If you’re like me, you have a soft spot for funnel cakes. There’s just something about that crispy, sugary goodness that brings back memories of fun fairs and summer nights. But let’s be real—sometimes you just want the deliciousness of funnel cake without all the hassle of making a full-sized version. Enter these Crispy Funnel Cake Sticks! They’re simple, fun to make, and perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself).
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
These funnel cake sticks are not only incredibly easy to whip up, but they also deliver all the flavor and texture of traditional funnel cake. They’re crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and covered in powdered sugar—just the way you want them. Plus, they’re the perfect handheld treat for kids and adults alike. Whether it’s a snack, dessert, or a special treat, these sticks are sure to delight everyone.
Ingredients
Here’s a sneak peek at what you’ll need to make these delightful sticks:
- All-purpose flour
- Sugar
- Baking powder
- Eggs
- Whole milk
- Vegetable oil for frying
You can find the full list of ingredients below!
Directions
Step 1: Make the Batter
In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and a splash of vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry, stirring until you have a smooth batter.
Step 2: Heat the Oil
While your batter is resting, pour about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil into a deep skillet or pot. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C). To test if it’s ready, drop a small amount of batter into the oil—if it sizzles and floats, you’re good to go!
Step 3: Fry the Sticks
Using a piping bag (or a zip-top bag with the corner cut off), pipe the batter into the hot oil in long, stick-like shapes. Fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
Step 4: Dust and Serve
Once your funnel cake sticks are cool enough to handle, dust them generously with powdered sugar. Serve them warm and enjoy!
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Don’t rush the oil heating: Make sure your oil is hot enough before frying. If it’s not hot, the sticks will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
- Try flavored extracts: For a fun twist, add a little almond or lemon extract to the batter for extra flavor.
- Cut into fun shapes: Get creative with your piping! You can make spirals, hearts, or even letters.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Nut-Free Option: If you need a nut-free recipe, this one is already good to go! Just double-check that your ingredients are certified nut-free.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these sticks gluten-free. Just be sure to check the baking powder for gluten-free status as well.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
These funnel cake sticks are perfect on their own, but they can also be served with dipping sauces like chocolate, caramel, or even fruit preserves for a tasty twist. Pair them with a hot cup of coffee or a refreshing lemonade for the ultimate treat experience.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They’re best eaten fresh, but if you have some left, this is the way to go.
- Reheating: To re-crisp, pop them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes. This will help restore that delightful crunch!
4 FAQs
- Can I make the batter ahead of time? You can prepare the batter in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a day. Just give it a good stir before frying!
- What type of oil is best for frying? Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil work great for frying these sticks. Choose one with a high smoke point.
- Can I freeze funnel cake sticks? Yes! Once cooled, you can freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Reheat in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy.
- What can I do with leftover batter? If you have extra batter, consider making mini funnel cakes or using it to fry up some fun shapes!
Conclusion
These Crispy Funnel Cake Sticks are a delightful and easy treat that brings the carnival to your kitchen. With their crunchy exterior and soft, sweet center, they’re perfect for any occasion. So grab your ingredients and start frying—you’re in for a real treat! Enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
Crispy Funnel Cake Sticks: The Easy Way to Enjoy a Carnival Favorite
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (about 10–12 funnel cake sticks) 1x
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American, Carnival
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Crispy Funnel Cake Sticks are the perfect way to enjoy all the deliciousness of classic funnel cakes without the mess. Golden, crispy, and perfectly sweet, they’re fun to make and even more fun to eat! Perfect for a carnival-inspired treat at home or as a snack for the kids. Plus, they’re super easy to make, so you won’t have to wait until your next fair visit to enjoy these crispy delights!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Make the batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, beat the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Slowly combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients, stirring until a smooth batter forms. - Heat the oil
Pour about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil into a large skillet or deep fryer and heat it over medium-high heat to about 350°F (175°C). To test if the oil is ready, drop a small spoonful of batter into the oil. If it sizzles and rises to the surface, it’s time to fry! - Fry the funnel cake sticks
Spoon the batter into a piping bag or a plastic sandwich bag with the tip cut off. Carefully pipe the batter into the hot oil in long, stick-like shapes. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove the funnel cake sticks from the oil and drain on a paper towel-lined plate. - Dust with powdered sugar
Once the funnel cake sticks are cool enough to handle, dust them generously with powdered sugar. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter.
- These funnel cake sticks are best served immediately, but you can store them in an airtight container for a day or two. To re-crisp, pop them in the oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes.
- You can also dip them in chocolate syrup or caramel sauce for an added treat!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 sticks
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg