This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
These pancake mix funnel cakes bring all the magic of the fair right into your kitchen—no tickets required! Crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, and dusted with powdered sugar, this easy dessert is made with simple pantry ingredients you already have.
If you’re looking for another way to use pancake mix, try my Pancake Mix Waffles!
Why you’ll love this funnel cake recipe with pancake mix!
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!
- Quick and Easy to Make: You don’t need any special equipment or complicated steps. If you can mix pancake batter, you can make these funnel cakes.
- Uses Pantry Staples: This is one of those perfect desserts with pancake mix that comes together with ingredients you likely already have on hand.
- Crispy and Fluffy Texture: Each bite gives you that perfect contrast—golden crisp edges with a soft, airy center.
- Better Than the Fair: Fresh, hot, and made exactly how you like them, these homemade funnel cakes are even more satisfying than the ones you buy.
Table of Contents
Ingredient Notes
See recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
- Vegetable oil – For frying. You’ll need enough to fill a pot about halfway.
- Buttermilk pancake mix – The base of the recipe that keeps things simple.
- Granulated sugar – Adds a touch of sweetness.
- Vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor with a warm, sweet note.
- Water – Helps create the perfect batter consistency.
- Powdered sugar – A classic finishing touch.
How to Make Pancake Mix Funnel Cakes
- Make the batter: In a mixing bowl, combine the pancake mix, sugar, and vanilla. Slowly whisk in the water until the batter is smooth and similar to cake batter. Transfer the batter to a piping bag fitted with a small tip, or use a zip-top bag with the corner cut off.
- Heat the oil: Fill a heavy pot halfway with vegetable oil and heat it to 350°F over medium-high heat.
- Fry the funnel cakes: Carefully pipe the batter into the hot oil in a circular, swirling motion to create a disk shape.
- Cook until golden: Fry for about 1 minute, then flip and cook for another minute until golden brown. Remove the funnel cake and place it on a paper towel-lined plate. Dust with powdered sugar while still warm.
Funnel Cake Toppings
Here are some optional toppings for this funnel cake recipe with pancake mix:
- Whipped cream
- Canned pie fillings (or my homemade Apple Pie Filling!)
- Fresh fruit
- Chocolate chips
- Sprinkles
- Chocolate or caramel syrups
- Crumbled Oreos
- Chopped nuts
How to Store
Funnel cakes are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers:
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes to restore crispiness
Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make them soft instead of crispy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Most pancake mixes will work, but buttermilk pancake mix gives the best flavor.
No, a piping bag or zip-top bag works just as well for shaping the batter.
This usually means the oil wasn’t hot enough. Make sure it stays close to 350°F.
Traditional funnel cakes require frying for that crispy texture, so baking or air frying won’t give the same result.
More Easy Dessert Recipes You’ll Love
No Bake Desserts
Lemon Blueberry Delight
No Bake Desserts
No Churn Banana Pudding Ice Cream
Quick & Easy Desserts
Starbucks Cake Pop Recipe (Copycat)
💌 Love easy recipes? Join my newsletter and get my Top 10 Reader-Favorite Recipes eBook FREE! Sign up here.
Need help with this recipe?
Click the buttons below to summarize it, adjust for diets, swap ingredients, or ask your own questions!
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.
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.