Funnel Cake Donut Recipe

Introduction

Funnel cake donuts are a delightful twist on the classic fair treat, combining the crispy, lacy texture of funnel cake with the convenient donut shape. They’re perfect for frying up a batch at home and dusting with sugar or cinnamon for a sweet snack everyone will love.

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
• Ground cinnamon (for cinnamon sugar coating)
• Chocolate sauce or fruit preserves for dipping

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
2. Step 2: In another bowl, beat the egg, then add the milk and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
3. Step 3: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until you have a smooth batter without lumps.
4. Step 4: Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or pot to 350°F (175°C). Use enough oil to allow the donuts to float while frying.
5. Step 5: Transfer the batter to a squeeze bottle or piping bag with a small round tip. Carefully pipe the batter into the hot oil in a circular donut shape with a lacy pattern, about 3–4 inches in diameter.
6. Step 6: Fry each donut for about 2–3 minutes, turning once, until golden brown and crispy.
7. Step 7: Use a slotted spoon to remove the donuts and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
8. Step 8: While still warm, dust with powdered sugar or toss in a cinnamon sugar mixture. Serve with chocolate sauce or fruit preserves for dipping.

Tips & Variations

• Use a squeeze bottle for better control when piping the batter into oil, creating a delicate and even lacy pattern.
• For a richer flavor, substitute whole milk with buttermilk or add a pinch of nutmeg to the batter.
• Try dipping the funnel cake donuts in different toppings like caramel sauce, honey, or cream cheese frosting for variety.

Storage

Funnel cake donuts are best enjoyed fresh and warm. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day. Reheat in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving as it may make them soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I bake funnel cake donuts instead of frying?

While frying gives funnel cake donuts their signature crispy texture, you can bake them at 425°F (220°C) on a greased baking sheet for 8–10 minutes, but they won’t be as crispy or light as the fried version.

What can I use if I don’t have a squeeze bottle to pipe the batter?

You can use a piping bag with a small tip or a resealable plastic bag with a tiny corner snipped off to pipe the batter into the oil.

Funnel Cake Donut Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 117 reviews

This Funnel Cake Donut Recipe offers a delightful twist on traditional funnel cakes by shaping the batter into donut forms and frying them to golden perfection. Crispy on the outside and tender inside, these donuts are dusted with powdered sugar or coated with cinnamon sugar, and are perfect for dipping in chocolate sauce or fruit preserves. Ideal for a fun dessert or a sweet snack, this recipe is simple yet indulgent.

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

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

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

Wet Ingredients

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

For Frying and Coating

• Vegetable oil for frying (about 2-3 cups)
• Powdered sugar for dusting
• Ground cinnamon for cinnamon sugar coating
• Chocolate sauce or fruit preserves for dipping

Instructions

1. Prepare the Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat the egg with the milk and vanilla extract until well combined. Gradually add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until you have a smooth, thick batter.
2. Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pan to about 2 inches deep. Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a kitchen thermometer to ensure accurate temperature for frying.
3. Shape and Fry the Donuts: Using a piping bag or a spoon, carefully pipe or scoop the batter into donut shapes directly into the hot oil. Fry the donuts for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to carefully flip them and remove them from the oil once done.
4. Drain Excess Oil: Place the fried donuts on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil and cool slightly.
5. Coat the Donuts: While warm, dust the donuts generously with powdered sugar, or toss them in a mixture of powdered sugar and ground cinnamon to create cinnamon sugar-coated donuts.
6. Serve: Serve the funnel cake donuts warm with chocolate sauce or fruit preserves on the side for dipping. Enjoy fresh for the best texture and flavor.

Notes

• Ensure the oil temperature is consistent to achieve crispy, non-greasy donuts.
• You can adjust the sugar in the batter or coating to your taste preference.
• Store leftover donuts in an airtight container for up to 2 days; reheat briefly before serving.
• Whole milk is recommended for richer flavor, but you can substitute with any milk of your choice.

Keywords: funnel cake donuts, fried donuts, cinnamon sugar donuts, homemade donuts, fair-style donuts, dessert recipe