This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Funnel cakes are a classic fairground treat, but if you’re like me, you probably never thought to make them at home. Until… you found out you can use pancake mix to make them! The game has been changed, my friends, and now you can delight your family by whipping these up anytime.
These pancake mix funnel cakes are crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside, with a sweet vanilla flavor. You can serve them with just a dusting of powdered sugar, or load them full of toppings and serve them on a plate with a fork!
Recipe Tip
As you make your funnel cakes, the temperature of the oil will fluctuate. That’s okay! Just adjust the heat on the stove higher or lower to maintain that steady 350ºF.
Pancake Mix Funnel Cakes
Ingredients
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 1 cup buttermilk pancake mix
- 1 ½ tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup water
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Fill a large heavy pot halfway with vegetable oil. Bring to 350ºF over medium-high heat; while the oil heats, gather your ingredients.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the pancake mix, sugar, and vanilla. Slowly whisk in the water, a little at a time, until you reach the desired consistency similar to cake batter.
- Transfer batter to a piping bag fitted with a ¼-inch tip. If you don’t have piping bags, use a zip-top bag with the corner snipped.
- When the oil has reached the proper temperature, quickly squeeze the batter in a circular motion into the hot oil, forming a disk.
- Let cook for 1 minute or so and carefully flip the funnel cake with tongs. Cook for an additional minute or until golden brown. Carefully remove to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Dust with powdered sugar while still hot.
Notes
Nutrition
Funnel Cake Toppings
Here are some optional toppings for your funnel cakes:
- Whipped cream
- Canned pie fillings (or my homemade Apple Pie Filling!)
- Fresh fruit
- Chocolate chips
- Sprinkles
- Chocolate or caramel syrups
- Crumbled Oreos
- Chopped nuts
More Recipes With Pancake Mix
- Pancake mix isn’t just for pancakes (or funnel cakes)! Here’s a guide for How to Make Waffles with Pancake Mix.
- Use pancake mix to make small pancakes and layer them into this crowd-pleasing Overnight Pancake Casserole.
- You can also make your own Homemade Pancake Mix! It’s what I used in this funnel cake recipe.
The Buttermilk pancake mix should it be the complete?
Thank you
This pancake batter funnel cake turned out so good and they are so easy to make. My family loves them so I make them about 2 ta 3 times a month.
First time trying it and it was amazing. I will do it again and give my family and friends The recipe.