Honey and Cinnamon Funnel Cake with Powdered Sugar

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

A sweet treat inspired by classic carnival funnel cakes, lightly crisped and dusted with powdered sugar, drizzled with honey and a hint of cinnamon. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 30 minutes layers all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder 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 350 calories and feeds 4, 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: 20 min Serves 4 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup all-purpose flour, 2 tbsp granulated sugar, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, and 1/4 tsp salt until combined.
  2. Step 2: In a separate bowl, beat 1 large egg with 3/4 cup milk and 1/2 tsp vanilla extract. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, whisking until smooth and free of lumps.
  3. Step 3: Heat 4 cups vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium heat to 375°F. Using a funnel or a squeeze bottle, carefully drizzle the batter into the hot oil in a circular, swirling motion to form a lattice pattern about 5 inches in diameter.
  4. Step 4: Fry each funnel cake for about 2 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to flip gently and cook evenly. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
  5. Step 5: While warm, dust each funnel cake generously with 1/2 cup powdered sugar and drizzle with 1/4 cup honey evenly over the top. Serve immediately for best texture.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Honey and Cinnamon Funnel Cake with Powdered Sugar take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Honey and Cinnamon Funnel Cake with Powdered Sugar?

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 Honey and Cinnamon Funnel Cake with Powdered Sugar?

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 Honey and Cinnamon Funnel Cake with Powdered Sugar for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Honey and Cinnamon Funnel Cake with Powdered Sugar?

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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