Funnel Cake with Pancake Mix

Treat your little ones to the ultimate gluten-free Funnel Cake made with pancake mix! This recipe is your ticket to a worry-free, delicious carnival treat. Grab your apron and turn your kitchen into a family fun zone with this easy, kid-friendly recipe. Watch as the batter turns golden as it fries, making your home smell like a fairground. This easy-to-make recipe ensures that everyone, even those with gluten sensitivities, can experience the magic of a funnel cake.

What is a Funnel Cake?

A funnel cake is a deep-fried dessert that is made by pouring batter through a funnel into hot oil. In this case, we are using pancake mix for the batter and a Ziploc bag for the funnel.

Created is a lacy and crispy fried dough that is typically served with powdered sugar. Keep reading for more ways to serve funnel cakes that are creative, delicious and kid approved!

This funnel cake with pancake mix recipe is made with basic ingredients and an easy frying method that has this dessert ready to serve in no time. Both kids and parents alike will have a blast creating this homemade funnel cake that is also gluten-free!

For more fun kid recipes, you must try our Peanut Butter Ice Cream, Gluten-Free Chex Mix and Easy Oreo Dip.

Ingredients

• 1 cup gluten free pancake mix
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• powdered sugar for dusting
• oil for frying

You can swap regular pancake mix if gluten-free is not needed. If it is an all-in-one batter, you can skip the egg. 

How To Make

Pour the oil into a cast iron skillet or Dutch oven about 1/2 inch up the sides. Heat to 350°F. Prepare a plate with some paper toweling.

Add the pancake mix, milk, egg, sugar, oil, and vanilla into a mixing bowl. Stir until just combined. Pour into a ziplock bag. When ready to use snip a small piece off one of the bottom corners to use as a pastry bag.

Carefully squeeze the bag of batter in a circular motion into the hot oil. Do not fill the whole skillet as it is hard to flip without a little room to do so.

Overlap the batter as you make the circles. Use 1/2 of the batter per funnel cake or make smaller funnel cakes.

We like to cook funnel cakes separately. Fry for 1-2 minutes or until the top batter starts to firm up slightly and the underside is golden brown. Using 2 sets of tongs or a slotted spoon carefully turn the funnel cake over. Fry for an additional 1-2 minutes.

Remove and place onto the paper towel-lined plate. Repeat. Serve right away sprinkled with powdered sugar or your choice of topping.

Ways to Serve a Funnel Cake Recipe

While the pancake mix funnel cake is delicious on its own, you can get really creative with how you serve them. Stick with a classic style dusted with a generous amount of powdered sugar or add a burst of freshness with fruit.

Here are other ways to serve this easy funnel cake recipe:

• Dusted: Cover with cocoa powder, powdered sugar, cinnamon-sugar or dust with pumpkin pie spice for a seasonal favorite.
• Sundae-style: Place a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top of the funnel cake then add your favorite toppings such as whipped cream, nuts and a cherry.
• Drizzled: Drizzle with fruit syrups, fruit-flavored sauces, warm caramel sauce, chocolate sauce or hot fudge.
• Topped: Top with sliced strawberries, blueberries or other fresh fruits.
• Cinnamon-apple: Toss diced cinnamon sugar-coated apples on top of the funnel cake then finish with a dollop of whipped cream.
• Churro-style: Sprinkle with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar then serve with a side of chocolate dipping sauce.
• S’mores-style: Drizzle the entire cake with chocolate sauce then sprinkle with crushed graham crackers and mini marshmallows.

Part of the fun of funnel cakes is letting kids mix and match toppings to create their own delicious combinations. This is a fun family activity or for kids attending a birthday celebration or slumber party!

Quick Tips

• Preheat the oil: Ensure the frying oil is preheated to 350°F before you start pouring in the batter. This helps to achieve a crispy texture. If lower than 350°F, there is a risk the funnel cake will be soggy and greasy.
• Use a funnel or bag: While a funnel is traditional and can be used if available, you can also use a plastic squeeze bottle or bag with a corner cut off. Twist the top of the bag, especially for young kids, to provide control and create the desired pattern.
• Check the batter consistency: Aim for a batter that is thick enough to hold its shape but then enough to flow through the funnel or plastic bag easily. You can adjust the consistency by adding more pancake mix or milk as needed.
• Drizzle in a circular motion: Start from the center and drizzle the batter in a circular motion to create a lacy pattern. Kids also get a kick out of experimenting with different designs,
• Over overcrowding: Overcrowding the frying pot can lead to uneven cooking and soggy funnel cakes. Avoid overcrowding by only frying 1-2 funnel cakes at a time depending on the size.
• Use a slotted spoon or tongs: When removing the funnel cakes, use a slotted spoon or a pair of tongs to drain any excess oil before transferring to a plate lined with paper towels.
• Add toppings: Add any desired toppings while the funnel cakes are still warm to help the toppings stick to the surface. This is especially important if dusting with powdered sugar.
• Serve immediately: Funnel cakes with pancake mix are best enjoyed fresh and hot. Serve immediately after adding the toppings for the crispiest texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Storing Funnel Cake

Funnel cakes are best when fresh and hot, but if you end up with leftovers, here are the steps to take.

Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Storing leftover funnel cakes in the fridge can lead to sogginess from the excess moisture.

To maintain the original crispiness, it is recommended to reheat them briefly in an oven preheated to a low temperature around 250°F for a few minutes.

Other Things To Make with Pancake Mix

• Sheet Pan Pancakes From Mix
• Apple Cinnamon Oven Pancake
• Gluten-Free Corn Dogs
• Pancake in a Mug
• Microwave Pancakes