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


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4.2 from 79 reviews

  • Author: Ava
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings (approximately 8-12 donuts depending on size)

Description

This Funnel Cake Donut recipe offers a fun and easy way to enjoy carnival-style desserts at home. Featuring a crispy exterior with a fluffy interior, these donuts can be prepared by traditional deep frying or air frying for a healthier alternative. Served dusted with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar and accompanied by chocolate sauce or fruit preserves, they make a perfect treat for gatherings or any indulgent snack time.


Ingredients

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 (or spraying for air fryer)
  • Powdered sugar for dusting
  • Ground cinnamon (for cinnamon sugar coating)
  • Chocolate sauce or fruit preserves for dipping

Optional Variations

  • Fresh blueberries
  • Mashed banana


Instructions

  1. Prepare the oil: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot or fryer to 350°F (175°C) to ensure the right temperature for frying.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt evenly.
  3. Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk milk, egg, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
  4. Combine wet and dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined, taking care not to overmix to keep the batter light.
  5. Fry the batter: Using a spoon or small scoop, carefully drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil and fry in batches for 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
  6. Drain excess oil: Remove the donuts from the oil with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels or a wire rack to drain excess oil.
  7. Add toppings: While still warm, dust the donuts with powdered sugar or roll them in a cinnamon sugar mixture. Serve immediately for best taste.
  8. Air fryer preparation (alternative): Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and lightly spray the basket with oil.
  9. Prepare doughnuts for air fryer: Drop batter by spoonfuls onto parchment rounds or silicone molds to keep their shape during air frying.
  10. Cook in air fryer: Air fry for 6 to 8 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking and browning.
  11. Finish air fryer donuts: Once cooked, dust with powdered sugar and serve.

Notes

  • Ensure the oil is at the correct temperature before frying to avoid greasy donuts.
  • Do not overmix the batter to keep the donuts tender and fluffy.
  • When air frying, use parchment or silicone molds to maintain the shape of the donuts.
  • Try adding fresh blueberries or mashed banana to the batter for unique flavor variations.
  • Serve immediately after cooking for best texture and taste.
  • Use whole milk for a richer flavor, but other milk types can be substituted if desired.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American