Print

Funnel Cake Donut Recipe – A Fun & Easy Carnival-Style Dessert Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 70 reviews

This Funnel Cake Donut recipe offers a fun and easy carnival-style dessert that can be fried or air-fried to golden perfection. Featuring a simple batter flavored with vanilla and dusted with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar, these donuts are crispy on the outside and tender inside. They can be served with chocolate sauce, fruit preserves, or fresh fruit for delightful variations.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Frying and Toppings

  • Vegetable oil for frying
  • Powdered sugar for dusting
  • Ground cinnamon for cinnamon sugar coating
  • Chocolate sauce or fruit preserves for dipping
  • Fresh blueberries or mashed banana for variations

Instructions

  1. Heat the oil: Preheat vegetable oil in a deep pot or fryer to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for frying the donuts.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
  3. Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the whole milk, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and well blended.
  4. Combine batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined, taking care not to overmix to keep the batter light.
  5. Fry the donuts: Using a spoon or small scoop, carefully drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil. Fry the donuts in batches for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
  6. Drain excess oil: Remove the fried donuts with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels or a wire rack to drain excess oil.
  7. Finish with toppings: While the donuts are still warm, dust them with powdered sugar or roll them in cinnamon sugar. Serve immediately with optional chocolate sauce, fruit preserves, or fresh fruit variations.
  8. Air fryer alternative – Preheat: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F to prepare for the air-fried version of the donuts.
  9. Prepare air fryer basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking.
  10. Place batter in molds: Drop spoonfuls of batter onto parchment rounds or silicone molds placed inside the air fryer basket.
  11. Air fry the donuts: Cook the donuts in the air fryer for 6 to 8 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.
  12. Dust and serve: After cooking, dust the donuts with powdered sugar and serve warm.

Notes

  • Do not overmix the batter to avoid tough donuts; stir until just combined.
  • Maintain oil temperature around 350°F when frying to ensure crispy, properly cooked donuts.
  • Use silicone molds or parchment rounds in the air fryer to prevent batter from sticking and to keep the donut shape.
  • Experiment with toppings such as cinnamon sugar, chocolate sauce, fruit preserves, or fresh fruit like blueberries or mashed banana for variety.
  • Serve donuts immediately after cooking for the best texture and flavor.
  • The recipe offers two cooking methods: traditional deep frying and air frying for a lighter alternative.

Keywords: funnel cake donuts, carnival dessert, fried donuts, air fryer donuts, cinnamon sugar donuts, easy donut recipe, carnival style dessert

Find it online: https://savorandsimmer.com/funnel-cake-donut-recipe-a-fun-and-easy-carnival-style-dessert-recipe/