The funnel cake is an American dessert that is delicious and fun to make. Whether you make a recipe or buy a pre-made version, there is a good chance that you will be able to find a good variety of flavors and toppings. You’ll also be surprised to learn just how easy it is to make your own.
Recipe
A funnel cake is a delicious sweet treat. You can serve it with powdered sugar, whipped cream, or fruit. These fried pancake-like dough treats are best served warm.
Traditionally, funnel cakes are fried in a skillet on a hot open flame. They can also be made in an air fryer. However, it is important to cook them quickly. If they sit for too long, the inside of the cake will absorb too much oil.
To make the funnel cake, begin by gathering the ingredients. This includes flour, baking powder, vanilla, eggs, and salt. The batter should not be too thick.
The recipe for a funnel cake is not hard to follow. In fact, it can be made in under 10 minutes. Once the batter is prepared, it can be stored in the fridge for up to three days.
When the dough is ready, it is poured into a metal cone shaped funnel. The batter should be poured in a criss-cross swirl, and the spout is held several inches above the oil.
Origins
Whether you consider funnel cakes as a holiday treat or a carnival staple, they have a long history. They are a beloved dish in many cultures, originating in North America and Europe. There are several variations of the recipe, depending on the toppings you choose.
The first reference to funnel cakes comes from medieval cookbooks. Recipes for a dish called “mistembec” or “frites” were recorded in manuscripts dating back to the 13th century. Medieval cooks prepared the dish by pouring a batter through a hole in a bowl. These batter-covered fritters were then doused with sugar syrup.
Although the exact origins of funnel cake are unknown, they are believed to be related to a German-speaking ethnic group known as the Pennsylvania Dutch. They were immigrants who settled in Pennsylvania during the 17th and 18th centuries.
By the late 19th century, funnel cakes were a common treat served at holiday celebrations and festivals. A popular form of the dessert was sold for 25 cents per plate at a church fair.
Variations
There are a lot of different variations of funnel cake. These can range from a simple version to one that is made with several ingredients. Each variety is different and the choice of toppings can affect the flavor of the cake.
For instance, pumpkin funnel cake is not as crunchy as its fried counterpart. It is a light and fluffy dessert that is best for decorating during fall. To top the cake, try cinnamon sugar, chocolate sauce, or Nutella.
Another common variation is soda-inspired funnel cake. This is a classic at the North Carolina State Fair. You can make this simple recipe at home.
The funnel cake recipe itself is fairly simple. It uses a few common pantry items, such as pancake mix, egg, and milk. Once the ingredients are mixed together, you can store the batter in the refrigerator for up to four days.
After you have made the batter, you can either cook it immediately, or place it in the microwave to heat it up. If you want to use the microwave, you’ll need to reheat it in 20 seconds.
Toppers
Funnel cakes are a great treat to serve with a variety of toppings. These can be made with simple ingredients and are perfect for movie night, snacking, and more. They are crunchy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. You can also cover them with chocolate syrup, maple syrup, or cinnamon sugar for a sweet treat.
These cakes can be served warm or frozen. You can make them in 20 minutes or less. They are made with 7 basic ingredients and can be easily topped with your favorite toppings. Try your hand at making funnel cakes with these easy instructions.
First, gather your ingredients. You will need flour, canola oil, cornstarch, egg, baking powder, salt, and vanilla. You may have some of these in your pantry already. If not, you can easily purchase these ingredients at your local grocery store. Once you have all of your ingredients, mix the batter together. For a healthier option, substitute Smart Balance trans fat free shortening.
