Carnival Funnel Cake with Strawberry Sauce

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Carnival Funnel Cake is a classic deep-fried treat often found at fairs, carnivals, and amusement parks. It’s crispy on the outside, soft inside, and topped with powdered sugar. It’s made by pouring a specially prepared batter through a funnel into hot oil, creating a lacy, crispy, and golden-brown dessert.

Carnival Funnel Cake recipe

Carnival cake with strawberry sauce is a favorite during Mardi Gras. This cake may be served without the strawberry sauce if desired, which would be preferable if you are going to be walking around while eating it! Truthfully, these are just as fabulous served with just the confectioners’ sugar on top.

 

Optional Toppings

  • Fresh strawberries or blueberries
  • Whipped cream
  • Chocolate or caramel drizzle
  • Cinnamon sugar
  • Nutella
  • Ice cream

 

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Carnival Funnel Cake with Strawberry Sauce

Carnival Funnel Cake recipe
Print Recipe

Carnival Funnel Cake is a classic deep-fried treat often found at fairs, carnivals, and amusement parks.

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 13 minutes
  • Total Time: 18 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings; 3 cups sauce 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Units Scale
Cake 1 tablespoon granulated sugar 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon kosher or sea salt 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 egg, beaten 2 cups milk 4 tablespoons butter, melted Confectioners' sugar, for topping Vegetable oil Strawberry Sauce 2 pounds ripe strawberries, hulled 1/2 cup granulated sugar (depending on sweetness of berries) 2 teaspoons cornstarch Juice of 1/2 lemon 1 pinch kosher or sea salt

Instructions

Carnival Funnel Cake

  1. Heat one inch of oil in a cast iron skillet.
  2. Combine milk, egg and vanilla extract in a large bowl.
  3. In another bowl, combine flour, salt, baking soda and sugar and gradually add to milk mixture. Beat with a mixer until a smooth batter forms. Fold in melted butter.
  4. Pour batter into a funnel or squeeze bottle while using your index finger to stop the flow of the batter. Bring the funnel over the hot oil and release your finger to start a stream of batter while moving the funnel in a circular motion to create spiral-like shapes.
  5. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown and slightly puffed. Sprinkle with confectioners’ sugar.

Strawberry Sauce

  1. Combine ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat; stir gently until sugar dissolves and berries are soft, about 10 minutes.
  2. Remove from heat and let cool.

Notes

Photo credit: ID 37821311 © | Alexanderphoto7 | Dreamstime.com

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