Strawberry Funnel Cake Fries are a fun twist on classic funnel cake, perfect for a sweet snack or dessert. These crispy, golden fries are topped with powdered sugar and a fresh strawberry sauce, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
- Ingredients
- Instructions
- Cook’s Notes and Tips
- Variations
- Serving Suggestions
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Conclusion
Ingredients
For the Funnel Cake Fries
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
For the Strawberry Sauce
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
Prepare the Strawberry Sauce
- Cook the Strawberries: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the chopped strawberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries release their juices and the mixture becomes syrupy.
- Blend (Optional): For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender or transfer the mixture to a blender and blend until smooth. Set aside to cool.
Make the Funnel Cake Fries
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- Combine: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, whisking until a smooth batter forms.
Fry the Funnel Cake Fries
- Heat Oil: In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
- Pipe the Batter: Transfer the batter to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip (or use a plastic zip-top bag with the corner snipped off). Pipe 3-4 inch strips of batter directly into the hot oil.
- Fry: Fry the strips for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fries to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- Dust with Sugar: Dust the funnel cake fries with powdered sugar while they are still warm.
Serve
- Serve with Strawberry Sauce: Serve the funnel cake fries warm, drizzled with the strawberry sauce or with the sauce on the side for dipping.
Cook’s Notes and Tips
- Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to maintain the oil temperature at 350°F (175°C) for even frying. If the oil is too hot, the fries will brown too quickly; if it’s too cool, they will absorb too much oil.
- Piping the Batter: Make sure the batter is thick but still easy to pipe. If it’s too thick, add a little more milk.
- Cooling Rack: For extra crispiness, let the fries cool on a wire rack after frying instead of directly on paper towels.
Variations
- Chocolate Funnel Cake Fries: Drizzle melted chocolate or Nutella over the funnel cake fries for an indulgent treat.
- Cinnamon Sugar Fries: Toss the warm fries in a mixture of cinnamon and granulated sugar for a sweet, spiced variation.
- Berry Medley Sauce: Use a combination of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a mixed berry sauce.
Serving Suggestions
- Ice Cream: Serve the funnel cake fries with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.
- Whipped Cream: Top with a dollop of whipped cream for added creaminess.
- Chocolate Sauce: Serve with a side of chocolate or caramel sauce for dipping.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I Make These Fries Ahead of Time?
Funnel cake fries are best enjoyed fresh and crispy. However, you can make the strawberry sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover funnel cake fries in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day. Reheat them in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to regain crispiness.
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries to make the sauce. Just thaw them before cooking and adjust the cooking time as needed.
Can I Bake the Funnel Cake Fries Instead of Frying?
For a lighter version, you can bake the funnel cake fries. Pipe the batter onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.
Can I Use a Different Fruit for the Sauce?
Absolutely! You can use blueberries, raspberries, or even peaches to make the fruit sauce.
Strawberry Funnel Cake Fries are a fun and delicious treat that brings all the joy of fair food right to your kitchen. Crispy, sweet, and perfect for dipping, these funnel cake fries are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike. Gather your ingredients, fry, and enjoy this delightful dessert!
Happy Cooking!
