Funnel Cake Donut Recipe

Introduction

Funnel cake donuts are a delightful twist on a classic fair treat, offering crispy edges and a soft, fluffy interior. Easy to make at home, these sweet fried pastries are perfect for breakfast or an indulgent snack.

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup milk (whole milk preferred)
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Vegetable oil for frying
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk milk, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Step 4: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the batter light.
5. Step 5: Using a spoon or small scoop, carefully drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil. Fry in batches for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Step 6: Remove the donuts with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels or a wire rack.
7. Step 7: While warm, dust with powdered sugar or roll in cinnamon sugar. Serve immediately for the best texture.

Tips & Variations

• For a cinnamon sugar coating, mix ground cinnamon with granulated sugar and roll the donuts in it while still warm.
• Try serving with chocolate sauce or fruit preserves for dipping to add extra flavor.
• Incorporate fresh blueberries or mashed banana into the batter for a fruity twist.
• Use an air fryer for a lighter version by air frying at 375°F for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Storage

Store leftover funnel cake donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them briefly in a toaster oven or microwave to restore crispness. They are best enjoyed fresh.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use skim milk or a milk alternative?

Yes, you can substitute skim milk or plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, but whole milk will yield a richer texture and flavor.

How do I know when the oil is at the right temperature for frying?

Use a kitchen thermometer to ensure the oil reaches 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have one, drop a small amount of batter into the oil—if it sizzles and rises immediately, the oil is ready.

Funnel Cake Donut Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 95 reviews

This Funnel Cake Donut recipe offers a delightful twist on classic carnival funnel cakes by shaping the batter into individual donuts. These golden, crispy treats are fried to perfection and dusted with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar for an irresistible finish. Perfect for a fun snack or dessert, these donuts can also be made in an air fryer for a lighter alternative without compromising the classic taste and texture.

• Author: Dylan
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 8–10 funnel cake donuts 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

• 1/2 cup milk (whole milk preferred)
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Frying and Topping

• Vegetable oil for frying
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Optional Add-ins & Toppings

• Ground cinnamon (for cinnamon sugar coating)
• Chocolate sauce or fruit preserves for dipping
• Fresh blueberries or mashed banana (for variations)

Instructions

1. Heat the oil: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot or fryer to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for frying the donuts.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt to combine the dry components evenly.
3. Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
4. Combine wet and dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the batter light and airy.
5. Fry the donuts: Using a spoon or small scoop, carefully drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil. Fry the donuts in batches for about 2–3 minutes per side, or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
6. Drain and cool: Remove the fried donuts with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels or a wire rack to drain excess oil.
7. Add finishing touches: While the donuts are still warm, dust them generously with powdered sugar or roll them in cinnamon sugar for extra flavor. Serve immediately for best taste.
8. Air fryer alternative: To make donuts in an air fryer, preheat it to 375°F. Lightly spray the basket with oil, drop spoonfuls of batter onto parchment rounds or silicone molds, and air fry for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through. Finish by dusting with powdered sugar.

Notes

• Do not overmix the batter to ensure light and fluffy donuts.
• Maintain the oil temperature at 350°F for perfect frying and to avoid greasy donuts.
• Drain donuts well after frying to remove excess oil.
• Use parchment rounds or silicone molds when air frying to prevent sticking.
• Experiment with optional add-ins like blueberries or mashed bananas for unique flavor variations.
• Serve donuts immediately after frying or air frying for the best texture and flavor.

Keywords: funnel cake donuts, carnival donuts, fried donuts, air fryer donuts, easy dessert, powdered sugar donuts