One that evokes a memory of long ago that you’d almost all but forgotten. I do.
Coming home from school, backpack in hand, and being instantly greeted at the door with that waft of deep-fried deliciousness that was my mother’s funnel cake gives me that bittersweet memory melancholy.
You know the kind that makes you ache for simpler times when you were younger and your life’s biggest concern was whether or not your light-up shoes were the coolest kicks in your grade.
For me, it’s more than just a dessert, it’s a nostalgic nod to my past and those younger years growing up. And oh is it delicious.
I think you’ll be hard-pressed to find a single recipe that trumps that of a funnel cake.
And since it was such a massive part of my childhood, it was something that I wanted my kids to enjoy, and their kids, and their kids, and so on.
And now, you too can experience the pleasure of my mom’s fantastic funnel cake recipe.
What? Funnel Cake Isn’t Actually A Cake?
No, it’s not actually a cake. So for those who’ve never delighted in its deliciousness before, it’s best to manage that expectation now.
Funnel cake isn’t so much a cake that you’ll bake and then freeze, in fact, it’s much closer to a doughnut than it is a cake.
But who needs cake when funnel cake exists anyway?
This light batter descends into the deep fat fryer until it reemerges a gorgeous golden brown color.
And then it is typically topped with powdered sugar, though the world is your oyster, you can go crazy with the toppings if that’s more your style.
The baffling thing to me is that it isn’t a desert that people generally decide to make at home. And I just don’t understand why.
Maybe it’s just because I’ve grown up around homemade versions, but made from scratch it tastes so much better.
Plus it’s super simple to do!
How To Make Funnel Cakes?
The recipe below will make enough for two large funnel cakes, because let’s face it the bigger the better, and one is never enough.
Keep in mind that it is downright sacrilegious to eat a funnel cake cold.
That is why I haven’t gone any further with the batch, for larger families though, you can always double or triple the ingredients as required.
Ingredients
So this is everything that you’ll need:
¼ cup of milk
1 egg
1 tablespoon of water
½ teaspoon of vanilla extract
1 tablespoon of granulated sugar
¾ teaspoon of baking powder
A pinch of salt
½ cup of all-purpose flour
4 tablespoons of powdered sugar
Oil to cover 1 inch of the pan
Step-By-Step Guide
First of all, you’ll need to put the milk, egg, vanilla extract, and water together in either a large measuring cup or a batter bowl providing it has a spout.
You can then add the salt, baking powder, and sugar to the mixture. Whisk well until it is all combined together.
Next, add your flour and continue whisking making sure that the mixture is completely smooth and devoid of lumps. Then set the mixture aside.
Then you’ll need a medium, deep-sided pot or pan. Pour in your oil until it covers at least one inch of the pot/pan and add heat.
You’ll know that the oil is hot enough when you place a wooden spoon in it and bubbles start to form around it. When this happens you can lower the heat from full to medium.
Grab your batter mixture. You want to pour the batter into the oil, ensuring that you do so in thin lines. Then swirl the batter around the pan and overlap as desired.
Cook for approximately 2 minutes until the batter turns golden brown in color. Then flip over and repeat the process.
Dust with powdered sugar and serve.
Repeat as necessary.
Topping Temptations
Just because powdered sugar is the standard topping, doesn’t mean that you can’t break tradition.
There are tons of toppings you can choose from to make it a little different each time you make the delicious dessert.
If you want to spice things up why don’t you try some of the following toppings:
Fresh Fruit – A great way to ensure your kids get one of their 5-a-day is to add some fruit to a tasty treat. This tactic sure worked on me when I was younger. Adding freshly sliced strawberries, bananas, blueberries or raspberries always goes down a hit.
Ice Cream – I dare you to find a dessert that isn’t improved with a good old dollop of delicious ice cream. And then you have so many varieties to choose from. What will it be? Classic vanilla? Succulent Strawberry? Or Mind-blowing Mint Choc Chip?
Sauce – You can never go wrong with an indulgent drizzle over the top of your funnel cake. I must say that caramel sauce is my favorite, but Nutella, melted chocolate, strawberry sauce, or whipped cream all pair amazingly.
Sprinkles – Rainbow or cinnamon sugar, neither will go down a miss with this tasty treat.
Final Thoughts
Funnel cake is so easy to make and it always goes down a hit with all that try it. So this evening, why not make funnel cake for your dessert?
You could serve it with a simple sugar dusting, or you could even make a topping station where everyone can help themselves to a range of sauces, sprinkles, and more.
Whichever option you choose, I guarantee that you will not be disappointed!
Just make sure that you tuck into them while they’re still nice and fresh and warm to really experience the magic.
So what are you waiting for? Scour the pantry or run to the shop and collect the ingredients you need and treat your family to the world’s best dessert!
