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County Fair Funnel Cakes Recipe

5 from 106 reviews

Classic County Fair Funnel Cakes are crispy, golden, and perfectly sweetened treats made by deep-frying a light batter in a spiral pattern. Finished with a dusting of powdered sugar, these funnel cakes offer a nostalgic fairground flavor that’s easy to make at home.

Ingredients

Scale

Funnel Cake Batter

  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

For Frying

  • Oil for deep-fat frying (vegetable or canola oil recommended)

For Serving

  • Powdered sugar

Instructions

  1. Heat the Oil: Heat oil to 375°F (190°C) in a deep-fat fryer or a large heavy-bottomed skillet suitable for deep frying. Make sure there is enough oil to allow the batter to float freely while frying.
  2. Prepare the Batter: In a large bowl, beat the eggs until smooth. Add the milk, water, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. Gradually whisk in the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.
  3. Funnel the Batter: Cover the bottom of a funnel’s spout with your finger and carefully ladle about 1/2 cup of batter into the funnel. Hold the funnel several inches above the hot oil and release your finger to let the batter flow out, moving the funnel in a spiral motion to create the classic funnel cake shape. Use a spatula to scrape any remaining batter from the funnel if needed.
  4. Fry the Funnel Cake: Fry the batter in the hot oil for 3 to 5 minutes on each side, or until it becomes golden brown and crispy. Use tongs carefully to flip the funnel cake once during cooking for even frying.
  5. Drain and Serve: Remove the funnel cake from the oil and drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil. Generously dust the warm funnel cake with powdered sugar before serving.
  6. Repeat: Repeat the funneling and frying process with the remaining batter until all the funnel cakes are cooked and served fresh.

Notes

  • Maintain oil temperature at 375°F for best results; too low will make the cakes greasy, too high will burn them.
  • You can customize toppings by adding cinnamon sugar, berries, or chocolate drizzle along with powdered sugar.
  • Use a sturdy funnel to create even spirals easily without batter spilling.
  • Funnel cakes are best enjoyed immediately for optimal crispiness.

Keywords: Funnel Cake, County Fair Dessert, Deep-Fried Treat, Fair Food, Classic American Dessert