Homemade funnel cakes are a fun and delicious treat that you can easily make at home. Here's a straightforward recipe:
### Homemade Funnel Cake Recipe
#### Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 cup milk
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Oil for frying (vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
#### Instructions:
1. **Prepare the Dry Ingredients:**
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
2. **Prepare the Wet Ingredients:**
- In another bowl, beat the eggs and then add the milk and vanilla extract (if using). Mix well.
3. **Combine the Ingredients:**
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until smooth. The batter should be slightly thicker than pancake batter.
4. **Heat the Oil:**
- In a deep skillet or deep fryer, heat about 2 inches of oil to 375°F (190°C). You can test the oil by dropping a small amount of batter into it; if it sizzles and rises to the surface immediately, the oil is ready.
5. **Fry the Funnel Cakes:**
- Pour the batter into a funnel, squeeze bottle, or a plastic bag with a small corner cut off. Swirl the batter into the hot oil in a circular and crisscross pattern to form a lacy, round cake.
- Fry until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side, turning once with tongs or a slotted spoon.
- Remove the funnel cake from the oil and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
6. **Serve:**
- Dust the warm funnel cakes with powdered sugar and serve immediately. You can also top them with fruit, chocolate syrup, or whipped cream if desired.
