Vegan Funnel Cake Recipe

Carnivals and fairs evoke feelings of nostalgia, with memories of indulging in decadent treats like funnel cakes.

Now, you can bring those moments back in a more compassionate way by creating vegan funnel cakes.

With just a few simple ingredients and a little time, you’ll be able to enjoy this classic treat without compromising your plant-based lifestyle.

Vegan funnel cakes are light, crispy, and just as delish as their non-vegan counterparts.

They’re perfect for lazy mornings or when you need to impress your friends with a tasty dessert.

Versatile and customizable, you can cater to different tastes by adding your own toppings of choice, like powdered sugar, fresh fruit, or chocolate sauce.

Mastering the art of making vegan funnel cake may seem daunting, but fear not.

This recipe guide will ensure that you create the perfect treat every single time.

So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to surprise your taste buds with this delightful and cruelty-free alternative to the traditional funnel cake.

How to Make Vegan Funnel Cake

Ingredients List

To make the perfect vegan funnel cake, gather the following ingredients:

• Dry ingredients:
  • 1 1/4 cups flour
  • 1/4 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp sugar
• Wet ingredients:
  • 1 1/2 cups nondairy milk (such as almond milk)
  • 2 Tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Oil for frying (e.g., canola or vegetable oil)
• Powdered sugar for garnish (optional)

Step-by-step Process

Step 1:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.

Whisk until evenly mixed.

Step 2:

In a separate bowl, mix together the wet ingredients, including your chosen non-dairy milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract.

Step 3:

Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until a smooth batter forms.

Ensure there are no lumps.

Step 4:

Fill a deep skillet or deep fryer with about 2 to 3 inches of oil and heat it to medium heat (around 350°F).

Step 5:

While waiting for the oil to heat up, pour the batter into a squeeze bottle or a piping bag with a narrow nozzle for easier pouring.

Alternatively, you can use a traditional funnel.

Step 6:

Once the oil is heated, carefully pour the batter into the hot oil in a circular motion, creating a web-like shape.

Begin from the outside and work your way towards the center.

Step 7:

Allow the funnel cake to fry for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown on the bottom side.

Use a metal spatula or skimmer to carefully flip the funnel cake to cook the other side, frying for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Step 8:

After both sides are golden brown, carefully remove the funnel cake from the oil using a metal skimmer or spatula.

Place it on a paper towel-lined plate to help drain excess oil.

Step 9:

If desired, sprinkle powdered sugar over the warm funnel cake for a delicious, sweet garnish.

Remember to work quickly and carefully when frying vegan funnel cakes, as the oil can be very hot.

Repeat the process for the remaining batter, and enjoy your delicious, homemade vegan funnel cakes!

Side Dishes for Vegan Funnel Cake

Vegan funnel cake is a delicious treat that can be enjoyed on its own or with a variety of side dishes to enhance the experience.

In this section, we will explore one popular side dish that complements the delightful taste of vegan funnel cake.

Vegan Ice Cream

If you’re craving something extra indulgent, try adding a scoop of vegan ice cream to your vegan funnel cake.

The cool creaminess of the ice cream contrasts wonderfully with the warm, crisp funnel cake, creating an utterly satisfying experience.

Choose a flavor that complements the other side dishes you’ve selected, or opt for a classic vanilla for a timeless treat.

Ultimately, it’s up to you to mix and match these side dishes to create your perfect vegan funnel cake experience.

Remember to savor the delightful taste of this vegan treat and enjoy every bite.

Powdered Sugar

The most classic side of funnel cake is a generous dusting of powdered sugar.

This simple yet effective addition adds a touch of sweetness to your vegan funnel cake, making it even more irresistible.

Simply sprinkle the desired amount of powdered sugar over the finished funnel cake and enjoy the sweet combination.

Fresh Berries

Adding fresh berries to your vegan funnel cake is a fantastic way to incorporate some natural sweetness and a burst of flavor.

You can use a mix of your favorite berries, like strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries.

This fruity addition not only adds a vibrant pop of color to your plate but also provides a refreshing balance to the rich textures of the vegan funnel cake.

Cinnamon Sugar

Cinnamon sugar is a perfect pairing for those who enjoy the warm and comforting taste of cinnamon.

Sprinkle a mixture of ground cinnamon and sugar over your vegan funnel cake for a delightful twist on this classic treat.

The aromatic warmth of cinnamon sugar will elevate your funnel cake experience to a whole new level.

Ingredients Substitutes

When making a vegan funnel cake, you may need to substitute some traditional ingredients with vegan-friendly options.

Here are some common substitutes for a delicious and cruelty-free dessert.

Gluten-free flour

For those with gluten sensitivity or looking for an alternative to wheat flour, consider using gluten-free flour blends, almond flour, or oat flour.

These substitutes will still provide a fluffy and crispy texture to your funnel cake while keeping it vegan and gluten-free, if necessary.

I’ve used this when making other vegan snacks like vegan mooncakes.

Organic cane sugar, coconut sugar, or liquid sweetener

You can replace traditional granulated sugar with organic cane sugar, and coconut sugar or even use a liquid sweetener like agave nectar or maple syrup.

Be mindful of adjusting the overall recipe and measurements when using liquid sweeteners.

Remember to adjust your measurements and liquid content in the recipe when making these ingredient substitutions for your vegan funnel cake.

By using these vegan ingredients, you’ll create a delicious and cruelty-free dessert for all to enjoy.

How to Store Vegan Funnel Cake

These funnel cakes are best served immediately to enjoy the crispy texture.

However, if you have leftovers or want to prepare them in advance, you can store them properly to maintain their quality.

To do this, follow these two main storage methods.

Airtight Container

Using an airtight container is a good option for short-term storage.

Place your vegan funnel cake in a sealed container and keep it in the fridge.

Make sure not to stack them on top of one another, as this can make them soggy.

When you are ready to serve them, reheat them in the oven at a low temperature of around 300°F for a few minutes to bring back the crispiness.

Freezing 

Another method for storing your vegan funnel cake is to freeze them.

This method works well if you’re not planning on eating the leftover funnel cakes within a couple of days.

To freeze, follow these steps:

1. Place the cooked funnel cakes on a baking sheet in a single layer.
2. Freeze them for a few hours until they are solid.
3. Once completely frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe airtight container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
4. Label the container with the date and store it in the freezer for up to three months.

When you’re ready to enjoy your stored vegan funnel cakes, reheat them in the oven at a low temperature for a few minutes to restore their crispiness before serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when preparing Vegan Funnel Cake.

Not Using the Right Flour

When making vegan funnel cake, it’s essential to choose the right flour.

All-purpose flour is generally the best choice, but for those with gluten sensitivities, using a gluten-free flour like King Arthur Measure for Measure works well.

Avoid using cake flour or bread flour, as these will not yield the desired texture.

Draining Cakes onto Paper Towels

After frying your vegan funnel cakes, it’s crucial to drain them properly.

Instead of laying the cakes directly onto paper towels, place them on a wire rack with paper towels underneath.

This method allows excess oil to drip off without the cakes becoming soggy or greasy.

Proper Deep Frying Technique

When deep frying vegan funnel cakes, make sure your oil is heated to the ideal temperature (around 375°F).

Use a thermometer to monitor the heat.

Too low of a temperature will result in soggy cakes, while too high of a temperature may burn them.

Additionally, be careful not to overcrowd the pot, as this can cause the oil temperature to drop and create uneven frying.

Trying to Replicate Non-Vegan Funnel Cakes

It’s important to remember that vegan funnel cakes may not have the exact same texture or taste as their non-vegan counterparts.

They are, however, delicious in their own right!

Be open to the unique flavors and textures that your vegan funnel cake will offer, and you’ll enjoy this delicious treat even more.

By keeping these common mistakes in mind, you can confidently create deliciously crispy vegan funnel cakes.

Happy frying!