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Funnel Cake Bites Recipe

3.9 from 75 reviews

Funnel Cake Bites are a delightful twist on the classic carnival treat, featuring bite-sized pieces of golden, crispy fried dough dusted generously with powdered sugar. Perfect as a fun snack or dessert, these bites combine warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg with a light, fluffy texture achieved through egg and milk in the batter. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, they’re best enjoyed fresh from the fryer.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Other

  • Vegetable oil for frying
  • Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Batter: In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs until they become foamy. Add the milk and pure vanilla extract to the eggs and mix well to combine the wet ingredients thoroughly.
  2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, salt, and granulated sugar until evenly distributed, ensuring the spices are well incorporated.
  3. Make the Batter: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring carefully until the batter is smooth and free of lumps, creating a consistent dough for frying.
  4. Fry the Bites: Heat approximately ¾ inch of vegetable oil in a deep pot or heavy skillet to 375°F (190°C). Using a cookie scoop or spoon, carefully drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil. Fry each side for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the bites turn golden brown and crisp. Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain oil temperature.
  5. Drain and Dust: Use a slotted spoon to remove the funnel cake bites from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. While still warm, dust them generously with powdered sugar to enhance sweetness and presentation.
  6. Serve: Serve the funnel cake bites immediately for the best taste and texture. They are delicious on their own or paired with your favorite dipping sauces.

Notes

  • Maintain the oil temperature at 375°F to ensure crispy texture without absorbing excess oil.
  • Do not overcrowd the frying pan to prevent lowering the oil temperature.
  • Use a thermometer for accurate oil temperature control.
  • For a gluten-free version, try substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for frying.
  • Serve fresh as these bites are best enjoyed immediately after frying.

Keywords: funnel cake bites, funnel cake recipe, fried dough bites, carnival snacks, cinnamon funnel cake, easy fried dough