Chocolate Funnel Cake with Cinnamon Sugar Dusting

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A delightful twist on classic funnel cake, infused with cocoa powder and dusted with cinnamon sugar for a sweet, crispy treat. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 20 minutes layers all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 2, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 2 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, sift together 1 cup all-purpose flour, 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder, 2 tbsp granulated sugar, 1 tsp baking powder, and 1/4 tsp salt.
  2. Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk 3/4 cup whole milk, 1 large egg, and 1 tsp vanilla extract until combined.
  3. Step 3: Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until smooth and free of lumps.
  4. Step 4: Heat 4 cups vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot to 375°F.
  5. Step 5: Using a funnel or a squeeze bottle, drizzle the batter in a circular motion into the hot oil, forming a lacy pattern about 5 inches in diameter.
  6. Step 6: Fry the funnel cake for 2-3 minutes per side until crisp and cooked through, turning carefully with tongs.
  7. Step 7: Remove funnel cake and drain on paper towels. Mix 1/4 cup granulated sugar with 1 tsp ground cinnamon, then generously dust the warm funnel cake before serving.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Chocolate Funnel Cake with Cinnamon Sugar Dusting take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Chocolate Funnel Cake with Cinnamon Sugar Dusting?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Chocolate Funnel Cake with Cinnamon Sugar Dusting?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Chocolate Funnel Cake with Cinnamon Sugar Dusting for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Chocolate Funnel Cake with Cinnamon Sugar Dusting?

American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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