If you've ever been to a fair, you know funnel cakes are a must-have treat! But why wait for the next carnival when you can whip up these five scrumptious funnel cake recipes right at home? From the classic crispy version to a chocolate delight, each recipe brings something special to the table. And trust me, you won't want to miss the fruity strawberry shortcake twist or the zesty savory option. Curious about what's in store? Let's explore these tasty creations!
Classic Funnel Cake
Classic funnel cake is a beloved fair treat that brings a taste of nostalgia with its golden-brown, crispy texture and sweet flavor. It's easy to make at home, and with just a few ingredients, you can enjoy this delicious dessert any time you crave a carnival experience.
Topped with powdered sugar or your favorite toppings, classic funnel cake is sure to delight your family and friends.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- Oil for frying
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Cooking Instructions:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and granulated sugar.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until well blended. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
Heat the oil in a deep skillet or pot to 375°F (190°C). Once the oil is hot, pour the batter into a funnel or squeeze bottle with a medium-sized opening, and drizzle the batter into the hot oil in a circular motion, overlapping to form a lace-like pattern.
Fry each funnel cake for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Remove from the oil and drain on paper towels, then dust generously with powdered sugar before serving.
Extra Tips:
For perfect funnel cakes, make sure the oil is hot enough before frying; you can test it by dropping a small amount of batter into the oil—if it sizzles immediately, it's ready.
To keep your funnel cakes crispy, avoid stacking them on top of each other after frying. Instead, place them on a wire rack to cool slightly before serving.
Experiment with toppings such as strawberries, chocolate sauce, or whipped cream to customize your funnel cake experience!
Chocolate Funnel Cake

Chocolate funnel cake is a delightful twist on the classic carnival treat, combining the airy, crispy texture of traditional funnel cake with rich chocolate flavor. Perfect for a special occasion or a fun dessert, this recipe will have your taste buds dancing with joy.
Whether you're serving it at a party or indulging in a sweet treat for yourself, this chocolate funnel cake is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Oil for frying
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Chocolate sauce for drizzling
Instructions:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
In a separate bowl, beat the egg and then add the milk and vanilla extract, mixing well.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
Heat about 2 inches of oil in a deep skillet over medium heat until it reaches 375°F (190°C).
Using a funnel or a squeeze bottle, pour the batter in a circular motion into the hot oil, creating a lace-like pattern.
Fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
Remove the funnel cake from the oil and drain on paper towels.
Dust with powdered sugar and drizzle with chocolate sauce before serving.
Extra Tips:
To achieve the perfect texture, make sure the oil is hot enough before frying; otherwise, the cake may absorb too much oil and become greasy.
If you don't have a funnel, a squeeze bottle with a wide opening can work just as well.
For an extra chocolatey kick, try adding chocolate chips to the batter or serve with additional toppings like whipped cream or fresh berries.
Enjoy your homemade chocolate funnel cake fresh for the best taste!
Strawberry Shortcake Funnel Cake
Strawberry Shortcake Funnel Cake is a delightful twist on the classic funnel cake, combining the airy, crispy texture of the fried cake with the sweet and juicy flavors of strawberries and whipped cream.
This dessert is perfect for fairs, summer gatherings, or cozy nights at home. The combination of warm cake topped with fresh strawberries and a dollop of whipped cream makes for an irresistible treat that everyone will love.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Oil for frying
- Fresh strawberries, sliced
- Whipped cream
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
In another bowl, combine the milk, egg, and vanilla extract. Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing until smooth.
Heat oil in a deep fryer or a large pot to 350°F (175°C). Using a funnel or a squeeze bottle, carefully drizzle the batter into the hot oil in a circular motion to create a spiral shape.
Fry until golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove from oil and drain on paper towels.
Once cooled slightly, top with sliced strawberries, a generous dollop of whipped cream, and a dusting of powdered sugar.
Extra Tips:
For the best results, verify that your oil is hot enough before frying; this will help the funnel cake to be crispy rather than greasy.
You can customize this recipe by using other fruits like blueberries or peaches, or even adding a drizzle of chocolate syrup for an extra indulgence.
Make sure to serve the funnel cake immediately after assembling for the best texture and flavor, as it tends to lose its crispness over time.
Enjoy your delicious Strawberry Shortcake Funnel Cake!
Cinnamon Sugar Funnel Cake

Cinnamon Sugar Funnel Cake is a delightful twist on the classic carnival treat, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth at home. This crispy, golden-brown dessert is coated in a warm, fragrant cinnamon sugar mixture that raises it to a whole new level of deliciousness.
Whether you're hosting a party, celebrating a special occasion, or simply craving a nostalgic snack, this funnel cake recipe is sure to impress friends and family alike.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Oil for frying
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for coating)
Instructions:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon until well combined.
In another bowl, beat the eggs, then add the milk and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth. Gradually incorporate the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined (do not overmix).
Heat oil in a deep frying pan or a deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Using a funnel or a squeeze bottle, carefully drizzle the batter into the hot oil in a spiral pattern, allowing it to cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
Remove the funnel cake from the oil and place it on paper towels to drain excess oil.
Extra Tips:
To achieve the best texture, confirm your oil is at the correct temperature before frying; too hot will burn the funnel cake, while too cool will make it greasy.
For an even coating of cinnamon sugar, mix the sugar and cinnamon together in a shallow bowl and toss the hot funnel cake in the mixture immediately after frying.
Feel free to experiment with toppings like whipped cream, chocolate sauce, or fresh fruit to personalize your funnel cake experience. Enjoy your homemade treat warm for maximum flavor!
Savory Funnel Cake With Cheese and Jalapeños
Savory funnel cake with cheese and jalapeños is a delightful twist on the classic sweet treat, making it perfect for those who enjoy a little heat and richness in their snacks. This version incorporates sharp cheddar cheese and spicy jalapeños into the batter, creating a crispy, cheesy, and slightly spicy cake that's bound to impress at any gathering or as a fun weekend treat.
Serve it hot, and enjoy the melty cheese paired with the crunchy texture—it's a savory indulgence that will leave you craving more.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup diced jalapeños (fresh or pickled)
- Oil for frying
Instructions:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and paprika.
In a separate bowl, combine the buttermilk and egg, then mix into the dry ingredients until just combined.
Gently fold in the shredded cheddar cheese and diced jalapeños until evenly distributed.
Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat.
Once the oil is hot, pour the batter in a circular motion into the pan, creating a spiral shape.
Fry until golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
Remove and drain on paper towels, then serve immediately.
Extra Tips:
Make certain the oil is sufficiently hot before frying to guarantee a crispy texture; a drop of batter should sizzle upon contact.
You can adjust the amount of jalapeños according to your spice preference, and feel free to experiment with different types of cheese for varied flavors.
For an added twist, consider drizzling some ranch or spicy sauce over the top before serving, enhancing both the flavor and presentation of your savory funnel cakes.