There’s nothing quite like biting into a warm, crispy funnel cake at the fair. But here’s the secret: you don’t have to wait until the next amusement park or state fair to enjoy one. This 3 ingredient funnel cake recipe is quick, budget-friendly, and made without milk, making it perfect for families who want a fun treat at home.
With just a simple batter, hot oil, and a dusting of confectioner’s sugar, you’ll have that golden brown fair food experience right in your own kitchen.
3 Ingredient Funnel Cake with Pancake Mix
❤️ Why you’ll love it
This classic carnival treat is easy to make and ready in just minutes. Plus, you can top it with your favorite toppings for a truly indulgent dessert.
- ✅ Only 3 simple ingredients
- ✅ A classic funnel cake recipe without milk
- ✅ Ready in under 20 minutes
- ✅ Tastes just like the ones from state fairs and carnivals
🥘 Equipment
- Deep pot or Dutch oven
- Measuring cups
- teaspoons and tablespoons
- candy thermometer, optional if you want to make sure the oil comes to temperature
🧾 Ingredients
Get the full list of ingredients, with measurements, and step-by-step instructions at the bottom of the post in the printable recipe card.
- Complete Pancake Mix
- Water
- Sugar
- Vanilla Extract (optional)
- Vegetable Oil or Canola Oil (for frying)
- Powdered Sugar (optional)
🍳 How to Make 3 Ingredient Funnel Cake
Get the full list of ingredients, with measurements, and step-by-step instructions at the bottom of the post in the printable recipe card.
Heat the oil
Pour 2–3 inches of oil into a deep pot or Dutch oven. Use a candy thermometer to bring the oil temperature to 375°F.
Mix the batter
In a medium bowl, whisk together pancake mix and water until smooth. The funnel cake batter should be pourable but not too thin.
Create the funnel cake
Transfer the batter to a pastry bag, plastic squeeze bottle, or even a plastic bag with the corner snipped. Carefully drizzle the batter into the hot oil in a circular motion, overlapping to form a lacy pattern.
Fry until golden brown
Cook the first side for about 1–2 minutes, then use tongs to flip. Fry until both sides are golden brown with crispy edges.
Drain and top
Place on a paper towel-lined plate or wire rack to remove excess oil. Dust with confectioner’s sugar or your favorite toppings like fresh fruit, chocolate syrup, caramel sauce, or vanilla ice cream.
Hint: To test if the oil is hot enough, drop a tiny piece of the batter into the oil. If it sizzles and cooks quickly, your oil is ready to go.
🎥 Video
🥄 Variations
This recipe is super customizable. Here are a few delicious variations to try:
- Add cinnamon to the pancake funnel cake batter for an extra flavor kick
- Mix in some chopped nuts or sprinkles into the batter before frying
- Don’t be afraid to play with the ingredients – if you want a chocolate funnel cake, try using some cocoa powder in the batter. Add strawberry powder, like the kind you use for strawberry milk, for a strawberry-flavored funnel cake.
- Instead of adding whipped cream or fresh fruit, top the 3 ingredient funnel cake with strawberry compote, crushed Oreos, marshmallows, or any other favorite topping.
- Want to add more protein? Or save a few calories? You can use a high-protein, low-calorie pancake mix, like Kodiak cakes. This type of mix tends to have less cholesterol and sodium and has more fiber and vitamins. There are ones that are lower in carbohydrates, but I have not tried them personally.
- You can use gluten-free pancake mix to make this funnel cake.
🍽️ What to Serve With Funnel Cake
These homemade funnel cakes taste amazing with:
- Confectioner’s sugar (classic!)
- Cinnamon sugar
- Caramel sauce or fresh fruit
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream
- This is a great stand-alone snack but also pairs deliciously with coffee, tea, or homemade hot chocolate
🍶 Storing
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them crispy, reheat in an air fryer or oven instead of the microwave.
💭Pro Tips for the Best Funnel Cakes
- Use a deep fryer or Dutch oven for even frying.
- Keep oil temperature consistent (375°F) to avoid greasy cakes.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook one large funnel cake at a time.
- Store finished cakes in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Re-crisp in the air fryer for best results.
❔FAQs
What is Funnel Cake Batter Made of?
Does The Best Funnel Cake Recipe Need to Be Fried
You can make this funnel cake in the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees F and cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Be sure to check on it often so it does not burn.
Can I Use Bisquick to Make Funnel Cake?
📖More Recipes
Need to change the number of servings? You can click on the number of servings and change the number. This will adjust the ingredient measurements to what you need.
If you love this recipe, come back and give it 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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Easy Funnel Cake
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cup Complete Pancake Mix
- 3/4 cups water
- 2 tbsp Sugar
- 2 tsp Vanilla Extract
- Oil for frying
- Powdered Sugar for sprinkling
Directions
- Mix your dry ingredients together complete pancake mix and sugar, with the wet ingredients, the water, and vanilla all together into a large bowl.
- Mix well and until batter is nice and smooth with no clumps.
- Heat the oil until it is hot enough to fry the funnel cake.
- Add the batter into a funnel and move batter to a squeeze bottle or bag to pour into hot oil. Be very careful when pouring the batter so it does not cause the oil to splash.
- Fry until golden brown and then flip. (About a minute or so on each side. A bit longer if making larger ones).
- Once cooked, move the funnel cake on a paper towel to soak up the excess oil.
- Plate, sprinkle with confectioners sugar and enjoy!
Nutrition
Glenda
I love them, but had never tried to make them until I saw your post. The recipe is simple and it was actually pretty fun making the designs. lol Not to mention they were absolutely scrumptious!
Debi
Careful, it’s addicting.
Kari L Candland
Would you consider a “complete pancake mix” one that you just have to add water?
Our Wabi Sabi Life Staff
Yes, many of them just require water. Thanks for your question.
Loreen Sekerak
I’ve always wanted a nice funnel cake recipe.This one looks wonderful! Thanks so much!