Olivia Carter
If you’ve ever attended a fair or carnival, you’re probably familiar with the delicious treat known as funnel cake. This deep-fried dessert is made by pouring a thick batter through a funnel into hot oil, creating a crisp and golden crispy cake. While funnel cakes are traditionally made using a special funnel cake dispenser, you can easily recreate this delectable treat in the comfort of your own home using a cast iron skillet.
Using a cast iron skillet to make funnel cakes is a great alternative if you don’t have a funnel cake dispenser or simply prefer the convenience of using a skillet. The cast iron skillet allows for even heat distribution, resulting in perfectly cooked funnel cakes that are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.
To make funnel cake in a cast iron skillet, start by preparing the batter. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, whisking until smooth and well combined.
Next, heat vegetable oil in a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Once the oil reaches a temperature of 375°F (190°C), pour the batter into a squeeze bottle or a plastic bag with a small hole cut in one corner. Squeeze the batter into the hot oil, starting in the center and working your way outward in a spiral motion. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
To make funnel cake in a cast iron skillet, you will need the following ingredients:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups |
| Granulated sugar | 2 tablespoons |
| Baking powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Cinnamon | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Milk | 1 1/2 cups |
| Eggs | 2 |
| Vegetable oil | 2 cups |
| Powdered sugar | For dusting |
Optional Toppings
You can also gather some optional toppings to enhance the flavor of your funnel cake, such as:
- Chocolate sauce
- Whipped cream
- Fruit preserves or fresh fruit
- Ice cream
- Sprinkles
Make sure you have all the ingredients listed above before starting to make your funnel cake in a cast iron skillet.
Step 2: Prepare the Batter
Now that you have gathered all your ingredients, it’s time to make the funnel cake batter. Follow these steps to ensure a perfectly fluffy and delicious treat:
Gather the Ingredients:
Before you start, make sure you have all the ingredients on hand:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1 3/4 cups of milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. This will ensure that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Add the Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, whisking constantly until a smooth batter forms. Make sure there are no lumps remaining in the batter.
Note: If the batter seems too thick, you can add a little more milk to achieve the desired consistency. The batter should be thick enough to flow through a funnel, but not too runny.
Heat the Skillet:
Place a cast iron skillet on the stove over medium-high heat. Pour enough vegetable oil into the skillet to reach a depth of about 1 inch. Heat the oil until it reaches a temperature of 375°F (190°C). Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature.
Fun fact: Cast iron skillets are ideal for making funnel cakes as they distribute heat evenly and maintain a consistent temperature.
Now that you have prepared the batter and heated the skillet, you are ready to move on to the next step: frying the funnel cakes. Read on to learn how to achieve that perfect golden-brown color and delectable crispiness!
Step 3: Heat the Skillet
Before you can start cooking your funnel cake, you need to preheat your cast iron skillet. Place the skillet on your stovetop over medium heat. Allow the skillet to heat up for about 5 minutes.
While the skillet is heating up, you can start preparing your funnel cake batter. Follow the recipe instructions to mix the batter until it becomes smooth and free of lumps.
Once the skillet is hot, add about 1/4 to 1/2 inch of oil. Vegetable oil or canola oil works best for frying funnel cakes. Be careful not to overcrowd the skillet – you want enough room for the batter to spread out and cook evenly.
Test if the oil is hot enough by dropping a small amount of batter into the skillet. If it sizzles and bubbles, the oil is ready. If it doesn’t sizzle or bubbles right away, let the oil heat up a bit longer.
Now you’re ready to start frying your funnel cake!
Step 4: Pour the Batter
Once the oil has reached the desired temperature, it’s time to pour the batter into the cast iron skillet. Make sure you have a ladle or large spoon ready to use.
Begin by scooping up a ladleful of the batter and slowly pouring it into the hot oil. Start from the center and allow the batter to spread outwards in a circular motion. Be careful not to pour too much batter at once, as it may cause the oil to overflow.
Continue pouring the batter in a spiral pattern until you have created a circular shape with a diameter of about 6-8 inches. The batter will start to puff up and turn golden brown as it cooks.
If you prefer a larger funnel cake, you can pour more batter and create a larger shape. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may be slightly longer.
Tips:
• It’s essential to maintain the oil temperature at around 375°F (190°C) throughout the frying process.
• Don’t overcrowd the skillet. Fry one funnel cake at a time to ensure even cooking.
Avoid Common Mistakes:
• Pouring too much batter at once can lead to overcooked outsides and uncooked centers.
• Pouring the batter too slowly can result in a dense funnel cake that doesn’t puff up.
| Skill Level: | Easy |
| Total Time: | 20 minutes |
| Servings: | 4-6 funnel cakes |
Step 5: Fry the Funnel Cake
Now it’s time to fry the funnel cake! Here’s how:
| 1. | Heat a cast iron skillet on medium heat and add vegetable oil until it’s about 1 inch deep. |
| 2. | While the oil is heating, prepare a funnel or a plastic squeeze bottle to pour the batter into the skillet. |
| 3. | Once the oil is hot, squeeze the batter into the skillet in a circular motion, starting from the center and working your way outwards. |
| 4. | Fry the funnel cake for about 2 minutes on each side, or until it turns golden brown. Use a slotted spoon or tongs to carefully flip the cake. |
| 5. | Once both sides are golden brown, remove the funnel cake from the skillet and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. |
| 6. | Repeat this process with the remaining batter, adding more oil to the skillet if needed. |
| 7. | Allow the funnel cakes to cool slightly before serving. You can sprinkle them with powdered sugar, drizzle them with chocolate syrup, or add any other toppings of your choice. |
Enjoy your homemade funnel cakes!
Step 6: Remove and Drain
Once the funnel cake has reached a golden brown color, carefully remove it from the cast iron skillet using a slotted spoon or tongs. Be cautious when handling as the hot oil can cause burns.
Place the fried funnel cake on a paper towel-lined plate or wire rack to allow any excess oil to drain off. This step is important to make sure your funnel cake is light and crispy.
While it’s tempting to dive right into the freshly fried funnel cake, allowing it to drain for a minute or two will ensure that you have a better texture and taste. Patience is key when it comes to making the perfect funnel cake!
Repeat the process with the remaining batter, making sure to adjust the temperature of the oil as needed to maintain a consistent cooking temperature.
Pro Tip:
If you’re making funnel cakes for a crowd, you can keep them warm in the oven while you fry the rest. Just place the fried funnel cakes on a baking sheet and keep them in a preheated oven set to the lowest temperature. This will keep them crispy and warm until you’re ready to serve.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Now that your funnel cakes are golden brown and crispy, it’s time to serve them up and enjoy this delicious treat!
To serve your funnel cakes, you can simply sprinkle them with powdered sugar for a classic touch. The powdered sugar adds a nice sweetness and gives them that traditional funnel cake look.
If you want to get a little more creative, you can also add various toppings to your funnel cakes. Some popular options include chocolate syrup, caramel sauce, whipped cream, or even fresh fruit. Feel free to get as creative as you want and experiment with different flavor combinations!
Once you’ve added your desired toppings, it’s time to dig in and enjoy your homemade funnel cakes. Grab a fork or simply use your hands to tear off pieces of the crispy cake. You’ll love the combination of the crunchy exterior and the soft, slightly doughy interior.
Funnel cakes are best enjoyed fresh and hot, so make sure to serve them right away. They also pair well with a scoop of ice cream or a cold glass of milk.
So gather your friends and family, and enjoy the deliciousness of homemade funnel cakes. This classic fair food is sure to be a hit with everyone!
FAQ
What is funnel cake?
Funnel cake is a popular fried dessert that is made by pouring batter through a funnel into hot oil. It is then fried until it is golden brown and crispy. Funnel cake is often topped with powdered sugar and is a common treat at fairs and carnivals.
Can I make funnel cake using a cast iron skillet?
Yes, you can definitely make funnel cake using a cast iron skillet. The skillet should be deep enough to hold the oil and the batter. You will need to heat the oil in the skillet, then carefully pour the batter into the hot oil and fry it until it is golden brown.
What ingredients do I need to make funnel cake in a cast iron skillet?
To make funnel cake in a cast iron skillet, you will need the following ingredients: 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, 2 eggs, 1 1/2 cups of milk, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and vegetable oil for frying. You will also need powdered sugar for dusting the funnel cake before serving.
