The Funnel cake, also known as “funnel cake,” is a popular regional dessert in North America, primarily found at carnivals and amusement parks.
It is made by frying the batter using a funnel.
▶The concept of the funnel cake dates back to the Persian and Arab world of the early Middle Ages as Jalebi (a fried leavened dough soaked in honey and rose water syrup).
▶Dutch immigrants in Pennsylvania imported the recipe known as drechderkuche (straboli in Italian) to America, and around 1879 developed the version with yeast along with its new name: Funnel cake.
▶The batter is commonly poured through a funnel, in a circular pattern.
📍Funnel cakes are generally served plain with powdered sugar, but can also be served with jam/jelly, cinnamon, chocolate, fresh fruit, or other toppings.
Find more Carnival desserts in the collection:
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: Very economical
- Preparation time: 5 Minutes
- Portions: 4 people
- Cooking methods: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Seasonality: Carnival
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup milk
- 2 eggs
- 1 pinch vanilla
- as needed peanut oil
- as needed powdered sugar
Tools
- 1 Funnel
Steps
Prepare the batter by first mixing the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Then the liquid ingredients: milk, eggs, and vanilla.
Then combine them.
Heat the peanut oil to 375°F.
With the help of a funnel, fry the batter in a circular motion, covering the funnel’s exit with your finger to regulate the amount.
Decorate with powdered sugar.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
What is Jalebi?
Jalebi, jilebi, imaratee, jilawii (and sometimes jalibi) is a traditional sweet from Persia, the Middle East (particularly in Egypt where it is commonly called “meshabbak”), and the Indian Subcontinent such as India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Bangladesh. They are made of circular fried dough, which is then soaked in syrup.
