Copycat Disneyland Churro Funnel Cake Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Why is my funnel cake not crispy? ›

It's important to keep to a frying temperature of around 375 degrees. Any higher than that, and your funnel cakes will brown before cooking through. At too low a temperature, the batter will absorb excess oil, resulting in a greasy, limp funnel cake.

The most common reason your funnel cake is falling apart is your oil is too hot. This will cause the funnel cake batter to break apart when you pour it into the pan. Another reason your funnel cake may fall apart is your batter is too thick.

375°F (191°C) is high enough to start coagulating the proteins and gelling the starches in the batter almost on contact, preventing the batter from literally frittering away. A lower temp wouldn't get the cooking going fast enough, and slower cooking would also result in a soggy, oil-logged funnel cake.

At Disneyland, you can find funnel cakes at two separate locations – The Stage Door Cafe and The Hungry Bear Restaurant.

Funnel cake mix is basically the same as pancake mix. So, yes — you can absolutely make funnel cakes using pancake mix. To make funnel cake batter, it's as simple as mixing milk, egg, vanilla extract, plain flour, sugar and baking powder (and some cinnamon if you fancy), and pouring it through a funnel into hot oil.

If the temperature is too low they'll be pale and oily, too high and they'll burn! Keeping the oil temperature steady at 375° is important if you want your funnel cakes golden and crunchy. — Use a neutral oil for frying these funnel cakes—vegetable oil is a classic pick for us, and what we use here.

I suspect the reason you notice a decidedly flour-y taste is because you aren't adding salt, or not using enough salt. Yes, even sweet baked goods need salt! Another thing you can use to counteract the raw, flour taste is to add flavorings to the batter or dough.

In a deep-fryer, heat oil to 375 degrees F. Cover the bottom of a funnel with your finger. Ladle 1/2 cup of batter into funnel.

While funnel cakes are best fried right before serving, the batter can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for up to two days before using. How do I store leftover funnel cakes? Refrigerate or freeze leftover funnel cakes, then reheat in the oven, toaster, or air fryer until crisp and hot throughout.

A cake-like batter consistency that forms ribbons when a whisk is lifted through the batter is crucial to achieve the funnel cake's iconic airy and crispy texture.

Why is my funnel cake greasy? ›

A critical element often overlooked when making funnel cakes is the temperature of the frying oil. This can be the making or breaking point of homemade funnel cakes. If the oil is too cool, the cakes end up absorbing excess oil, resulting in a heavy, greasy outcome.

Funnel cakes are truly best eaten warm and freshly made. However, if you have some left store them in an airtight container for up to five days in the fridge or in the freezer for up to three months. Reheat them on a baking sheet pan in the oven at 350° F for about five minutes.

Dining located in World Showcase at EPCOT. Satisfy your sweet tooth with a classic funnel cake or cookies 'n cream funnel cake—topped with your choice of powdered sugar, chocolate syrup, vanilla ice cream and other tasty options. You can even bring the delightful experience home with a funnel cake gift kit!

Tio Pepe's Churros (served at Disneyland)

Did you know that those tasty churros sold at Disneyland aren't made in-house? They aren't even a Disney brand! They are, in fact, Tio Pepe's Churros from J&J Snack Foods Corp. And they come in a variety of sizes and flavors (I'm looking at you, Oreo Churro).

Dining in multiple Disneyland Resort locations. Grant sweet wishes with pastry wands of fried dough coated in cinnamon, sugary goodness.

High heat: Cooking at a high temperature can cause the edges of baked goods to become crispy or crunchy. This is because the high heat causes the sugar and proteins in the dough or batter to caramelize, creating a golden brown color and a crispy texture.