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Introduction to Funnel Cake
Funnel cakes are known as one of the most popular delights of the fair — consisting of a loaded crispy with a soft porous interior topped with powdered sugar on top. While the basic funnel cake is essentially not bad, it will be more interesting to make it with some original, more fun and adventurous toppings. Today, we will delve into the platter of funnel cake toppings from the well-known to the more complex that are simply delicious without being traditional.
What is a Funnel Cake?
Funnel cake also called the carnival cake is a type of deep-fried cake which is produced by pouring batter shaped in the form of a funnel into hot oil in a consistent zigzag movement. The batter really does fly into golden crispy threads that appear web like goodness. When it is cooked at the right temperature and for the appropriate amount of time the result is then covered in powdered sugar which is the customary finishing for the crunchy delicacy.
Funnel cakes or those that we call fried dough have been around long enough to be found in the history books. They find their origin in Europe with a hint of even Germanic ethnicity to them. But in case you are in a mood for more there are better and many ways for enjoyment of a funnel cakeother than its original version.
Traditional Funnel Cake Toppings
Before we explore the more unusual toppings, let’s begin with the familiar ones. These traditional funnel cake toppings are here to stay and have earned their fair share of nostalgia among some people:
- Powdered Sugar: Of all the variations of toppings on funnel cakes, this is the least complex and the most popularly known. Just like how a fried dough is pleasant to the taste, powdered sugar enhances the joy because it gives a little sweetness. This is an old school but a level headed way for those people that love taking the fumbled ‘funnel’ cake.
- Whipped Cream: A large amount of whipped cream topped on cake simplifies the cake’s surface and creates the airy feel of a cloud about the cake. It cuts through the dry crunch of the cake and introduces a little cloud-like smoothness.
- Chocolate Syrup: Pouring chocolate syrup on top of your funnel cake then brings it to light. Who doesn’t just love the taste of chocolate and that of a sugary crunchy cake!
- Fresh Strawberries: Strawberries have an affinity with funnel cakes; it’s only wise to make use of that synergy for tropical funnel cakes. The sweet cake is balanced out by the fresh, zesty fruits while they complement both whipped cream and chocolate syrup beautifully.
- Cinnamon Sugars: And this is on a list of many exquisite toppings that come in addition to the funnel cake which makes it a warm feast. This mix of cinnamon and sugar seems to me a warm hug atmosphere and I think it is suitable for autumn fairs.
Those are all great, but how about if you would like to be a bit bolder?
Unique and Creative Funnel Cake Toppings
Now, let’s come out of the norms and look for such toppings which would elevate the funnel cake to a higher level of enjoyment. These ideas will not only please but also amaze and cater to those who want something more.
1. Nutella and Bananas
Nutella and banana is about as decadent as it gets, but with the addition of smooth Nutella, the warm crispy cake and bananas one gets a sweet and creamy consistency.
2. Crumbled Cookies and Ice Cream
What’s so great about a funnel cake that it can’t be modified into a sundae with a better appeal? Pick your choice when adding a scoop of vanilla, chocolate, cookies and cream or any other sundae including your funnel cake. Then, crumbled cookies add some more excitement and crunch on top. This comes in handy when it is hot and you are having hot funnel cake and you want something cold to complement it.
3. Peanut Butter and Chocolate Chips
This is the topping for all peanut butter fans. This cake has deep, indulgent flavors of salty peanut butter and sugary sweet chocolate chips throughout which you will love!
These toppings might sound pretty fancy for your tongue; however, what you don’t know is that funnel cakes can also be prepared in a savory style.
Savory Funnel Cake Toppings
Although the majority of funnel cakes are served with sweet toppings, one should consider using savoury toppings. Funnel cakes are mainly served as a snack, appetizer and sometimes even a meal with the inclusion of proteins. Here are some ideas for savory funnel cake toppings:
1. Cheddar Cheese and Jalapeños
To make the funnel cake more interesting, you should consider adding melted cheddar cheese and jalapeno rings to your funnel cake. This one is oh, so cheesy, and when you add the heat derived from jalapeños, then this dish gets the compliments it deserves. You can also add little or more of some sour cream for the extra combating cream and tang.
2. Buffalo Chicken and Blue Cheese
Have your funnel cake spicy and Savory; add shredded buffalo chicken, and blue cheese crumbles on your funnel cake. The fun of eating this dish is that the spicy chicken goes well with the fried funnel cake while the blue cheese has a strong, sharp taste. This topping goes well for the lovers of spicy foods owing to the hot spices used in preparation.
3. Pulled Pork and Barbecue Sauce
Transform your funnel cake and take it southern by adding pork and topping it up with some sauce. It is so good with the smoky tender pork and the crisp funnel cake and the sweet tangy barbecue sauce in the middle. It is also possible to serve it with coleslaw on top which enhances the taste and the texture of the food.
A main course served in a funnel bun may not sound very appealing, but it is a delicacy which will turn you into a fan instantly. They’re a nice spin to anything related to funnel cakes and are very tasty.
Sweet and Fruity Funnel Cake Toppings
In case of looking for a rather breezy and not very heavy dessert, sweet and fruity adornments would be perfect. These toppings are best suitable for people who crave for the sweet funnel cake but at the same time would not want to feel stuffed.
1. Mixed Berry Compote
The strawberry and blueberry blended with raspberries and blackberries compote is suitable for the funnel cake topping.
2. Pineapple and Coconut
Take yourself to a jovial islander by adding to your funnel cake. The outer layer of the pineapple makes it crispy and sweet whereas the coconut layer offers a nutty taste to the popcorn. When served with rice, you can even enrich it with some coconut cream and pour it over your stew.
These sweet and fruity toppings are added to the funnel cake to create that special and light fruity taste to it, especially recommended for those who prefer their funnel cake to be less greasy. However, suppose you wish to make funnel cakes at the comfort of your own home?
How to Make Your Own Funnel Cake at Home
Making funnel cakes at home is easier than you might think! Here’s a simple recipe you can follow:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Powdered sugar for topping
Instructions:
- To a medium sized mixing bowl, sieve the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
- In another bowl on the side beat the egg, add the milk and lastly add the vanilla essence.
- Slowly mix into the dry mixture the wet ingredients that would give you a pourable batter.
- Pour one inch of vegetable oil into a deep skillet and preheat the oil on medium heat to the point that the thermometer touches 350 F or 175 C.
- Spoon the batter into a plastic food squeeze bottle or a plastic piping bag.
- Shape the batter into the hot oil into a circular manner or zigzag manner such that it forms a funnel cake like design.
- There’s nothing difficult about the frying process as it only takes 1-2 minutes on each side to gain a golden brown crust.
- Pull out the funnel cake out of the oil and place it on a paper towel to drain it.
- Sprinkle with powdered sugar or with toppings of your choice and serve.
Conclusion: Elevate Your Funnel Cake Experience
Funnel cakes are a yummy dessert which you can take in many ways. Whether you are content with the basic snow-peak and whipped cream or a little inventive with other things such as cheese and jalapenos, the list is endless. The next time you decide to partake in some funnel cake try one of these toppings to make your experience even better.
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FAQs
1. Can I make funnel cakes without using a deep fryer?
Yes! Funnel cakes are best prepared using a deep skillet or pot having about 1-2 inches of hot oil. All you have to do is ensure that the oil is hot at 350 °F for the deepest frying.
2. Can I use a pancake mixer to make funnel cakes?
The reason why funnel cake is preferred as the actual answer is that funnel cake batter is similar to pancake mix. All that is required is to add water as indicated on the box but the water should be slightly less in order to make a thick paste for frying.
3. How do I store leftover funnel cakes?
He/she recommends that they should be reheated inside the oven.or toaster oven to get crispy once again Instead, they taste quite dry and chewy or soggy when you reheat them in the microwave.
4.What are the other toppings that I can use?
Do not be limited to the ideas listed here, Use your imagination with the toppings. It may be worthwhile to attempt caramel apples, s’mores, or even cheeses sauces, for example. You need to try and try until you discover what might be your best setup.
By following these tips and ideas, you won’t have any problem making funnel cakes like never before. Happy eating!
