Funnel Cake Apple Fries are a delightful twist on two beloved fair treats, combining the crispy, airy texture of funnel cake with the sweet, juicy goodness of apples. This innovative dessert has roots in the classic carnival scene, where funnel cakes have been a staple for generations, often enjoyed at summer fairs and festivals. The addition of apple fries not only enhances the flavor profile but also adds a fun, nostalgic element that appeals to both children and adults alike.
People love Funnel Cake Apple Fries for their irresistible combination of crunch and sweetness. The warm, golden-brown exterior gives way to tender apple slices, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether served with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce, these treats are not only delicious but also incredibly convenient to make at home. With just a few simple ingredients, you can bring the fair experience right into your kitchen, making it a perfect dessert for gatherings or a special family treat.
Ingredients:
- For the Funnel Cake Batter:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- For the Apple Fries:
- 2 medium-sized apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for coating)
- For Serving:
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Caramel sauce (for drizzling)
- Whipped cream (optional)
Preparing the Funnel Cake Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk together until well blended.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg and then add the milk and vanilla extract. Mix until combined.
- Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently with a whisk until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. The batter should be thick but pourable.
- Let the batter rest for about 10-15 minutes while you prepare the apples and heat the oil.
Preparing the Apples
- While the batter is resting, wash and dry the apples. Core and slice them into thin wedges, about 1/4 inch thick. You can leave the skin on for added texture and flavor.
- In a small bowl, mix together the ground cinnamon and granulated sugar. Set aside.
- Place the flour in a shallow dish. Dredge each apple slice in the flour, ensuring they are evenly coated. Shake off any excess flour.
- Once all the apple slices are coated, sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over them, tossing gently to ensure an even coating.
Heating the Oil
- In a deep frying pan or a heavy-bottomed pot, pour in enough vegetable oil to reach a depth of about 2 inches. This will allow the funnel cakes to float while frying.
- Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). You can test the oil by dropping a small amount of batter into it; if it sizzles and rises to the surface, the oil is ready.
Frying the Funnel Cakes
- Once the oil is hot, take a funnel or a squeeze bottle and fill it with the batter. If using a funnel, cover the hole with your finger to prevent the batter from flowing out.
- Hold the funnel or squeeze bottle over the hot oil and release your finger or squeeze the bottle to let the batter flow into the oil. Create a spiral or lattice pattern, overlapping the batter slightly as you go.
- Fry the funnel cake for about 2-3 minutes on one side until golden brown. Use tongs to carefully flip it over and fry for an additional 1-2 minutes on the other side.
- Once cooked, remove the funnel cake from the oil and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Repeat the process with the remaining batter, frying one or two funnel cakes at a time, depending on the size of your pan.
Frying the Apple Fries
- After frying the funnel cakes, you can use the same oil to fry the apple fries. Ensure the oil is still at 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully add a few apple slices to the hot oil, being cautious not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the apple slices for about 2-3 minutes, turning them occasionally until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 2 medium-sized apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for coating)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Caramel sauce (for drizzling)
- Whipped cream (optional)
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk together until well blended.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg and then add the milk and vanilla extract. Mix until combined.
- Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently with a whisk until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. The batter should be thick but pourable.
- Let the batter rest for about 10-15 minutes while you prepare the apples and heat the oil.
- While the batter is resting, wash and dry the apples. Core and slice them into thin wedges, about 1/4 inch thick. You can leave the skin on for added texture and flavor.
- In a small bowl, mix together the ground cinnamon and granulated sugar. Set aside.
- Place the flour in a shallow dish. Dredge each apple slice in the flour, ensuring they are evenly coated. Shake off any excess flour.
- Once all the apple slices are coated, sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over them, tossing gently to ensure an even coating.
- In a deep frying pan or a heavy-bottomed pot, pour in enough vegetable oil to reach a depth of about 2 inches. This will allow the funnel cakes to float while frying.
- Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). You can test the oil by dropping a small amount of batter into it; if it sizzles and rises to the surface, the oil is ready.
- Once the oil is hot, take a funnel or a squeeze bottle and fill it with the batter. If using a funnel, cover the hole with your finger to prevent the batter from flowing out.
- Hold the funnel or squeeze bottle over the hot oil and release your finger or squeeze the bottle to let the batter flow into the oil. Create a spiral or lattice pattern, overlapping the batter slightly as you go.
- Fry the funnel cake for about 2-3 minutes on one side until golden brown. Use tongs to carefully flip it over and fry for an additional 1-2 minutes on the other side.
- Once cooked, remove the funnel cake from the oil and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Repeat the process with the remaining batter, frying one or two funnel cakes at a time, depending on the size of your pan.
- After frying the funnel cakes, you can use the same oil to fry the apple fries. Ensure the oil is still at 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully add a few apple slices to the hot oil, being cautious not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the apple slices for about 2-3 minutes, turning them occasionally until they are golden brown and crispy.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg to the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Serve the funnel cakes and apple fries immediately for the best texture.
- Leftover funnel cake batter can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Conclusion:
In summary, Funnel Cake Apple Fries are a delightful twist on a classic fair treat that you simply must try. The combination of crispy, golden-brown apple fries dusted with powdered sugar and served with a side of warm caramel or chocolate sauce creates an irresistible dessert experience that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy. Not only are they a fun and unique way to enjoy apples, but they also bring a sense of nostalgia and excitement to any gathering or celebration. For serving suggestions, consider pairing your Funnel Cake Apple Fries with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat. You can also experiment with different toppings, such as cinnamon sugar, crushed nuts, or even a drizzle of maple syrup, to customize the flavors to your liking. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the batter for a spicy kick or incorporating other fruits like pears or peaches for a seasonal twist. We encourage you to give this recipe a try and share your experience with friends and family. Whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a cozy night in, or simply craving something sweet, Funnel Cake Apple Fries are sure to impress. Don’t forget to snap a photo of your delicious creation and share it on social media, tagging us so we can see your culinary masterpiece! Dive into this delightful recipe and discover why Funnel Cake Apple Fries are destined to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Print
Funnel Cake Apple Fries: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Treat
Description
Enjoy a delicious combination of crispy funnel cakes and sweet, cinnamon-dusted apple fries. Perfect for dessert or a snack, these treats are best served warm, drizzled with caramel sauce and dusted with powdered sugar for an irresistible finish.
Ingredients
Scale