Bring the joy of the fair right into your kitchen with these crispy, golden Funnel Cake Sticks! They’re perfectly crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside, and dusted with powdered sugar for a sweet treat that’s easy to make and even easier to devour.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Classic fair-food flavor in a fun, handheld form.
- Quick and easy to prepare with simple pantry ingredients.
- Perfect for parties, carnivals, or a family snack night.
- Customize with toppings like chocolate drizzle or cinnamon sugar.
Ingredients
Here’s a quick glance at what you’ll need. Full measurements are in the recipe card below.
- All-purpose flour
- Granulated sugar
- Baking powder
- Milk and eggs
- Vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
- Oil for frying
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Directions
- Heat the Oil
In a large pot or deep skillet, heat 2 inches of oil to 375°F (190°C). Use a thermometer to maintain the temperature for best results. - Make the Batter
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, milk, and vanilla. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry, stirring until smooth. - Prepare a Piping Bag
Transfer the batter to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip, or use a zip-top bag with a corner snipped off. - Fry the Sticks
Pipe 3-4 inch sticks of batter directly into the hot oil. Fry in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown (about 2-3 minutes per batch). Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. - Dust and Serve
Once cooled slightly, dust the funnel cake sticks generously with powdered sugar. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces, like chocolate or caramel.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Consistent Oil Temperature: Keep the oil at 375°F for evenly cooked, crispy sticks.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Fry in small batches to prevent the oil temperature from dropping.
- Smooth Batter: Ensure the batter is lump-free for better piping and frying.
- Toppings Galore: Get creative with toppings—sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, drizzle with chocolate, or add colorful sprinkles for fun!
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Cinnamon Funnel Cake Sticks: Mix cinnamon into the batter for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Savory Twist: Reduce sugar and add grated cheese or herbs for a savory snack.
- Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute for a celiac-friendly version.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute almond or oat milk for the regular milk.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
- Classic Style: Serve with powdered sugar and fresh fruit on the side.
- Dipping Fun: Pair with sauces like melted chocolate, caramel, or strawberry compote.
- Ice Cream Bliss: Add a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Storage: Store leftover funnel cake sticks in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes to regain crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked funnel cake sticks in a single layer, then store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven directly from frozen.
FAQs
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter a few hours in advance and store it in the fridge. Let it come to room temperature before frying.
What’s the best oil for frying?
Neutral oils like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil work best for frying.
Why are my funnel cake sticks greasy?
This can happen if the oil isn’t hot enough. Ensure the temperature stays at 375°F for optimal results.
Do I need a piping bag?
A piping bag gives the best shape, but a zip-top bag with a corner snipped off works just as well.
Conclusion
Crispy Funnel Cake Sticks are a delightful twist on a classic fair favorite. Perfectly golden and dusted with powdered sugar, they’re fun to make and even more fun to eat! Whether for a party, movie night, or just because, these funnel cake sticks are sure to bring smiles all around.
Print
Crispy Funnel Cake Sticks
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 24 fries 1x
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These crispy funnel cake sticks are a fun and tasty treat perfect for sharing! Made with a quick pancake batter, they fry up golden and delicious, and are best enjoyed dusted with powdered sugar or dipped in your favorite sauces.
Ingredients
- 1 cup buttermilk pancake mix
- 1/4 cup cold water (add 1-2 tablespoons more if needed)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Vegetable or canola oil (for frying)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Prepare the Batter:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the pancake mix, cold water, sugar, salt, and vanilla extract until just combined. The batter should have a cake-like consistency. If it’s too thick, add water 1 tablespoon at a time until it reaches the right consistency. - Transfer to Piping Bag:
Pour the batter into a piping bag fitted with a round tip, or use a zip-top bag with a small corner cut off. Set the bag in a tall glass while you heat the oil to prevent any mess. - Heat the Oil:
In a Dutch oven or deep pan, add oil to a depth of at least 3 inches. Heat the oil over medium-high until it reaches 340°F-350°F (adjust heat as needed to maintain this temperature). Prepare a plate lined with paper towels. - Fry the Funnel Cake Sticks:
Pipe 3-4 strips of batter into the hot oil, about 5-6 inches long. Fry each strip for 20-30 seconds, then flip and fry for another 20-30 seconds until golden brown. Remove and transfer to the paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Repeat until all batter is used, maintaining the oil temperature as needed. - Serve:
Dust the funnel cake sticks generously with powdered sugar using a fine mesh strainer. Serve immediately with optional dipping sauces or toppings if desired.
Notes
- Topping Ideas: Serve with caramel sauce, whipped cream, strawberries, chocolate sauce, maraschino cherries, sprinkles, or maple syrup.
- Cinnamon-Sugar Option: Toss the sticks in cinnamon and sugar instead of (or along with) powdered sugar for extra flavor.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in a zip-top bag with air removed at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 375°F until hot and crispy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Stick
- Calories: 60kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg