Crunchy, golden-brown bites that capture the sweet nostalgia of carnival funnel cakes—perfect for sharing or indulging solo!
Cooking Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: About 4 servings (30–40 bites)
Ingredients
- 240 ml (1 cup) milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs All you need is a few simple ingredients to put together a yummy meal!
- 250 g (2 cups) all-purpose flour
- 2 Tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- for frying (about 5 cm depth)
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
- Powdered sugar, for dustingStep‑by‑Step Cooking Directions
- Prepare the batter:
In a bowl whisk eggs, milk, and vanilla until combined. In another bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. - Combine ingredients:
Gradually add the dry mix to wet ingredients, whisking to a smooth, lump-free batter. - Heat the oil:
Pour 5 cm deep into a heavy pan. Heat to 175 °C (350 °F). - Portion the batter:
Transfer batter into a squeeze bottle or zip-top bag with corner snipped. - Fry the bites:
Squeeze small rings or blobs into hot oil—fry 1–2 minutes per side until golden. - Drain:
Remove bites with a slotted spoon, drain on paper towels. - Serve:
Dust with powdered sugar while still warm. Optional: drizzle chocolate, caramel, or serve with fruit sauce. - Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: ~450 kcal
- Carbs: 60 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Fat: 20 g
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Origins & Popularity
- Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe
- Funnel cake dates to 17th-century Pennsylvania Dutch traditions, with deep-fried batter crisped in iron molds. Today, carnival Funnel Cake Bites are beloved across North America as fun, shareable snackables. Frozen Creamy Fruit Salad
- Bite-size crunch in every piece
- Easy to customize with toppings
- Fast to make, big on flavor
- Crowd-pleasing at parties or dessert tables
- Health Benefits
- Portion-controlled indulgence
- Lower fat per bite compared to full-size funnel cakes
- Customizable—use low-fat milk and cut sugar for lighter versionsServing Suggestions
- Serve warm alongside coffee or hot chocolate
- Offer a DIY topping bar: chocolate sauce, fruit compote, whipped cream, or flavored sugars
- Great for parties, potlucks, brunch spreads, or family desserts
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overfilling the oil—leads to soggy bites
- Lumpy batter—whisk thoroughly for smooth texture
- Oil too hot or cool—results in burnt or oily bites
- Pairing Recommendations
- Beverage: cold milk, cocoa, coffee, or sparkling lemonade
- Toppings: salted caramel, berry coulis, or warm nut butter drizzle stop buying butter: You only need 1 ingredient – yogurt: Do it yourself
- Cooking Tips
- Maintain oil at 175 °C for even frying
- Use a squeeze bottle for consistent shapes
- Drain fully, then dust right away for best presentation
- Reheat briefly in a 175 °C oven to retain crunchSimilar Recipes to Try
- Mini Churro Bites
- Zeppole (Italian doughnut puffs)
- Beignets with café au lait
- Sweet Potato Fritters
- Variations to Try
- Gluten‑Free: use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend
- Spiced Up: add pumpkin pie spice or cardamom
- Savory Twist: omit sugar and cinnamon; serve with cheese dips
- Fruit‑Infused: add citrus zest to batter, top with berry compote
- Ingredient Spotlight
- Baking powder adds the fluff and lightness that keeps these bites crisp and airy inside—a must for the classic funnel cake texture.
- Conclusion
- Funnel Cake Bites offer all the carnival charm of traditional funnel cakes in a fun-to-eat, bite-sized form. Crispy, sweet, and endlessly customizable, they’re perfect for gatherings or satisfying a dessert craving with minimal fuss.
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I bake them instead of frying?
No—the signature crisp requires frying. Baking results in dense texture. - What oil works best?
Use a neutral oil with high smoke point, like canola or vegetable. - How do I know oil temperature?
Use a thermometer or drop in a bit of batter—it should sizzle steadily. - How to keep them warm for guests? Juicy Pineapple Heaven Cake
Store in a 100 °C oven on a rack to maintain crispness. - Can the batter sit before frying?
Yes—up to 30 minutes. Just stir before frying if it settles. - Are leftovers good?
Best fresh. Reheat in oven to crisp again. - Can I freeze them?
Freezing isn’t ideal—texture changes. Enjoy freshly fried for best results. - Can I prep batter in advance?
Yes, refrigerate up to 24 hours; bring to room temperature before frying. - Why are some bites greasy?
Oil was too cool—heat drops during frying. Maintain temp. - How to store batter?
In refrigerated up to 24 hours. Shake or whisk before use.