Description
This Easy Funnel Cake with Pancake Mix recipe provides a quick and convenient way to recreate the classic fair treat at home. Made with simple ingredients like pancake mix, milk, egg, and vanilla, it yields a light, crispy, and golden cake that’s perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Topped with powdered sugar, it’s nostalgic, fun to make, and easily customizable to suit dietary needs or flavor preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 1 cup pancake mix
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Frying
- About 2 inches vegetable or canola oil (for deep frying)
Toppings
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare the Batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the pancake mix, milk, egg, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and free of lumps. The batter should be thick but pourable, resembling traditional pancake batter.
- Heat the Oil: Pour about 2 inches of vegetable or canola oil into a deep skillet or pot and heat it over medium heat until it reaches approximately 350°F (175°C). Use a candy or deep-fry thermometer for accurate temperature control.
- Create the Funnel Cake Pattern: Transfer the batter into a squeeze bottle, piping bag, or sturdy plastic bag with a small hole cut at the tip. Carefully drizzle the batter into the hot oil in a circular, overlapping, web-like pattern.
- Fry Until Golden: Cook the batter for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until it turns crisp and golden brown. Use tongs or a slotted spatula to gently flip the funnel cake halfway through frying.
- Drain and Serve: Remove the funnel cake from oil and place it on paper towels to drain excess oil. Once cooled slightly, generously dust with powdered sugar and serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Adjust milk quantity slightly to get batter consistency thick enough to drizzle without being runny.
- Maintain oil temperature around 350°F to avoid greasy or burnt cakes.
- Use fresh oil for crispier texture and better taste.
- Fry one funnel cake at a time to keep oil temperature consistent and prevent sticking.
- Have fun creating different swirling patterns for visual appeal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Deep Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 funnel cake
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: funnel cake, pancake mix, deep fry dessert, quick fair food, crispy funnel cake, homemade funnel cake