Funnel Cake Recipe: From Pancake Mix

Who doesn’t love a good funnel cake? The crispy, golden dough topped with powdered sugar is a classic carnival treat that can now be enjoyed in the comfort of your own home. And the best part? You can make it using pancake mix!

Ready to make your own homemade funnel cakes? Gather your ingredients and give this recipe a try! Don’t forget to share your creations with us in the comments below.

What are funnel cakes?

Funnel cakes are a popular sweet snack that are made by pouring batter through a funnel into hot oil and frying until crispy and golden brown. The batter is typically made from flour, sugar, milk, eggs, and baking powder, and is poured in a circular motion to create a lacy, delicate pattern.

Once cooked, funnel cakes are often dusted with powdered sugar or cinnamon and sugar and served warm. They are a popular fair and carnival food, but can also be found at some amusement parks, sporting events, and other outdoor festivals.

Funnel cakes are believed to have originated in medieval Europe and were originally known as “drechterkuchen” or “drizzle cakes.” They were traditionally made by pouring batter through a funnel into hot fat or oil and frying until golden brown.

Today, funnel cakes remain a popular treat and can be enjoyed in many different variations, including topped with whipped cream, fruit, or even chocolate sauce.

What do you need to make funnel cakes

:: Funnel

:: Large mixing bowl

:: Whisk

:: Deep fryer or a large, heavy-bottomed pot

:: Tongs

:: Paper towels

These supplies and tools will help you create a crispy and delicious funnel cake. You may also want to use a thermometer to check the temperature of the oil while frying, and a slotted spoon to remove any small bits of batter that may fall into the oil. Additionally, you can use a sifter or a fine mesh strainer to dust the powdered sugar evenly over the finished funnel cake.

Tips for the perfect funnel cakes

Here are some tips to help you make the perfect funnel cakes:

Use a clean, dry funnel: Make sure your funnel is clean and dry before using it. Any moisture or debris in the funnel can affect the batter consistency and the shape of the funnel cake.

Let the batter rest: After mixing the batter, let it rest for at least 10-15 minutes before using. This allows the gluten to relax and will make the batter smoother and easier to pour.

Keep the oil temperature consistent: It’s important to maintain the oil temperature between 360°F to 375°F to ensure the funnel cakes cook evenly and become crispy. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature and adjust the heat accordingly.

Pour the batter slowly: Pour the batter slowly and in a circular motion to create a spiral pattern. Keep the funnel close to the oil to prevent the batter from splattering.

Flip the funnel cake carefully: Use tongs to flip the funnel cake once the edges turn golden brown. Be gentle to avoid breaking the funnel cake.

Drain the funnel cakes: Transfer the funnel cake to a paper towel-lined plate or a wire rack to drain off any excess oil before dusting with powdered sugar.

Dust the powdered sugar evenly: Use a sifter or a fine mesh strainer to dust the powdered sugar evenly over the funnel cake. This will give it a beautiful appearance and a sweet taste.

By following these tips, you can make delicious and crispy funnel cakes that are sure to impress your family and friends.

How to make funnel cakes with pancake mix

You can make funnel cakes with pancake mix by following these simple steps:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of pancake mix
• 1 cup of milk
• 2 large eggs
• Oil, for frying
• Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pancake mix, milk, and eggs until smooth.
2. Heat about 1-2 inches of oil in a deep fryer or a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat until it reaches 375°F.
3. Once the oil is hot, hold the funnel over the oil and pour about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of batter into the funnel, using your finger to cover the bottom opening of the funnel.
4. Hold the funnel over the hot oil and release your finger, moving the funnel in a circular motion to create a spiral pattern with the batter. Fry for 1-2 minutes on one side, or until golden brown, then flip and fry for another 1-2 minutes on the other side.
5. Use tongs to carefully remove the funnel cake from the oil and transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain off any excess oil.
6. Dust the funnel cake generously with powdered sugar and serve immediately.

Note: You may need to adjust the consistency of the batter by adding more milk or pancake mix to achieve the desired thickness. Additionally, the cooking time may vary depending on the size of your funnel cakes and the temperature of your oil, so be sure to monitor them carefully while frying.

How to top your funnel cakes

Funnel cakes are often served with powdered sugar, but there are many other delicious toppings you can add to your funnel cake to make it even more enjoyable. Here are some ideas:

Chocolate sauce: Drizzle some warm chocolate sauce over the funnel cake for a decadent treat.

Caramel sauce: Add some sticky caramel sauce to your funnel cake for a sweet and gooey topping.

Fruit: Top your funnel cake with sliced strawberries, bananas, or any other fruit you like.

Whipped cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream on top of your funnel cake for a light and fluffy topping.

Ice cream: Serve your funnel cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious and indulgent dessert.

Nutella: Spread some Nutella over your funnel cake for a chocolate-hazelnut twist.

Jam or jelly: Spread some strawberry, raspberry, or any other type of jam or jelly over your funnel cake for a fruity topping.

Experiment with different combinations of toppings to find your favorite flavor profile. No matter what you choose, your funnel cake is sure to be a hit!

What to serve with funnel cakes

Funnel cakes are often served as a dessert or a sweet snack, and they can be enjoyed on their own or paired with other delicious treats. Here are some ideas for what to serve with funnel cakes:

Ice cream: Serve your funnel cake with a scoop of vanilla, chocolate, or your favorite ice cream flavor for a decadent dessert.

Fresh fruit: Add some sliced strawberries, bananas, or other fruit on the side to balance out the sweetness of the funnel cake.

Coffee: Pair your funnel cake with a hot cup of coffee for a perfect combination of sweetness and bitterness.

Lemonade or iced tea: Enjoy your funnel cake with a refreshing glass of lemonade or iced tea on a hot summer day.

Milkshake: Blend up a milkshake to serve alongside your funnel cake for a fun and indulgent treat.

Fried chicken or corn dogs: For a savory twist, serve your funnel cake alongside some fried chicken or corn dogs for a fair-inspired meal.

These are just a few ideas, but the possibilities are endless! Get creative and have fun experimenting with different combinations to find your perfect match.

Why is my funnel cake falling apart?

There could be a few reasons why your funnel cake is falling apart:

Batter consistency: The batter for funnel cakes should be thick enough to hold its shape but thin enough to pour through the funnel. If the batter is too thick, the funnel cake will be heavy and not cook through properly. If the batter is too thin, the funnel cake will be too delicate and fall apart easily. Make sure to follow the recipe and adjust the consistency as needed.

Oil temperature: If the oil is not hot enough, the funnel cake will absorb too much oil and become soggy, causing it to fall apart. On the other hand, if the oil is too hot, the outside of the funnel cake will cook too quickly and the inside will remain raw, making it difficult to handle. Make sure the oil is at the right temperature before frying the funnel cake.

Cooking time: Overcooking the funnel cake can also cause it to become too crispy and brittle, making it more likely to fall apart. Be sure to cook the funnel cake until it is golden brown, but not too dark.

Handling: The funnel cake should be handled delicately after it is removed from the oil. If it is handled too roughly, it can break apart. Use a slotted spoon or tongs to remove the funnel cake from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.

By paying attention to these factors, you can ensure that your funnel cake holds together and has a crispy, golden-brown exterior.

This easy funnel cake recipe is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth any time of year. With just a few simple ingredients, you can make this classic carnival treat in the comfort of your own home. So why wait for the fair to come to town? Try this recipe today!