Funnel Cake Donut Recipe
Introduction
Funnel cake donuts combine the nostalgic taste of classic funnel cakes with the convenient, handheld form of donuts. Crispy on the outside and soft inside, these treats are perfect for a fun breakfast or a sweet snack.
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
- Step 1: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk milk, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Step 4: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined; do not overmix.
- Step 5: 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.
- Step 6: Remove the donuts with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels or a wire rack.
- Step 7: While still warm, dust with powdered sugar or roll in a cinnamon sugar mixture. Serve immediately with chocolate sauce or fruit preserves for dipping.
- Step 8: (Optional air fryer method) Preheat air fryer to 375°F. Lightly spray the basket with oil.
- Step 9: Drop batter by spoonfuls onto parchment rounds or silicone molds placed in the air fryer basket.
- Step 10: Air fry for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking.
- Step 11: Dust with powdered sugar after cooking and serve.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or lemon zest to the batter.
- Try mixing fresh blueberries or mashed banana into the batter for a fruity twist.
- Use a candy thermometer to maintain oil temperature for evenly cooked donuts.
- For a crispier texture, drain donuts on a wire rack rather than paper towels.
Storage
Store leftover funnel cake donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm briefly in a toaster oven or air fryer to regain crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it may make them soggy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make funnel cake donuts without a deep fryer?
Yes, you can use a deep pot with enough oil for frying or try the air fryer method described in the instructions for a healthier alternative.
How do I know when the oil is at the right temperature?
Use a candy or deep-fry thermometer to check that the oil reaches 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, drop a small amount of batter into the oil—if it bubbles and rises to the surface quickly without burning, the oil is ready.
PrintFunnel Cake Donut Recipe
This Funnel Cake Donut Recipe combines the crispy, golden goodness of classic funnel cakes with the delightful shape and texture of donuts. These treats are fried or air-fried to perfection and can be enjoyed dusted with powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar, or dipped in chocolate sauce or fruit preserves. Variations include adding fresh blueberries or mashed banana for added flavor and fun.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 donuts 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
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
Frying and Topping
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Ground cinnamon (for cinnamon sugar coating)
Serving and Variations
- Chocolate sauce or fruit preserves for dipping
- Fresh blueberries or mashed banana (for variations)
Instructions
- Heat oil. Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot or fryer to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for frying the donuts.
- Mix dry ingredients. In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt to evenly combine your dry ingredients.
- Mix wet ingredients. In a separate bowl, lightly whisk the whole milk, egg, and vanilla extract until fully blended and smooth.
- Combine wet and dry. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can toughen the dough.
- Fry the donuts. Using a spoon or small scoop, carefully drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil. Fry in batches for about 2–3 minutes per side or until each donut turns golden brown and crispy.
- Drain the donuts. Remove donuts with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels or a wire rack to drain excess oil.
- Add sugar coating. While still warm, dust donuts generously with powdered sugar or roll them in a mixture of ground cinnamon and sugar for a flavorful coating. Serve immediately for best texture.
- Alternative air fryer method preparation. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Spray the air fryer basket lightly with oil to prevent sticking.
- Prepare air fryer donuts. Drop spoonfuls of batter onto parchment paper rounds or silicone molds designed for air fryers to maintain shape during cooking.
- Air fry the donuts. Cook in the air fryer for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even golden color and cooking.
- Finish and serve air-fried donuts. Dust the air-fried donuts with powdered sugar after cooking and serve warm with optional dips like chocolate sauce or fruit preserves.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the donuts light and tender.
- If using the air fryer, placing the batter on parchment or silicone molds helps maintain the donut shape.
- Adjust frying time slightly depending on your stove or air fryer model.
- For variation, fold in fresh blueberries or mashed banana into the batter before cooking.
- Serve donuts warm for best flavor and texture.
Keywords: funnel cake donuts, fried donuts, air fryer donuts, dessert recipe, sweet treats, carnival desserts
