe is great for beginners, and it comes together so quickly too!
Why you’ll love my recipe:
- Tastes just like the funnel cake you get at the carnival (if not better!).
- Incredibly simple; you only need a handful of pantry staples.
- So fast! It takes just minutes from start to finish.
- NO funnel required–I’m sharing my favorite, funnel-free method!
What You Need
Funnel cake batter is similar to a pancake batter; in fact this recipe is a variation of my buttermilk pancakes. You’ll need a few ingredients, including:
- Flour. Regular, all-purpose flour works. Do NOT use self-rising flour.
- Milk. Pretty much any kind will work, but my preference is whole milk. You may need more milk than I call for to get your batter to the right consistency, I’ve never needed more than 1 cup but enough people have mentioned that they’ve needed to add more in their own kitchen that I like to mention that it’s OK to add more liquid if needed!
- Vanilla extract. This is optional, but it will make your funnel cakes taste sweeter and richer.
- Powdered sugar. For sprinkling on top. The more the merrier!
SAM’S TIP: Powdered sugar is a popular topping, but so it cinnamon sugar! To make some, simply combine 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon and ½ cup granulated sugar and sprinkle/dust over your warm funnel cake.
Remember, this is just an overview of the ingredients I used and why. For the full recipe please scroll down to the bottom of the post!
How to Make Funnel Cake
- Whisk the dry ingredients until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients, then gradually stir in the dry ingredients until the batter is smooth and no large lumps remain.
- Heat 2-3″ of oil over medium-low until it reaches the proper temperature, then slowly drizzle a thin stream of batter in a zig-zag pattern into the hot oil.
- Fry on each side until golden brown, then remove to a paper towel-lined plate.
- Dust your funnel cake with powdered sugar and enjoy!
SAM’S TIP: It’s very important that you pour a thin stream while constantly moving; otherwise, you could end up with big clumps of batter that are golden brown on the outside and raw in the center.
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s easy! Simply portion some of the batter into a measuring cup and pour it in a thin stream in a circular/criss-cross/zig-zag into the hot oil. This method is the easiest to clean up and has the smallest chance of spills–I love it!
If you are having trouble getting a thin stream, you can also pour your batter into a piping bag fitted with a large round tip (½″ diameter). Plug the tip with your finger, portion the batter, and then pipe it into the oil.
I recommend using a neutral oil for in my funnel cake recipe. Vegetable, canola, or peanut oil all work great for this recipe and are my frying oils of choice for frying everything from apple fritters to fried pickles.
Yes! You can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days.
I hope this recipe inspires some sweet, summertime memories for you ❤
Enjoy!
Let’s bake together! I’ll be walking you through all the steps in my written recipe and video below! If you try this recipe, be sure to tag me on Instagram, and you can also find me on YouTube and Facebook
Funnel Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (236 ml) whole milk¹ (or more, if needed, see note 1)
- 2 large eggs lightly beaten
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract optional
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Powdered sugar for dusting funnel cakes
Recommended Equipment
- Heavy-bottomed pot
- Measuring cup with spout
Instructions
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well-combined.2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour, 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon salt
- In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and vanilla extract (if using) until well-combined.1 cup (236 ml) whole milk¹, 2 large eggs, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- While whisking, gradually add dry ingredients to wet, stirring until mixture is smooth and combined. Set aside.
- Fill a medium-sized saucepan 2-3” deep with vegetable oil. Set on stovetop over medium-low heat and place a candy thermometer in the oil (make sure the tip of the thermometer is in the middle of the oil and not touching the bottom or it will read hotter than the actual temperature of the oil). Heat oil to 370-375F (187-190C).Vegetable oil
- Once oil is heated, portion about ⅓ – ½ cup of batter into a liquid measuring cup². Slowly drizzle batter into oil in a thin stream, swirling and criss-crossing the batter over itself. Fry on each side until golden brown (about 90 seconds per side) then remove to a paper-towel lined plate.
- Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm.Powdered sugar
- Repeat with remaining batter but make sure that oil returns to temperature in between batches.
Notes
¹Milk
If your batter is too thick, add additional milk as needed until your batter reaches a pour-able consistency. Some people have needed to add as much as ½-3/4 cup milk.²Funnel
If you have a funnel, you can of course use that instead! You’ll need a clean funnel with a ½″ opening. Use your finger to plug the bottom of the funnel and then portion ⅓-1/2 cup of batter into the funnel. Hold funnel over oil, remove your finger, and then move the funnel in a circular/criss-cross pattern until all of the batter has been drizzled into the oil.Nutrition
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered an estimate only. Actual nutritional content will vary based upon brands used, measuring methods, cooking method, portion sizes, and more.
Thurston Arnold
Hello, will I be able to make the funnel cakes and take them to another location to serve already prepared?
Sam
Hi Thurston! Funnel cakes are really best served hot and fresh. If it’s possible to transport the batter you could do that and fry them up when you reach your destination. They will still be good, just not as good as fresh from the oil. 🙂
Brook
I tried this recipe exactly the way you said. It turned out way too thick … and after adding a bit more milk to make it pourable it ended up being very tough after cooking. Any idea what went wrong??
Sugar Spun Run
Oh no, I am so sorry to hear this happened Brook! If your batter was too thick and not the right pour-able consistency it could turn out to be tough once cooked. Some people have needed to add as much as 1/2-3/4 cup milk. I reccomend watching the video as a reference for next time. Again, I am sorry that you experienced an issue. Regardless, I do hope that it tasted delicious. 🙂
Richard G Jones
Good day. The funnel cake recipe was a big Smash and my family it was a hit of all deserts. My family wants me to make it again as soon as possible. Thank you for such an easy quick way to make a great desserts.
Sam
I am so glad everyone enjoyed them so much, Richard! 🙂
Mia
I have two questions. Is my batter supposed to be sour? If no, then is there any way to fix it?
Sam
Hi Mia! It shouldn’t taste sour. I wonder if one of your ingredients was bad. I’m not sure there is a way to fix that. 🙁
Mia
It’s alright, I figured out that I put too much vanilla extract. It turned out good after it was cooked.
Debbie R.
Do you have a red velvet funnel cake recipe
Sam
Hi Debbie! Unfortunately I do not, but I can add it to my list of things to make. 🙂
Jules
It tasted yummy- easy recipe!
Sam
I am so glad you enjoyed them so much! 🙂
Gloria
Can I use self rising flour instead of all purpose flour.
Sam
Hi Gloria! Unfortunately I would not recommend it. 🙁
Cora Coleman
The batter its self was wonderful. I made them for my sons five senses poem and he enjoyed it. I did also have to add more milk, and would recommend if you are using a deep fryer to remove the basket before pouring the batter. Definitely will do it again.
Sugar Spun Run
I am so glad that you enjoyed the recipe, Cora. Thanks for commenting. 🙂
Daniela
Excited to try. How long can the batter sit for ? I want to make the batter and bring it to a friends house to fry
Sugar Spun Run
Hi, Daniela! This batter is best when kept cold. You can make the batter in advance and refrigerate it up to five days without any loss of quality. I hope that you and your friend enjoy it! 🙂
Brittany
The Kentucky Derby festival was postponed this year but this recipe made it possible to have my favorite carnival treat that I usually only have there once a year. We had to add a little more milk but the funnel cakes came out perfect. Thank you for the recipe!
Sugar Spun Run
I am so glad that you were able to make your favorite festival treat at home and that you enjoyed it, Brittany! Thank you for trying my recipe. 🙂
Laila
Was amazing,just like the ones I used to buy in America,but better.
Sam
I am so glad you enjoyed the funnel cakes, Laila! 🙂
Jada
Turned out fantastic! I would add about 1/2 cup more milk! But other than that it was delicious 😋🤤
Sugar Spun Run
I am so glad that you enjoyed it, Jada! Thank you for trying my recipe and for commenting. 🙂
Ashley
Delicious! Had to add extra milk. Thanks so much for the recipe!
Sugar Spun Run
I am so glad that you enjoyed it, Ashley! Thanks for trying my recipe. 🙂
Cathlyn Herrera
Had to add a bit extra milk due to thick dough. After that, turned out great. Thank you.
Sam
I’m so glad you enjoyed! Thank you for commenting, Cathlyn!
Paige
I thought it was great!! Very easy to follow.
Sugar Spun Run
Thank you so much, Paige! I am glad that you enjoyed it! 🙂
Jacob
It was like thick bread 🤔
Sugar Spun Run
I am so sorry that the test and texture were not good, Jacob. It should be light, fluffy, with a crisp exterior. It sounds like the flour may have been over measured. This is a common mistake in baking so I have created a guide on how to measure flour that can be used a reference next time. Again, I am so sorry that you had an issue. 🙁