How to Make Funnel Cakes (with Pancakes Mix)

With lots of experience making homemade treats, I’ve put together this funnel cake recipe that’s super easy and foolproof, especially since it uses pancake mix to save time without losing any of that classic taste. No need to wait for the next carnival to satisfy your funnel cake cravings; you can make them anytime right at home. Whether you’re a kitchen pro or just giving it a try, this recipe brings that crispy, golden fairground magic to your own stove with zero stress!

Funnel cakes are a carnival food to enjoy throughout the Spring and Summer, but did you know they are so easy to make at home! The secret ingredient in theses crispy funnel cakes is pancake mix! It already have leavening agents, flour, and salt, perfect to make funnel cakes!

I love using pancake mix to make all sorts of things! You can make zucchini casserole with Bisquick, soft Bisquick chocolate chip cookies, ooey gooey cinnamon rolls with Bisquick, a savory make ahead Bisquick breakfast casserole, and even peanut butter cookies with pancake mix!

Why Is Funnel Cake with Pancake Mix Great?

• It brings local fair food to your own kitchen! Traditional funnel cake is served all Summer long at outdoor festivals and state fairs. You don't have to wait anymore, you can make it right in your own kitchen!
• It's an easy recipe to make! This easy funnel cake recipe doesn't require a deep fryer in your house. All you need is a heavy bottomed pot and some oil. If you are new to deep frying, this recipe is for you!
• They are so crispy! There is nothing better than a hot fluffy golden brown cake! These funnel cakes are perfect right out of the frier and a delicious dessert to enjoy any time of year.

Ingredients for Funnel Cake

• Pancake Mix. I like to keep Bisquick in my pantry, but whatever your favorite pancake mix is will work in this recipe. Krusteaz pancake mix or Kodiak pancake mix are both great choices too. You can even use your own homemade Bisquick if you don't have any or don't want to buy a box at the store.
• Sugar. For a little extra sweetness. We will be topping the funnel cakes with more powdered sugar, so we won't be using too much sugar in the batter.
• Vanilla extract. For extra flavor.
• Milk. Milk helps create a really nice funnel cake batter.
• Vegetable oil. A neutral oil is best to fry the funnel cakes in. Olive oil has too high of a smoking point, and it can be expensive, so try not to use olive oil. Avocado oil, canola oil, vegetable oil, or grapeseed oil are all great choices.

See printable recipe card for full recipe information on ingredients and quantities.

Variations and Substitutions

• If you would like to use a complete pancake mix instead of one that requires eggs and milk, you can do that too! Just use water and vanilla extract for a little extra flavor.
• To make these gluten free, use a gluten free pancake mix instead of a regular buttermilk pancake mix. You might need to add a little more liquid to get the perfect consistency of the pancake batter.
• A cup of water can be used instead of milk to make this a dairy free funnel cake.

How to Make Funnel Cake (with Pancakes Mix)

Step 1: In a large bowl, add all the ingredients. Mix well, but do not overmix. Add 3 inches of vegetable oil to a large pot and heat it over medium heat until the oil heats to 375 degrees F.

Step 2: Pour the batter into the Ziploc bag. Cut the end of the Ziploc bag about ¼ inch from the tip.

Step 3: In a circular motion, pour the batter into the oil. The circular pattern creates that classic funnel cake shape. Cook on the first side for 2-3 minutes or until it just starts getting golden brown.

Step 4: Flip the funnel cake to the other side and cook for 1-2 more minutes until golden brown. Be very careful when flipping the funnel cake as the oil is very hot. Remove the funnel cake from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil. Top with powdered sugar or your favorite toppings.

Tips and Tricks

• The batter should be a pretty runny batter. If it is too thick, add a little more milk.
• When you are adding the batter to the oil in a circular motion, the batter will fall apart. It won't come out as one long batter. That's ok! Once it fries, the funnel cake will puff a little and come together.
• Make sure to use a heavy bottomed pot during the frying process. This helps to distribute the heat more evenly during the frying process.
• Use a candy thermometer to keep track of the oil temperature. Don't let the oil get too hot or too cold. It's important to have a thermometer to monitor the oil and keep it at the right temperature.
• A squeeze bottle will work to pour the funnel cake into the hot oil, but a gallon Ziploc bag works too. Sometimes you can even find a funnel cake funnel that will work to make the fried dough.

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