This pancake mix funnel cake recipe proves that funnel cakes don’t have to be limited to carnivals and fairs! It’s easier than you think to make them at home!

homemade pancake mix funnel cake topped with powdered sugar, whipped cream, and fresh halved strawberries served on a blue round plate

If you’re looking for a delicious and easy-to-make dessert, look no further than the funnel cake! This classic fairground treat is perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth—and yes, you can actually make them at home. With simple pancake mix and my step-by-step instructions, you’ll be enjoying this tasty treat in no time!

top down view on funnel cake served on a blue round plate with a bowl of strawberries to the side

Pancake Mix Funnel Cake Recipe

Funnel cakes are one of those desserts that always seem to evoke a sense of nostalgia and fun memories—probably because we usually enjoy them at carnivals and county fairs! It’s hard to resist freshly made funnel cakes, and I think I might even look forward to them more than Ferris wheels and carnival games!

If you’ve never tried a funnel cake before, you’re in for a real treat. They’re 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! It reminds me of pancakes but fried! YUM!

ingredients to make homemade pancake mix funnel cake

Ingredients

See recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.

  • Vegetable oil – Peanut oil can be used instead of you prefer.
  • Buttermilk pancake mix
  • Granulated sugar
  • Vanilla extract
  • Water
  • Powdered sugar

Funnel Cake Toppings

Here are some optional toppings for your funnel cakes:

  • Whipped cream
  • Canned pie fillings
  • Fresh fruit
  • Chocolate chips
  • Sprinkles
  • Chocolate or caramel syrups
  • Crumbled Oreos
  • Chopped nuts
steps to make homemade pancake mix funnel cake

How to Make Homemade Funnel Cakes With Pancake Mix

1. Heat the Oil

Fill a large, heavy sauté pan halfway with vegetable oil. Bring this to 350ºF over medium-high heat. 

2. Make the Batter

While the oil heats, combine the pancake mix, sugar, and vanilla in a medium mixing bowl. Slowly whisk in the water a little at a time until it reaches a consistency similar to cake batter. 

3. Place the Batter in a Bag

Transfer the funnel cake batter to a piping bag fitted with a ¼-inch tip. If you don’t have a piping bag, use a zip-top bag with the corner snipped. 

4. Form the Funnel Cakes

When the oil has reached 350ºF, quickly squeeze the batter in a circular motion into the hot oil, forming a disk. 

5. Cook

Cook the funnel cake for a minute on the first side, then use tongs to flip it over and cook for a minute on the other side. Carefully remove and place the funnel cake on a paper-towel-lined plate to absorb the excess oil. Dust with powdered sugar while warm and repeat with the remaining batter.

homemade pancake mix funnel cake being dusted with powdered sugar

How to Store Funnel Cakes

Funnel cakes are best eaten warm and fresh, but if you do have some leftover, they’ll keep for a day or two in an airtight container. You can reheat them in a 350ºF oven for a few minutes before serving.

FAQ

What are funnel cakes made of?

Funnel cakes are made with a simple batter that’s deep-fried in oil. The batter is similar to pancake batter, which is why using pancake batter to make funnel cakes at home works so well!

Is funnel cake the same as fried dough?

No, fried dough is different—it has yeast in it, while funnel cakes are leavened with baking powder rather than yeast.

Can you reheat funnel cakes?

You can reheat funnel cakes, but they’re not quite as good as they are fresh! You can use an air fryer or microwave, but I usually use a 350ºF oven and warm them for 8 to 10 minutes.

More Copycat Recipes to Try at Home

Pancake Mix Funnel Cake

This pancake mix funnel cake recipe proves that funnel cakes don’t have to be limited to carnivals and fairs! It’s easier than you think to make them at home!
5 from 2 votes
Course: Appetizer/Dessert, Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients  

  • vegetable oil for frying
  • 1 cup buttermilk pancake mix
  • 1 ½ tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ cup water
  • powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions 

  • Fill a large heavy sauté pan halfway with vegetable oil. Bring to 350F over medium-high heat.
  • 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 lock 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.

Nutrition

Calories: 20kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Fat: 1g | Sodium: 2mg | Potassium: 2mg | Sugar: 5g | Calcium: 1mg | Iron: 1mg
Did you make this recipe?Mention @kasey_allthingsmamma or tag #allthingsmamma!

Categories: , , ,

About Kasey Schwartz

For over 15 years, Kasey Schwartz, the mastermind behind All Things Mamma, has been the ultimate go-to for mouthwatering family recipes. Her work has been featured on Today.com, Buzz Feed, Better Homes and Gardens, and more, making her your go-to mom next door for all things delicious and family-friendly.

Comments

  1. First time trying it and it was amazing. I will do it again and give my family and friends The recipe.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.