Funnel Cake Donut Recipe
This Funnel Cake Donut Recipe offers a fun and easy way to enjoy a classic carnival-style dessert right at home. These golden, crispy donuts are made from a simple batter fried to perfection and dusted with powdered sugar, with optional add-ins like cinnamon sugar, chocolate sauce, or fresh fruit for a delightful twist.
- Author: zara
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 donuts 1x
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Frying, Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup milk (whole milk preferred)
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Frying & Toppings
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Optional Add-ins & Toppings
- Ground cinnamon (for cinnamon sugar coating)
- Chocolate sauce or fruit preserves for dipping
- Fresh blueberries or mashed banana (for variations)
- Heat Oil: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Ensure enough oil to allow the donuts to float and cook evenly.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully blended.
- Make Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the batter light.
- Fry Donuts: Using a spoon or small scoop, carefully drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding for about 2–3 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain Donuts: Remove the donuts with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels or a wire rack to drain excess oil.
- Add Toppings: While still warm, dust the donuts generously with powdered sugar or roll in cinnamon sugar if desired. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
- Air Fryer Option: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F. Lightly spray the basket with oil, drop spoonfuls of batter onto parchment paper rounds or silicone molds, air fry for 6–8 minutes flipping halfway through, then dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- Use whole milk for richer flavor, but low-fat milk can also be used.
- Do not overmix the batter to avoid tough donuts.
- Fry donuts in small batches to maintain oil temperature.
- For cinnamon sugar coating, combine powdered sugar with ground cinnamon before dusting.
- Serve immediately for the best crispy texture; leftovers may soften.
- Air fryer method provides a lower-oil alternative but results in slightly different texture.
- Customize with add-ins like fresh blueberries or mashed banana mixed into batter for unique variations.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: funnel cake donuts, carnival dessert, fried donuts, powdered sugar donuts, easy dessert recipe, homemade donuts