The Stirring Spoon

Funnel Cake

Desserts & Sweetslate-period EnglandCurly Cross Tavern FeastCooked & documented

Yield: ~38 portions

Prep ahead: Batter can be made ahead. Fry at the event for best results.

Ingredients

Quantity Ingredient
7.5 lbs All-purpose flour
15 Eggs
2.5 quarts Milk
1.25 cups Sugar (plus more for dusting)
4 tbsp Baking powder
2.5 tsp Salt
4 tsp Cinnamon
1.5 tsp Nutmeg
As needed Oil for deep frying (vegetable or lard for period accuracy)
As needed Powdered sugar and/or cinnamon sugar for dusting

Method

  1. Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  2. Beat eggs and milk together, then add to the dry ingredients. Mix until smooth — the batter should be pourable but not too thin.
  3. Heat oil to 375°F in a deep pot, Dutch oven, or deep fryer.
  4. Pour batter through a colander, large strainer, or funnel into the hot oil in a circular pattern. Fry for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown.
  5. Drain on paper towels. Dust generously with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar while still warm.

Note: Frying is the one thing that's hard to do ahead. You'll want a dedicated fryer station at the event. A helper just doing funnel cakes keeps the line moving.