Strawberry Funnel Cake Fries: A Sweet and Crispy Treat

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Introduction

If you love the classic fairground funnel cake, you’re in for a treat with Strawberry Funnel Cake Fries! These crispy, golden strips of funnel cake dough are topped with a luscious strawberry sauce and a dusting of powdered sugar for the ultimate dessert. Easy to eat, fun to serve, and irresistibly delicious, these funnel cake fries are perfect for parties, special occasions, or simply indulging in a sweet craving.

Ingredients

For the Funnel Cake Fries:

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup milk
  • Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Strawberry Sauce:

  • 2 cups fresh or frozen strawberries, hulled and chopped
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water

For Garnish:

  • Powdered sugar, for dusting
  • Whipped cream (optional)

Preparation Tips

  1. Smooth Batter: Ensure the batter is smooth by whisking it thoroughly. If it’s too thick, add a tablespoon of milk at a time until it reaches the right consistency.
  2. Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to maintain the oil temperature around 350°F (175°C) for even frying.
  3. Strawberry Sauce: Adjust the sweetness of the sauce to your preference by adding more or less sugar.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberry Sauce

  1. In a small saucepan, combine the strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat until the strawberries soften and release their juices, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and continue to cook until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. For a smoother sauce, blend it with an immersion blender or strain it to remove seeds.

Step 2: Make the Funnel Cake Batter

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
  2. In a separate bowl, beat the egg, then add the milk and vanilla extract.
  3. Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, whisking until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.

Step 3: Fry the Funnel Cake Fries

  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Transfer the batter into a piping bag fitted with a large round tip or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off.
  3. Pipe the batter into the hot oil in long, thin strips, about 4-5 inches long. Fry in batches, turning once, until golden brown on both sides (about 1-2 minutes per side).
  4. Remove the fries with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

  1. Arrange the funnel cake fries on a serving platter.
  2. Dust generously with powdered sugar and drizzle with the strawberry sauce.
  3. Serve immediately with whipped cream on the side, if desired.

Description

These Strawberry Funnel Cake Fries are a delightful twist on the classic funnel cake. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, they’re perfectly complemented by the sweet, tangy strawberry sauce and a light dusting of powdered sugar. They’re fun to eat and even more fun to share, making them a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Nutritional Information (per serving, approx. 6 fries)

  • Calories: 220
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 15g
  • Vitamin C: 20%

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use a different fruit for the sauce?

Yes! You can substitute strawberries with other fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or peaches. Adjust the sugar based on the sweetness of the fruit.

2. Can I bake these instead of frying?

While frying gives the best texture, you can pipe the batter onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) until golden brown, about 10-12 minutes. Note that the texture will differ slightly.

3. How do I store leftovers?

These are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for a crispy texture.

4. Can I make the batter ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the batter up to 1 day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature before frying.

5. How do I make the fries crispier?

Make sure the oil is hot enough (350°F/175°C) before frying, and avoid overcrowding the pan. Frying in small batches ensures a crispy texture.

Recommendations

  1. Perfect Pairing: Serve with vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
  2. Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon to the powdered sugar for a warm, spiced flavor.
  3. Festive Twist: Use colorful sprinkles or edible glitter for a fun and festive presentation.

Conclusion

Strawberry Funnel Cake Fries are a fun, creative dessert that combines the best of funnel cake with the convenience of fries. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them at home, they’re sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face. Crispy, sweet, and topped with tangy strawberry sauce, these fries are p

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