Making funnel cake at home is a fun and delicious treat! Here's a basic recipe for homemade funnel cake:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/4 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Heat the Oil: Fill a large, deep skillet or pot with vegetable oil to a depth of about 1-2 inches. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 375°F (190°C). Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature of the oil.
2. Prepare the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and granulated sugar until well combined. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, then add the milk and vanilla extract and whisk until smooth. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, whisking until you have a smooth batter.
3. Fill the Funnel Cake Bottle: If you have a funnel cake bottle or squeeze bottle, pour the batter into the bottle, leaving some space at the top. If you don't have a funnel cake bottle, you can use a large zip-top plastic bag and cut off a corner to create a makeshift piping bag.
4. Fry the Funnel Cakes: Once the oil has reached the correct temperature, carefully squeeze the batter in a swirling motion into the hot oil. Start from the center and work your way outwards to create a circular shape. You can also make zigzag patterns or other designs if you prefer. Be cautious not to overcrowd the skillet or pot; fry the funnel cakes in batches as needed.
5. Fry the funnel cakes for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to carefully flip the funnel cakes halfway through cooking.
6. Drain and Serve: Once the funnel cakes are cooked, carefully remove them from the hot oil and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Repeat the frying process with the remaining batter.
7. Dust with Powdered Sugar: Sprinkle the warm funnel cakes generously with powdered sugar just before serving. You can also serve them with additional toppings such as whipped cream, chocolate sauce, fruit preserves, or ice cream if desired.