The Best Funnel Cake Recipe: Whipped Cream and Strawberries for the Perfect Finish

Who doesn’t love the crunchy, sweet, and airy goodness of a funnel cake? Funnel cakes are the epitome of fair food, instantly bringing back memories of summer festivals and street fairs. The combination of crispy fried dough dusted with powdered sugar and topped with whipped cream and strawberries is irresistible. The great news is that you can easily recreate this delicious treat at home. I’m excited to share this recipe, originally from This Silly Girl's Kitchen, to help you enjoy the magic of funnel cakes anytime.

Photo bythissillygirlskitchen.com

Why This Funnel Cake Recipe is Special

This funnel cake recipe is incredibly easy to make and uses ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. With simple steps and minimal prep, you can serve a batch of fresh, warm funnel cakes in under 30 minutes. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility—you can keep it classic with just powdered sugar or elevate it with toppings like whipped cream and sliced strawberries. It’s also a fun recipe to make with family and friends, adding a touch of nostalgia to your kitchen.

Growing up, I always looked forward to getting funnel cakes at the fair, so I was thrilled when I discovered how simple it is to make them at home. Now, whenever I need a quick and sweet treat, I whip up this recipe and am instantly transported back to those fun-filled summer days.

A Bit of Funnel Cake History

Funnel cakes have an interesting backstory that traces back to medieval Europe, where similar fried dough pastries were popular. The modern version we enjoy in the U.S. is closely tied to the Pennsylvania Dutch, who brought the recipe over from Germany. Since then, it’s become a staple at carnivals, fairs, and festivals across the country.

How to Make Funnel Cake at Home

This recipe yields crispy, golden funnel cakes that taste just like the ones you get at the fair. It’s perfect for a family dessert night or a fun party treat. Here’s how you can make your own.

Ingredients:

• 3 large eggs
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups whole milk
• 3 ⅔ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
• Oil for frying (about 3 inches deep)
• Powdered sugar for dusting
• Fresh whipped cream (optional)
• Sliced strawberries (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and granulated sugar until smooth. Gradually add the milk, whisking to combine. Slowly mix in the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and sea salt until the batter is smooth with minimal lumps. This may take a few minutes, but a few lumps are okay.
2. Heat the Oil: In a deep, heavy-bottomed skillet or cast iron pan, heat about 3 inches of oil to 350°F. You can also use an electric deep fryer if you prefer.
3. Pipe the Batter: Divide the batter between two pastry bags (or use a ziplock bag with one corner cut off). Once the oil is hot, carefully drizzle the batter into the oil in a circular pattern, making sure the batter overlaps to form a cohesive funnel cake.
4. Fry the Funnel Cake: Fry the funnel cake for about 2 minutes on one side, until it’s lightly golden brown, then flip it over and fry for another 2 minutes. Remove it from the oil and place it on a wire rack to drain. This ensures the funnel cake stays crispy and doesn’t get soggy.
5. Serve: Dust the funnel cake generously with powdered sugar. For an extra treat, top it with whipped cream and sliced strawberries. Serve warm and enjoy!

Pro Tips for Perfect Funnel Cakes:

• Heat Control: Maintaining the oil temperature is key. If the oil gets too hot, the funnel cake will burn on the outside while staying raw inside. Use a thermometer to ensure consistent frying.
• Texture: If you prefer a thicker funnel cake, drizzle more batter into the oil, or for a thinner, crispier version, use less batter.
• Toppings: Beyond whipped cream and strawberries, you can experiment with other toppings like chocolate sauce, caramel, or fresh fruit.

Make It Your Own

While this recipe sticks to the classic funnel cake, there are plenty of variations to try. You can make a gluten-free version by using gluten-free flour, or a lower-calorie option by opting for a sugar substitute. For extra flair, you can even add cinnamon or cocoa powder to the batter for a twist on the traditional flavor.

Call to Action

Did you enjoy this homemade funnel cake recipe? Try it out and let me know what you think! Leave a comment below and don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family. For more tasty recipes like this, make sure to follow me on Microsoft Start for delicious, easy-to-make recipes.