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Funnel Cake

Funnel Cake: A Carnival Classic at Home

Funnel Cake

Craving the sweet, crispy delight of a funnel cake but don't have a carnival nearby? Fear not! This homemade funnel cake recipe brings the classic fairground treat straight to your kitchen. Best of all, you don't need a fancy funnel or a deep fryer to achieve that perfect golden crunch. With just a few simple ingredients and a stovetop, you can indulge in this irresistible dessert any day of the week.

Ingredients

  • 8 cups vegetable oil for frying
  • 1 ½ cups milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup confectioners’ sugar

Equipment

  • Large bowl
  • Whisk
  • Deep fryer or heavy skillet
  • Paper towels
  • Funnel (optional)

Instructions

Preparing the Batter:

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the milk and eggs until well combined.
  2. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, whisking continuously until a smooth batter forms.

Frying the Funnel Cakes:

  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy skillet to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Pour about 1 cup of batter into a funnel or a squeeze bottle. If you don't have a funnel, you can use a ziplock bag with a small corner cut off.
  3. Hold the funnel or bag close to the hot oil and slowly squeeze out the batter in a circular motion to create a spiral shape.
  4. Fry the funnel cake for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
  5. Remove the funnel cake from the oil and drain on paper towels.

Serving:

  1. Generously dust the hot funnel cake with confectioners’ sugar.
  2. Serve immediately while still warm and crispy.

Tips for Perfect Funnel Cakes

  • Oil Temperature: Maintaining the correct oil temperature is crucial for achieving a crispy exterior and a tender interior. Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature.
  • Batter Consistency: The batter should be smooth and pourable but not too thin. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk or flour as needed.
  • Funnel or Squeeze Bottle: While a funnel is traditional, a squeeze bottle or ziplock bag with a corner cut off works just as well.
  • Drainage: Allow the funnel cakes to drain completely on paper towels before adding the powdered sugar. This prevents a soggy mess.
  • Toppings: Get creative with your toppings! Try adding fresh fruit, whipped cream, chocolate sauce, or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.

Now you can enjoy the thrill of the fair at home with this simple and delicious funnel cake recipe. With a few easy steps, you'll have crispy, golden-brown treats that are sure to impress your family and friends. So gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and get ready to indulge in this classic carnival favorite.

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