(Funnel Cake in Stick Form—because who doesn’t love a handheld version of this fair favorite?)
Servings: 4-6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional, but adds flavor)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Make the Funnel Cake Batter:
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon (if using).
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until the batter is smooth and combined.
- Heat the Oil:
- In a deep skillet or frying pan, pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil. Heat over medium-high heat until the oil reaches 350°F (175°C). You can test the temperature by dropping a small amount of batter into the oil—if it bubbles and rises to the surface, it’s ready!
- Form the Funnel Cake Sticks:
- Transfer the batter into a piping bag, Ziploc bag with the tip cut off, or a squeeze bottle.
- Carefully pipe the batter into the hot oil, making long, thin lines to form sticks. You can also make loops or zigzags for extra flair. Don’t worry about perfection; part of the charm of funnel cakes is their rustic, freeform shape.
- Fry the Sticks:
- Fry the funnel cake sticks for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to flip them over gently.
- Once cooked, remove the sticks from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Dust with Powdered Sugar:
- While the funnel cake sticks are still warm, dust them generously with powdered sugar. Feel free to add more for that authentic fair treat vibe!
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the crispy funnel cake sticks immediately. You can also add chocolate or caramel sauce for dipping if you want to take things to the next level.
Do’s and Don’ts
DO:
- Use a thermometer to check the oil temperature—it’s the key to getting crispy, non-greasy funnel cake sticks.
- Make sure to fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
DON’T:
- Skip the powdered sugar—it’s the classic finishing touch. You can even add some sprinkles or cinnamon sugar for extra flavor.
- Let the batter sit for too long before frying. The batter is best when freshly made!
Pro Tips:
- If you want a fun twist, drizzle the funnel cake sticks with melted chocolate or caramel after dusting them with powdered sugar.
- You can make them in advance, store them in an airtight container, and warm them up in the oven for a few minutes before serving to keep them crispy.
These Crispy Funnel Cake Sticks are just as delightful as the ones you’d find at a carnival or fair, but now you can enjoy them at home! Light, crispy, and perfect for sharing—grab a stick and dig in! 🍩✨
