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Funnel Cake Bites

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Yield: 6 servings (approx. 24-30 bites)
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: 30-35 minutes
Skill Level: Beginner
Effort Level: Low to Medium
Cost: Low

The Last Bite:

Imagine the golden, crispy chaos of a carnival funnel cake, but transformed into perfect, shareable, poppable bites. Each morsel is a cloud of fried dough, shatteringly crisp on the outside and tender within, kissed with vanilla and showered in snowy powdered sugar. They’re irrationally fun to make and even more delightful to eat—hot, sweet, and irresistibly nostalgic, without the need for a fairground ticket.

Ingredients:

For the Funnel Cake Bites:

  • 1 ½ cups (187g) all-purpose flour

  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • 1 large egg, room temperature

  • ¾ cup (180ml) whole milk

  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

  • 4-5 cups (1-1.2L) neutral oil for frying (e.g., vegetable, canola, or peanut)

For Topping:

  • ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar, plus more for dusting

  • Optional: ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon for dusting

Equipment:

  • Large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven

  • Deep-fry thermometer (essential)

  • Piping bag or a sturdy zip-top bag with a ½-inch opening cut from the corner

  • Kitchen scissors

  • Slotted spoon or spider strainer

  • Wire rack set over a baking sheet

  • Paper towels

Instructions:

Step 1: Mix the Batter (5 minutes)

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl or large measuring jug, whisk the egg, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, whisking constantly until you have a smooth, thick, lump-free batter. It should be the consistency of a thick pancake batter—dripping slowly from the whisk. Let the batter rest for 5 minutes while you heat the oil. Meanwhile, fit your piping or zip-top bag with the batter.

Step 2: Heat the Oil & Prepare Station (5 minutes)

Pour oil into your heavy-bottomed pot to a depth of about 2 inches. Attach your deep-fry thermometer and heat over medium heat until the oil reaches 375°F (190°C). This is the crucial temperature for crispy, non-greasy results. While heating, set up your wire rack over a baking sheet lined with paper towels. Have your powdered sugar (mixed with cinnamon, if using) ready in a fine-mesh sieve.

Step 3: Pipe & Fry (15-20 minutes, active)

Safety First: Work carefully to avoid splatters. Keep children and pets away.
Once the oil is at temperature, carefully pipe a small tester—about 1-inch of batter, snipping it with the scissors directly into the hot oil. It should sizzle immediately and begin to puff and float.
Pipe 5-6 more bite-sized pieces (about 1-inch long) into the oil, snipping each with scissors. Do not overcrowd the pot. Fry for 1 to 2 minutes per side, using the slotted spoon to gently turn them, until they are a deep, golden brown all over.
Using the slotted spoon, transfer the cooked funnel cake bites to the wire rack. Allow excess oil to drip for 10 seconds, then blot very gently with a paper towel.

Step 4: Cool & Dust (2 minutes)

Let the bites cool on the rack for just 1-2 minutes—they are best served warm. Place them in a serving bowl or on a plate. Liberally dust with powdered sugar (and cinnamon) through the sieve, tossing gently to coat.

Chef’s Notes & Tips for Success:

  • Temperature is Key: Maintaining 375°F is non-negotiable. If the oil is too cool, the bites will absorb oil and be soggy. Too hot, and they’ll brown too fast while staying raw inside. Adjust heat as needed between batches.

  • Batch Cooking: Let the oil return to 375°F before adding the next batch. This ensures consistent, crispy results every time.

  • Get Creative: Add a pinch of nutmeg or lemon zest to the batter. After dusting with powdered sugar, try a drizzle of chocolate sauce, caramel, or a dollop of fruit compote.

  • Make-Ahead: Batter can be made up to 2 hours ahead and kept covered in the fridge. Let it come to room temperature for 10 minutes before using for easy piping.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving, approx. 5 bites):

  • Calories: ~320 kcal

  • Total Fat: 18g (Saturated Fat: 1.5g)

  • Cholesterol: 35mg

  • Sodium: 270mg

  • Total Carbohydrates: 35g

  • Dietary Fiber: <1g

  • Total Sugars: 14g

  • Protein: 5g

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