Funnel Cake Fries with Strawberry Dipping Sauce
There’s something undeniably delightful about the crunch of funnel cake fries dipped in sweet, luscious strawberry sauce – isn’t it simply irresistible? The fond memories of county fairs and summer carnivals flood back as I whip up these treats in my own kitchen, the scent of warm sugar dancing in the air. Whether I’m hosting a fun get-together or just treating myself during a cozy night in, these funnel cake fries always hit the spot.
I remember my first encounter with funnel cake—a huge, crispy delight topped with mountains of powdered sugar. But when I stumbled upon the concept of funnel cake fries, I did a little happy dance! They’re just so easy to share and dunk. Plus, the fresh strawberry dipping sauce adds a pop of summer that’ll transport your taste buds straight to a sun-soaked picnic. Let’s dive into this scrumptious recipe and make some memories!
What’s in Funnel Cake Fries?
– **1 cup all-purpose flour**: The foundation of our funnel cake fries! I prefer using all-purpose flour for the perfect balance of texture.
– **1 tablespoon granulated sugar**: Just enough sweetness to balance the subtle salty flavors in the fries.
– **1 teaspoon baking powder**: This magic powder helps our fries puff up to perfection!
– **1/4 teaspoon salt**: A little pinch to elevate the flavors in our dish.
– **1 large egg**: This adds structure and richness to the batter.
– **1 cup milk**: A creamy addition that makes the batter pourable.
– **1 teaspoon vanilla extract**: A splash of vanilla makes everything better in baking!
– **Vegetable oil (for frying)**: This is where the magic happens! Feel free to use canola oil if you prefer.
– **Powdered sugar (for dusting)**: Because nothing says carnival food quite like a snowy dusting of sweetness!
For the strawberry dipping sauce:
– **1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped**: Juicy and sweet—perfect for our sauce.
– **2 tablespoons granulated sugar**: This can be adjusted based on how sweet you like your sauce.
– **1 tablespoon lemon juice**: A splash of acidity to brighten the sauce and balance the sweetness.
– **Fresh strawberries for garnish (optional)**: Because, let’s face it, everything is better with a garnish!
Is Funnel Cake Fries Good for You?
Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room—are these funnel cake fries healthy? Well, they are a treat, after all!
First off, strawberries in the dipping sauce come with a heap of health benefits. They are packed with vitamins like C and K and antioxidants that may help fight off illness. Just picture their vibrant red hue compared to all those otherwise dull desserts out there!
However, let’s keep things real: the funnel cake fries themselves are fried and come with a sprinkle of powdered sugar which, while delicious, does introduce some extra calories. Enjoying these in moderation is key! You might want to save this treat for special occasions or those cheat days when you need to indulge.
Ingredients List
For the Funnel Cake Fries:
– 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)
– Powdered sugar (for dusting)
For the Strawberry Dipping Sauce:
– 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (adjust based on sweetness preference)
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Fresh strawberries for garnish (optional)
How to Make Funnel Cake Fries?
1. **Prepare the Dipping Sauce**: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the chopped strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the strawberries soften and release their juices. You can mash them slightly for a chunky sauce or blend for a smoother consistency. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
2. **Make the Funnel Cake Fries Batter**: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, beat the egg and then mix in the milk and vanilla extract. Gradually combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients until just blended. The batter should be thick but pourable.
3. **Heat the Oil**: In a deep skillet or pot, fill with oil to about 2-3 inches deep. Heat over medium-high until it reaches 375°F (190°C). You can test the temperature by dropping a little batter into the oil—if it sizzles, you’re golden!
4. **Fry the Funnel Cake Fries**: Use a piping bag or squeeze bottle to pipe the batter into the hot oil in a crisscross shape, creating fry-sized pieces (about 4-6 inches long). Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove them with a slotted spoon and let them drain on paper towels.
5. **Dust with Powdered Sugar**: While the fries are still warm, give them a generous dusting of powdered sugar to recreate that delicious fair-style experience!
6. **Serve**: Arrange the funnel cake fries on a serving plate and serve warm alongside the strawberry dipping sauce. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh strawberries for that extra pop of color!
Sweet Tips for Sweet Success!
– For an extra touch of flavor, consider mixing some cinnamon into the powdered sugar before dusting the fries. It adds a delightful hint that pairs beautifully with the sweetness.
– If you prefer a smoother dipping sauce, blend the strawberry mixture after cooking until silky and refined.
– These funnel cake fries are best enjoyed fresh and warm! If you ever have leftovers (which I doubt), reheating them in the oven will bring back some of that crispiness.
What are you waiting for? Grab those ingredients and let’s make some sweet memories with these Funnel Cake Fries and Strawberry Dipping Sauce! I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out, so be sure to share your tasty creations with me!
