Western Playland-Inspired Sweet Cinnamon Funnel Cake
Light, airy funnel cake sprinkled with cinnamon sugar, reminiscent of classic amusement park treats perfect for a fun day at the fair. This American-inspired recipe, ready in about 25 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.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- for frying, about 4 cups vegetable oil
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
The bakeware we’d bake this in → Best Bakeware Sets in 2026: Top Picks + Buying Guide
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Equipment for this recipe
Tools this recipe's steps call for, with a link to each on Amazon.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup all-purpose flour, 2 tbsp granulated sugar, 1/2 tsp baking powder, and 1/4 tsp salt until well combined.
- Step 2: In a separate bowl, beat 1 large egg with 3/4 cup milk and 1 tsp vanilla extract until smooth.
- Step 3: Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, whisking to create a smooth batter free of lumps.
- Step 4: Heat about 4 cups vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 375°F, using a thermometer to maintain temperature.
- Step 5: Pour the batter through a funnel or squeeze bottle in a circular motion into the hot oil, forming a lacy pattern. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and puffed.
- Step 6: Remove the funnel cake with tongs and drain on paper towels. While still warm, dust generously with a mixture of 1/2 cup powdered sugar and 1 tsp ground cinnamon.
- Step 7: Serve immediately for a warm, sweet treat reminiscent of amusement park fun.







