Funnel Cake Donut Recipe – A Fun & Easy Carnival-Style Dessert Recipe

Introduction

Funnel cake donuts bring the fun and flavor of carnival treats right to your kitchen. With a crispy golden exterior and a tender inside, these easy-to-make donuts are perfect for sharing and dipping in your favorite sauces.

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
• Fresh blueberries or mashed banana (for variations)

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 the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Step 4: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
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 on each side, until golden brown.
6. Step 6: Remove the donuts with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels or a wire rack.
7. Step 7: While still warm, dust the donuts with powdered sugar or roll them in cinnamon sugar. Serve immediately with chocolate sauce or fruit preserves for dipping.
8. Step 8: For an air-fried version, preheat the air fryer to 375°F.
9. Step 9: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil.
10. Step 10: Drop batter by spoonfuls onto parchment rounds or silicone molds placed in the basket.
11. Step 11: Air fry for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking.
12. Step 12: Dust with powdered sugar after cooking and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• Add fresh blueberries or mashed banana to the batter for a fruity twist.
• Use whole milk for richer flavor, but you can substitute with any milk you have on hand.
• Serve with cinnamon sugar or powdered sugar depending on your preference.
• For a lighter option, opt for the air fryer method which reduces oil usage.

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 air fryer to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the donuts soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of flour?

All-purpose flour works best for the right texture, but you can try using cake flour for a lighter result. Avoid whole wheat as it may affect the crispiness.

Is it safe to reuse frying oil?

You can reuse frying oil once or twice if it has been strained and stored properly, but it’s best to use fresh oil for the best taste and texture.

Funnel Cake Donut Recipe – A Fun & Easy Carnival-Style Dessert Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 383 reviews

• Author: Matteo
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Enjoy a whimsical carnival-style treat with this Funnel Cake Donut recipe, perfect for frying or air frying at home. These golden, crispy donuts are light and fluffy on the inside, dusted with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar, and great for dipping in chocolate sauce or fruit preserves. Easy to make and fun to share!

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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 Cooking and Serving

• Vegetable oil for frying
• Powdered sugar for dusting
• Ground cinnamon (for cinnamon sugar coating)
• Chocolate sauce or fruit preserves for dipping
• Fresh blueberries or mashed banana (optional variations)

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Instructions

1. Heat the oil: Preheat vegetable oil in a deep pot or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C), ensuring the oil is hot enough to properly fry the donuts.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
3. Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and homogenous.
4. Form the batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients and stir gently 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, frying in batches. Cook each side for 2 to 3 minutes until the donuts are golden brown and cooked through.
6. Drain excess oil: Remove the fried donuts with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels or a wire rack to drain any excess oil.
7. Dust and serve: While still warm, dust the donuts with powdered sugar or roll them in cinnamon sugar. Serve immediately with optional dips like chocolate sauce or fruit preserves.
8. Alternative air fryer method – Preheat air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F.
9. Prepare the basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking.
10. Air fry the donuts: Drop spoonfuls of the batter onto parchment rounds or silicone molds designed for air frying. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even browning.
11. Finish and serve: Once cooked, dust with powdered sugar and serve warm.

Notes

• Do not overmix the batter to maintain a light, fluffy texture.
• Ensure the oil temperature is maintained at 350°F for perfect frying results.
• You can customize flavors by adding fresh blueberries or mashed banana into the batter.
• The air fryer method is a healthier alternative that still yields crispy donuts with less oil.
• Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: funnel cake donuts, carnival dessert, fried donuts, air fryer donuts, easy dessert recipe, chocolate dipping sauce, cinnamon sugar donuts