Description
These crispy funnel cake sticks are a fun and tasty treat perfect for sharing! Made with a quick pancake batter, they fry up golden and delicious, and are best enjoyed dusted with powdered sugar or dipped in your favorite sauces.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 cup buttermilk pancake mix
- 1/4 cup cold water (add 1-2 tablespoons more if needed)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Vegetable or canola oil (for frying)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Prepare the Batter:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the pancake mix, cold water, sugar, salt, and vanilla extract until just combined. The batter should have a cake-like consistency. If it’s too thick, add water 1 tablespoon at a time until it reaches the right consistency. - Transfer to Piping Bag:
Pour the batter into a piping bag fitted with a round tip, or use a zip-top bag with a small corner cut off. Set the bag in a tall glass while you heat the oil to prevent any mess. - Heat the Oil:
In a Dutch oven or deep pan, add oil to a depth of at least 3 inches. Heat the oil over medium-high until it reaches 340°F-350°F (adjust heat as needed to maintain this temperature). Prepare a plate lined with paper towels. - Fry the Funnel Cake Sticks:
Pipe 3-4 strips of batter into the hot oil, about 5-6 inches long. Fry each strip for 20-30 seconds, then flip and fry for another 20-30 seconds until golden brown. Remove and transfer to the paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Repeat until all batter is used, maintaining the oil temperature as needed. - Serve:
Dust the funnel cake sticks generously with powdered sugar using a fine mesh strainer. Serve immediately with optional dipping sauces or toppings if desired.
Notes
- Topping Ideas: Serve with caramel sauce, whipped cream, strawberries, chocolate sauce, maraschino cherries, sprinkles, or maple syrup.
- Cinnamon-Sugar Option: Toss the sticks in cinnamon and sugar instead of (or along with) powdered sugar for extra flavor.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in a zip-top bag with air removed at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 375°F until hot and crispy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Stick
- Calories: 60kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
