Step Right Up For Classic Fair Foods

Our family went to the county fair for three important reasons: jug of root beer, corn dogs, and funnel cakes. These fair food delicacies might seem timid compared to the deep-fried candy bars of today, but let’s be honest– classic funnel cakes are the first (and best) foods of the fired fair midway.

Fair Funnel Cakes Forever

The first time I fried funnel cakes at home, I was in awe about how beautiful they were as they cooked. I know that sounds as corny as a corn dog, but seriously, the way the batter slowly turns from pale white to golden-yellow is kind of amazing.

I like to call it the Phases of the Funnel Cake.

What Is A Funnel Cake Made Of?

I’ve tried a few different recipes, but I really like Martha Stewart’s Funnel Cakes the best. It’s easy and doesn’t make a huge quantity. Because as we all know, a little fried dough can go a long way.

Ingredients:

• Vegetable oil, for frying
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
• Rounded 1/4 teaspoon coarse salt
• 3/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon whole milk
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar

How To Make Funnel Cake Batter

According to Martha (and I’ve found it to be true).

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, brown sugar, and salt. Create a well in center of bowl and pour milk, egg, 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, and vanilla extract into well. Whisk into dry ingredients until batter is smooth and transfer batter to a squeeze bottle with a 1/4-inch opening at top (or to a wet measuring cup).
2. Heat 1 inch vegetable oil in a deep-sided cast-iron pan to 350 degrees.
3. Holding squeeze bottle (or measuring cup) 1 inch from oil, carefully squeeze batter into oil in a spiderweb pattern, starting from center, using about 1/4 cup batter per cake. Fry cake, flipping once, until golden brown on both sides, 3-4 minutes total. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Return oil to 350 degrees before frying next cake.
4. Sift confectioners’ sugar over cakes just before serving.