Funnel cake sticks are a fun twist on the classic funnel cake. They are crispy, golden, and perfect for a sweet treat at carnivals, fairs, or even a weekend snack at home. In this recipe, we will guide you through each step of making crispy funnel cake sticks that are deliciously crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. Additionally, we will answer some frequently asked questions and calculate the calories for each serving.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients
Start by combining the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Add the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir them together to ensure they are evenly mixed. This step is important because it ensures that the leavening agents (baking powder) and the dry ingredients are well distributed, helping to create light and crispy funnel cake sticks.
2. Whisk the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract together. Make sure to beat the eggs thoroughly until they are well mixed with the milk. The vanilla extract adds a nice, aromatic flavor that complements the sweetness of the sugar and the richness of the milk.
3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. The batter should be smooth, with no lumps. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture of the funnel cake sticks. The batter should be thick, but it should pour easily from a spoon.
4. Heat the Oil
In a deep frying pan or large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. You need enough oil to submerge the funnel cake sticks partially. The oil should be heated to around 350°F (175°C). You can check the temperature by dropping a small amount of batter into the oil—if it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready.
5. Fry the Funnel Cake Sticks
Carefully drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil, shaping them into long, thin sticks. You can use a spoon or your hands to shape the batter, but be sure to drop them gently into the oil to avoid splashes. Fry the sticks for about 2-3 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy. Make sure to flip them halfway through cooking to ensure even frying on both sides.
6. Drain and Dust with Powdered Sugar
Once the funnel cake sticks are golden and crispy, use tongs or a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil. Place the fried sticks on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. While the funnel cake sticks are still hot, dust them generously with powdered sugar. This will give them that classic sweet touch, making them irresistible!
Tips for Perfect Crispy Funnel Cake Sticks
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Frying too many funnel cake sticks at once can lower the oil temperature, resulting in soggy cakes. Fry in batches for the best results.
- Keep the Oil Temperature Steady: Make sure to maintain the oil temperature at around 350°F (175°C). If the oil gets too hot, the cake sticks will burn; if it’s too cold, they will absorb excess oil and become greasy.
- Try Different Flavors: You can add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for extra flavor or drizzle chocolate syrup on top after frying for an indulgent treat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use a different type of flour?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier version. However, the texture may differ slightly, as whole wheat flour is denser.
2. How do I prevent the funnel cake sticks from becoming too greasy?
To prevent greasy funnel cake sticks, ensure the oil temperature stays between 350°F and 375°F while frying. Also, be sure to drain the sticks on paper towels immediately after frying to remove excess oil.
3. Can I make the batter in advance?
It’s best to make the batter just before frying to ensure it remains fresh and light. However, you can refrigerate the batter for up to 2 hours if needed. Just give it a quick stir before using.
4. Can I bake the funnel cake sticks instead of frying them?
While frying is traditional for this recipe, you can bake the sticks in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes. They won’t be as crispy as fried, but it’s a healthier alternative.
5. Can I freeze the funnel cake sticks?
Yes, funnel cake sticks can be frozen. After frying, let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. To reheat, simply bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to crisp them up.
Calories Calculation
To estimate the calories in each serving of funnel cake sticks, let’s break down the calories of the main ingredients:
- Flour (2 cups): ~910 calories
- Sugar (2 tablespoons): ~100 calories
- Baking powder (2 teaspoons): ~5 calories
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Negligible calories
- Eggs (2 large): ~140 calories
- Milk (1 1/2 cups): ~225 calories
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): ~12 calories
- Vegetable oil (for frying, 1 cup): ~1,900 calories (Note: the oil absorbed by the batter is estimated at around 1/3 cup)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting): ~50 calories
Total calories for the entire batch:
910 (flour) + 100 (sugar) + 5 (baking powder) + 140 (eggs) + 225 (milk) + 12 (vanilla extract) + 1,900 (oil) + 50 (powdered sugar) = 3,442 calories
If you cut the funnel cake sticks into 10 servings, each serving will have approximately 344 calories.
Conclusion
Crispy funnel cake sticks are a delicious and fun treat that’s easy to make at home. Whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a carnival-inspired snack, or indulging in something sweet, these funnel cake sticks will definitely satisfy your cravings. With these detailed instructions, helpful tips, and a calorie breakdown, you’ll be able to create the perfect crispy funnel cake sticks every time. Enjoy!
