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Crispy Boardwalk Funnel Cake Recipe Easy Homemade Sweet Carnival Treat

crispy boardwalk funnel cake recipe - featured image

A nostalgic and easy-to-make carnival treat that delivers crispy, golden funnel cakes dusted with powdered sugar, perfect for parties and sweet cravings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) whole milk (or 2% or dairy-free alternative)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for extra crispiness)
  • About 4 cups (960 ml) vegetable oil for frying (canola or sunflower recommended)
  • Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, cornstarch (if using), and salt until evenly combined. (5 minutes)
  2. In another bowl, whisk milk, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and slightly frothy. (3 minutes)
  3. Slowly pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until the batter is smooth and thick but still pourable. Avoid overmixing. (3–5 minutes)
  4. Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or skillet to 375°F (190°C), about 2-3 inches deep. Use a candy thermometer to monitor temperature. (10 minutes)
  5. Fill a funnel or squeeze bottle with batter. Drizzle batter into hot oil in a circular, overlapping pattern about 5-6 inches in diameter. Fry for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy, flipping carefully. (5–7 minutes per cake)
  6. Transfer cooked funnel cakes to a cooling rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. (2 minutes)
  7. Dust generously with powdered sugar and add optional toppings like fresh berries or whipped cream. Serve immediately.

Notes

Keep oil temperature steady at 375°F to avoid greasy or burnt cakes. Use cornstarch in the batter for extra crispiness. Don’t overcrowd the pan while frying. If batter thickens, whisk in a splash of milk. Drain funnel cakes on a cooling rack over paper towels to keep them crisp.

Nutrition

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