Skillet Funnel Cake with Cinnamon Sugar Dusting

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

Golden-fried funnel cake with a tender inside and crisp edges, dusted generously with cinnamon sugar for a classic sweet treat. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 20 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 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 medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup all-purpose flour, 2 tbsp granulated sugar, 1/2 tsp baking powder, and 1/4 tsp salt until evenly combined.
  2. Step 2: In a separate bowl, beat 1 large egg with 1/2 cup whole milk and 1 tsp vanilla extract until smooth and slightly frothy.
  3. Step 3: Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, whisking until the batter is smooth and pourable, with no lumps.
  4. Step 4: Heat 2 cups vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium heat until it reaches 350°F, using a thermometer to verify.
  5. Step 5: Transfer the batter to a squeeze bottle or piping bag, and carefully drizzle the batter in a circular, lattice pattern into the hot oil, forming a funnel cake shape.
  6. Step 6: Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, flipping carefully with tongs once the edges turn golden brown and crisp.
  7. Step 7: Remove the funnel cake and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
  8. Step 8: In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup powdered sugar with 1 tsp ground cinnamon.
  9. Step 9: While the funnel cake is still warm, generously dust it with the cinnamon sugar mixture and serve immediately.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Skillet 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 Skillet 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 Skillet 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 Skillet 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 Skillet 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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