Funnel Cake Bites are the perfect bite-sized version of everyone’s favorite carnival treat. With a crispy golden exterior and a soft, pillowy center, these mini delights are made by deep-frying funnel cake batter into bite-sized rounds and dusting them with powdered sugar. They’re fun, easy to make, and taste just like the fair—without the long lines.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love Funnel Cake Bites
- Quick and easy to make
- No special equipment required
- Customizable with toppings and flavors
- Perfect for parties, kids, or late-night cravings

Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
All-purpose flour | 1 cup |
Baking powder | 1 tsp |
Salt | 1/4 tsp |
Sugar | 2 tbsp |
Egg | 1 large |
Milk | 3/4 cup |
Vanilla extract | 1 tsp |
Powdered sugar (for topping) | As needed |
Oil for frying | 2–3 cups (for deep frying) |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Batter
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
- In another bowl, beat the egg, then mix in the milk and vanilla.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry, mixing until smooth.
2. Heat the Oil
- Heat oil in a deep pot or skillet over medium heat (to around 350°F/175°C).
- Use a candy or deep-fry thermometer to monitor the temperature.
3. Fry the Bites
- Use a spoon or small cookie scoop to drop small amounts of batter into the hot oil.
- Fry for 1–2 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
4. Add the Finishing Touch
- While still warm, dust your Funnel Cake Bites with powdered sugar.
- Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Fun Flavor Variations
1. Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- Mix 1/4 cup sugar with 1 tsp cinnamon.
- Toss freshly fried bites in the mixture for a churro-like flavor.
2. Chocolate Dipped
- Dip cooled bites halfway into melted chocolate.
- Let them set on parchment paper.
3. Stuffed Funnel Cake Bites
- Inject bites with jam, Nutella, or custard using a piping bag and narrow tip.
4. Fruity Funnel Cake Bites
- Top with strawberries, blueberries, or banana slices and a drizzle of chocolate or caramel.
Tips for Success
- Don’t overcrowd the pan—fry in batches.
- Make sure oil is hot enough to prevent greasy bites.
- Use a sifter to evenly distribute powdered sugar.
- Serve warm for maximum deliciousness.
Nutritional Info (per 4–5 bites)
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 230 |
Carbohydrates | 28g |
Fat | 12g |
Protein | 4g |
Sugar | 8g |
Sodium | 170mg |
FAQs
What are Funnel Cake Bites made of?
Funnel Cake Bites are made with flour, sugar, milk, egg, and vanilla extract, then fried and dusted with powdered sugar.
What ingredients are in Funnel Cake Bites? Funnel Cake Bites use a basic batter of flour, milk, egg, sugar, and vanilla before being fried and dusted with sugar.
Can I make Funnel Cake Bites without frying?
Funnel Cake Bites are traditionally fried, but you can air fry them in small molds or bake them, though the texture won’t be quite the same.
Are there alternatives to frying Funnel Cake Bites? Yes! You can air-fry or bake Funnel Cake Bites, but the classic version is always deep-fried for best taste.
How do I store leftover Funnel Cake Bites?
Funnel Cake Bites are best fresh, but you can store them in an airtight container for 1–2 days and reheat them in the oven.
How long do Funnel Cake Bites last? These treats stay good for about 2 days when stored airtight, but they’re best enjoyed fresh.
Can I freeze Funnel Cake Bites?
Yes, Funnel Cake Bites can be frozen. Place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months and reheat in the oven.
Is it okay to freeze Funnel Cake Bites? Absolutely! Freeze and reheat in the oven to keep them crispy.
Can I use pancake mix to make Funnel Cake Bites?
Yes, Funnel Cake Bites can be made with pancake mix as a shortcut—just adjust consistency and flavor to your liking.
Is pancake mix okay for Funnel Cake Bites? You can use pancake mix as a time-saving base, though homemade batter usually tastes better.

Funnel Cake Bites
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Combine flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, milk, and vanilla.
- Combine: Mix wet and dry ingredients into a smooth batter.
- Heat Oil: Heat 2 inches of oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry Bites: Drop small spoonfuls of batter into hot oil. Fry 1–2 minutes per side until golden.
- Drain: Remove with slotted spoon and place on paper towels.
- Serve: Dust with powdered sugar while warm. Enjoy!