This Funnel Cake Donut Recipe brings the joy of carnival treats right into your kitchen. These bite-sized, crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside donuts are dusted with powdered sugar for a classic finish, making them the perfect treat for parties, brunches, or as a fun weekend snack. With simple pantry ingredients, you can create these delightful carnival-style donuts in under 30 minutes, and the recipe is flexible enough for you to customize with different toppings or add-ins. Whether you fry them or use an air fryer for a lighter version, these donuts are sure to please everyone.
Ingredients
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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2 tablespoons granulated sugar
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1 teaspoon baking powder
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¼ teaspoon salt
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½ cup milk (whole milk preferred)
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1 large egg
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½ teaspoon vanilla extract
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Vegetable oil for frying
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Powdered sugar for dusting
Optional Add-ins & Toppings:
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Ground cinnamon (for cinnamon sugar coating)
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Chocolate sauce or fruit preserves for dipping
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Fresh blueberries or mashed banana (for variations)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Heat Oil: Heat oil in a deep pot or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
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Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
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Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
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Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
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Fry the Donuts: Using a spoon or small scoop, carefully drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil. Fry in batches for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels or a wire rack.
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Finish and Serve: While the funnel cake donuts are still warm, dust them generously with powdered sugar or roll them in cinnamon sugar. Serve immediately.
Air Fryer Instructions:
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Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and lightly spray the basket with oil.
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Prepare the Batter: Drop spoonfuls of batter onto parchment rounds or silicone molds, making sure they don’t touch.
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Air Fry the Donuts: Air fry for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown. Dust with powdered sugar after cooking.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4-6 servings
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 15 minutes
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Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
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Blueberry Funnel Cake Bites: Fold in ¼ cup of fresh or frozen blueberries into the batter before frying for a fruity twist.
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Chocolate Flavor: Add 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder to the batter for a rich chocolate flavor.
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Toppings: Serve with a variety of dipping sauces like chocolate, caramel, or berry compote for added indulgence.
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Cinnamon Sugar Coating: For a warm, spicy flavor, roll the fried donuts in a cinnamon sugar mix instead of powdered sugar.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: These funnel cake donuts are best served warm, but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
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Reheating: Reheat the donuts in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes or in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes to restore some crispiness.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of flour?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour, but the texture may change slightly.
2. Can I make these without frying?
Yes, you can air fry these funnel cake donuts for a healthier version. Just follow the air fryer instructions above.
3. Can I use a different type of milk?
Yes, you can use almond milk, oat milk, or any milk of your choice. Whole milk provides the best texture and flavor, but non-dairy options will work as well.
4. How do I know when the donuts are done frying?
The donuts are done when they turn golden brown and are crispy on the outside. You can test one by removing it and cutting it open to check for a soft, cooked interior.
5. Can I freeze the donuts?
Yes, you can freeze the donuts after they’ve cooled. Store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Reheat in the oven or air fryer when ready to enjoy.
6. How do I make the cinnamon sugar coating?
Simply combine equal parts cinnamon and granulated sugar (for example, 1 tablespoon of cinnamon with 1/4 cup sugar) and roll the fried donuts in the mixture while they’re still warm.
7. Can I use pancake mix instead of flour?
Yes, pancake mix can be used as a substitute for the flour and baking powder, but the texture might be a bit different.
8. How do I make these more savory?
For a savory twist, you can reduce the sugar and add a pinch of garlic powder or Parmesan cheese to the batter, then top them with herbs or a dipping sauce like marinara.
9. Can I use a donut pan for this recipe?
This recipe is designed for frying or air frying. Using a donut pan will give a different texture and result in a more cake-like donut.
10. What’s the best way to serve these donuts?
These donuts are delicious on their own with a simple dusting of powdered sugar or with a variety of dipping sauces like chocolate sauce, fruit preserves, or whipped cream.
Conclusion
This Funnel Cake Donut Recipe is a fun and easy way to bring the carnival experience to your kitchen. With a crispy exterior, soft interior, and the classic dusting of powdered sugar, these delightful treats are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a party or simply craving a fun snack. Customize them with your favorite toppings, and enjoy the sweet, crispy goodness in just 25 minutes!
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Funnel Cake Donut Recipe – A Fun & Easy Carnival-Style Dessert
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy the carnival fun at home with this easy Funnel Cake Donut Recipe! These bite-sized treats are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and dusted with powdered sugar, making them the perfect dessert for parties, brunches, or fun weekend snacks. Ready in just 25 minutes!
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
Heat Oil: Heat oil in a deep pot or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
Combine Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Fry the Donuts: 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.
Drain and Coat: Remove the donuts with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels or a wire rack. While still warm, dust with powdered sugar or roll in cinnamon sugar.
Serve: Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade funnel cake donuts!
Air Fryer Instructions:
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F.
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil.
Drop batter by spoonfuls onto parchment rounds or silicone molds.
Air fry for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Dust with powdered sugar after cooking.
Notes
For blueberry funnel cake bites, fold in 1/4 cup fresh or frozen blueberries into the batter.
Want a chocolate flavor? Add 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder to the batter.
Serve with dipping sauces like chocolate, caramel, or berry compote.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
