Many have asked me if they can make funnel cake with pancake mix. I wish to tell them that it’s a nice recipe to try at home with your family.
I’ve always had a soft spot for funnel cake, bringing back memories of fun childhood fairs and festivals with that irresistible smell of fried dough wafting through the air. Lately, I stumbled upon a fun idea: using pancake mix to whip up some homemade funnel cake.
Making funnel cake using pancake mix was a breeze – simple steps, delicious outcome. The vanilla and sugar in the batter added a nice touch, and the powdered sugar on top was the cherry on top!
I had a blast trying out various toppings – sliced bananas and a dollop of whipped cream ended up being my top pick. Serving up these homemade funnel cakes to loved ones made it all the more memorable, injecting a touch of fairground fun into our family gathering.
Recipe
Pancake Mix
Water
Egg
Oil
Powdered sugar for dusting
vanilla extract (optional)
How to Make Funnel Cake With Pancake Mix
before going into details of how to make funnel cake using pancake mix, I would love to share with you some of the equipment needed to achieve the desired result. Such are listed below
- A deep frying pan/skillet or a deep fryer
- Whisk
- Funnel or squeeze bottle
- Tongs
- Paper towels
I will be sharing my personal experience on the steps I took or the simple process it took me to make the funnel cake using pancake mix
- Preparing The Batter: Incorporate the pancake mix, water, egg, vanilla extract, and sugar into a spacious mixing bowl. Vigorously whisk the ingredients until a smooth consistency is achieved. The batter should possess a slightly denser texture compared to regular pancake batter, yet it should still be easily pourable.
- Heat the Oil: Add the oil to the frying pan or deep fryer, making sure it is deep enough for the funnel cake to float and cook evenly. Heat the oil to 375°F (190°C). If you do not have a thermometer, check the oil readiness by dropping a small amount of batter into it. If it sizzles and quickly rises to the surface, then it is ready for frying.
- Funnel the Batter: Put the batter into a funnel and cover the bottom with your finger to stop it from coming out. Another option is to pour the batter into a squeeze bottle with a big nozzle. Slowly pour the batter into the hot oil in a circular motion, layering it to make a lacy design.
- Fry: Cook the batter until it turns a golden brown color, approximately 1-2 minutes per side. Utilize tongs to flip the funnel cake carefully for uniform cooking. After cooking, take it out of the oil and place it on paper towels to absorb any extra oil.
Sprinkle the funnel cake generously with powdered sugar. You can also top it off with chocolate syrup, fresh fruit, or whipped cream if you’d like.
Health Benefits and Considerations
Funnel cake is definitely a tasty snack, but remember to indulge in it in moderation. Here are some health factors to keep in mind.
- Caloric Value: Funnel cakes possess a significant amount of calories as a result of the frying technique and sugar content. It is advisable to be cautious about the serving sizes in order to prevent consuming an excessive number of calories
- Nutritional Value: Pancake mix offers carbohydrates for energy, but funnel cakes lack essential nutrients. Enhancing your snack with fresh fruit can increase its nutritional content.
- Oil Quality: Utilizing a nutritious oil such as canola or vegetable oil when frying may present a superior choice. It is important to confirm that the oil reaches an adequate temperature to reduce absorption and result in a less oily cake.