Funnel cake lovers, this one’s for you! These bite-sized wonders are crispy, golden on the outside, soft and tender on the inside—basically the perfect treat for a weekend snack or an impromptu dessert night. I made these for my family, and, let me tell you, they disappeared faster than I could fry them up! The best part? You don’t even need a deep fryer—just a regular frying pan will do the trick.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic Fair Flavor at Home: No need to wait for the next county fair! These funnel cake bites bring all the nostalgia right to your kitchen.
- Easy to Make: Minimal ingredients and simple steps mean you can whip up a batch in no time.
- Customizable Toppings: Dust them with powdered sugar, or go crazy with whipped cream, fresh fruit, or chocolate sauce—anything goes!
- Perfect for Sharing: Make a big batch, and you’ve got a crowd-pleasing dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of milk: This keeps the batter smooth and gives the bites a tender texture.
- 1 egg: Adds richness and helps hold everything together.
- 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract: A must for adding a touch of sweetness and flavor depth.
- 2 cups of flour: All-purpose flour works best for creating that perfect funnel cake texture.
- Pinch of salt: Balances out the sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda: Gives the batter a nice rise, so the bites are light and airy.
- 2 tablespoons of sugar: Just a little sweetness in the batter itself.
- 6 tablespoons of butter, melted: Adds richness and flavor to the batter.
- Vegetable oil for frying: You’ll need this to fry the bites until they’re golden brown.
- Powdered sugar for dusting: Because no funnel cake is complete without it!
- Optional toppings: Whipped cream, fresh fruit, chocolate sauce, or caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
Variations
- Add Cinnamon: Mix a bit of cinnamon into the powdered sugar for a warm, spiced version.
- Chocolate Lover’s Dream: Drizzle melted chocolate over the bites, and sprinkle with mini chocolate chips.
- Berry Delight: Top with fresh berries and whipped cream for a fruity twist.
How to Make the Recipe
1. Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, vanilla extract, and melted butter until everything is smooth and well combined.
2. Add Dry Ingredients:
Next, stir in the pinch of salt, baking soda, and sugar. Gradually fold in the flour, stirring gently until you get a smooth, lump-free batter.
3. Prepare the Batter Bag:
Pour the batter into a gallon-sized Ziplock bag. Seal the bag and let it rest for a few minutes while you heat up the oil.
4. Heat the Oil:
Fill a large frying pan with vegetable oil, about 1/2 inch deep. Heat the oil over high heat for about 2 minutes, then lower to medium heat. To test if the oil is ready, drop a tiny bit of batter in—if it sizzles and bubbles, you’re good to go!
5. Form and Fry the Bites:
Cut a small hole in one corner of the Ziplock bag. Carefully squeeze the batter into the hot oil, forming 1-2 inch circles or bite-sized shapes. Fry until golden brown on the bottom, about 1-2 minutes.
6. Flip and Finish:
Flip the bites using a slotted spatula, frying the other side until golden brown. Remove the bites and drain on paper towels to soak up any excess oil.
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Test the Oil Temperature: If the oil isn’t hot enough, the bites will get greasy. If it’s too hot, they’ll burn. So make sure you test a small amount of batter before going all in.
- Keep It Even: Try to keep the funnel cake bites evenly sized so they cook at the same rate.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry in small batches to avoid lowering the oil temperature too much.
How to Serve
Serve these funnel cake bites warm with a dusting of powdered sugar. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, pile on some whipped cream, fresh fruit, or drizzle with chocolate or caramel sauce. They’re perfect for a fun snack or even a party dessert!
Make Ahead
- To Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5 minutes to crisp them back up.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked funnel cake bites in a single layer. When ready to eat, reheat in the oven directly from frozen until warm and crispy.
FAQs
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Just substitute with a good gluten-free all-purpose flour mix.
What oil should I use for frying?
Vegetable oil or canola oil work best because they have a neutral flavor and high smoke point.
Can I reheat these?
Absolutely! Pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F for a few minutes, and they’ll be as crispy as when you first made them.
Conclusion
There you have it! These Funnel Cake Bites are the perfect mix of crispy, sweet, and downright fun to make. Whether you’re hosting a party, having a cozy night in, or just craving something nostalgic, these bites are a total winner. Happy frying!
PrintFunnel Cake Bites Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Description
These Funnel Cake Bites are a fun and easy way to enjoy the classic carnival treat at home. Bite-sized and perfect for sharing, they’re crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and sprinkled with powdered sugar for a sweet finish. Serve with your favorite toppings for a delicious treat!
Ingredients
- 2 cups of milk
- 1 egg
- 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
- 2 cups of flour
- Pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- 2 tablespoons of sugar
- 6 tablespoons of butter, melted
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Optional toppings: whipped cream, fresh fruit, chocolate sauce, or caramel sauce
Instructions
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, vanilla extract, and melted butter until well combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Stir in the pinch of salt, baking soda, and sugar. Gradually fold in the flour, mixing until the batter is smooth and lump-free.
- Prepare the Batter Bag: Pour the batter mixture into a gallon-sized Ziplock bag. Seal the bag and set it aside for a few minutes while you prepare the oil.
- Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a large frying pan, filling it to about 1/2 inch deep. Heat the oil over high heat for about 2 minutes, then reduce to medium heat. Test the oil by dropping a small amount of batter into it—if bubbles form around the edges, the oil is ready.
- Form and Fry the Bites: Cut a small hole in one of the bottom corners of the Ziplock bag. Carefully squeeze the batter into the hot oil, creating 1 to 2-inch circles or bite-sized shapes. Cook until the bottom is golden brown, about 1-2 minutes.
- Flip and Finish: Gently flip the funnel cake bites using a slotted metal spatula, and cook the other side until golden brown. Once done, remove the bites from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Add the Finishing Touch: While still warm, sprinkle the funnel cake bites generously with powdered sugar. Serve immediately with optional toppings like whipped cream, fresh fruit, or a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce.
Notes
- For a fun twist, try adding a bit of cinnamon or cocoa powder to the powdered sugar before dusting.
- These funnel cake bites are best served fresh and warm.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
These were a big hit
These were a big hit