Perfect Fair Funnel Cakes

What a perfect treat for a summer party or get-together! No one likes spending $6+ for some fried batter at the county fair, but we tell ourselves its worth it (and sometimes it is:)), because not many people know how simple they can be to make right at home! What if you could make them yourself for next to nothing, and have as much as you want!? Well with this incredibly easy recipe you can, and should!! What'a you think? Too tempting to pass up? :)

Ever since I can remember my mom would make Funnel Cakes once in a while for those special occasions, and I remember being so so excited about the prospect of tearing off a sweet crispy piece and popping it into my mouth. To this day they are a still such a special treat to me, I just can't eat as many as I could when I was a kid:)

Martin and I have been talking about making these together for a while now, but finally we took the plunge and made them when my wonderful brother and his family came for a visit earlier this month. It was so much fun! Of course we looked for another chance to make them for a special occasion and the last time I set out to pass the recipe on to you. So here it is!

Perfect Fair Funnel Cakes

yield: approx six cakes

Ingredients:

-2 cups flour

-2 eggs

-1 2/3 cups milk

-1 cup confectioners' sugar

-3 tablespoons granulated sugar

-1 teaspoon baking powder

-1/2 teaspoon vanilla

-1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

-1/2 teaspoon salt

-approx 6 cups (2 inches) oil for frying

Method:

Step #1. Begin by choosing a deep sided electric skillet or pan and heat your oil to 375°F. (I like to use an 8" spring-form pan outside as a frame.)

Step #2. Beat the rest of your wet ingredients together in a mixing bowl and set aside.

Step #3. In a large bowl, whisk your dry ingredients until well combined and slowly add them to your wet mixture, stirring with your hand mixer as you go.

Step #4. Ladle your batter into your funnel until full, and begin making your cakes! You'll want to first make a large circle around the outside forming the outline for your cake (about a 7 inch circle), then continue to swirl around however you want but working towards the middle. Make sure to draw lines from the center to the outside line to tie the whole thing together.

Step #5. Flip your cake over to fry both sides until it's golden brown. Use your tongs to remove the cake and shape it on paper towels to drain. Douse with some sweet powdered sugar to complete you cake and serve immediately!

I know I always say this, but I really really hope you give these a try with a group or family gathering, or even just for you and your family! These are so amazingly delicious and you can leave them lightly brown for soft and chewy, or cook a little longer for that crispness that just makes me weak at the knees.

We're gonna to make 'em again this weekend (and maybe the next) cuz they're just that good:) Come tell me when you're declared an angel for making these, and have a great week!

xo, Emily

source for inspiration:

slightly adapted from king arthur flour