Name: Strawberry Funnel Cake Sundae
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 tbsp sugar; 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 1 egg; 3/4 cup milk; 1/2 tsp vanilla extract; Oil, for frying; 1 cup strawberries, halved; 2 tbsp strawberry syrup; Vanilla soft-serve or ice cream; Powdered sugar, for dusting

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

The Strawberry Funnel Cake Sundae is the ultimate indulgent dessert, blending nostalgic fairground charm with fresh, fruity flavor. A crispy, golden funnel cake is dusted in powdered sugar, crowned with vanilla soft-serve, and topped with juicy strawberries and sweet strawberry syrup. It’s a dreamy, warm-and-cold dessert that delights with every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dessert is a sensory delight — crisp, soft, warm, and cool all at once. The funnel cake offers that iconic carnival crunch, while the creamy soft-serve and fresh strawberries add refreshing contrast. Easy to make at home with pantry staples, this sundae brings festive fun to your kitchen year-round. Whether you’re treating guests or simply indulging your sweet tooth, this recipe delivers on flavor, texture, and presentation.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

all-purpose flour
sugar
baking powder
salt
egg
milk
vanilla extract
oil (for frying)
strawberries, halved
strawberry syrup
vanilla soft-serve or ice cream
powdered sugar (for dusting)

Directions

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg, milk, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry, mixing until smooth and pourable.
Heat oil in a deep skillet or pan to 350°F (175°C).
Pour the batter into a squeeze bottle or piping bag. Pipe the batter into the hot oil in a swirling, spiral motion to form a lacy round shape.
Fry until golden brown, about 2–3 minutes per side. Flip carefully and repeat.
Remove from the oil and drain on paper towels.
Dust the funnel cake with powdered sugar.
Top with a scoop or swirl of vanilla soft-serve or ice cream.
Add fresh halved strawberries and drizzle generously with strawberry syrup.
Serve immediately while warm and crispy.

Servings and timing

Servings: 2 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Calories: 420 kcal per serving

Variations

Berry Medley Sundae: Use a mix of blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries in place of strawberries.
Chocolate Lover’s Twist: Add chocolate syrup, chocolate chips, or a scoop of chocolate ice cream.
Mini Funnel Cakes: Make smaller individual cakes for a party-friendly dessert.
Cinnamon Sugar Dusting: Mix cinnamon into the powdered sugar for a warm, spiced flavor.
Vegan Version: Substitute egg with flaxseed meal and use plant-based milk and ice cream.

Storage/Reheating

Funnel cakes are best enjoyed fresh. However, you can store the unfried batter in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Fried cakes can be stored at room temperature for up to 1 day and reheated in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes to restore crispness. Add toppings after reheating.

FAQs

What is funnel cake batter made of?

Funnel cake batter is a simple mixture of flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, egg, milk, and vanilla extract.

Do I need a funnel to make funnel cake?

No, you can use a squeeze bottle, piping bag, or even a measuring cup with a spout to pour the batter in spirals.

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, but thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture on the cake.

Is it safe to reuse frying oil?

Yes, as long as the oil is strained and stored properly, you can reuse it once or twice for similar recipes.

Can I make this without soft-serve?

Absolutely. Regular vanilla ice cream works just as well.

How do I keep the funnel cake crispy?

Serve it immediately after frying and avoid stacking or covering it, which can cause sogginess.

What kind of oil is best for frying?

Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as canola or vegetable oil.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, simply scale the ingredients and fry each cake individually to maintain quality.

What can I use instead of strawberry syrup?

Homemade berry compote, chocolate sauce, or maple syrup can all be delicious alternatives.

Can I make these in an air fryer?

Funnel cake batter is not suitable for air frying, as it needs to be submerged in oil to maintain its signature shape and texture.

Conclusion

The Strawberry Funnel Cake Sundae is a whimsical and delicious dessert that brings the joy of the fair to your own kitchen. With crispy golden batter, luscious vanilla ice cream, and vibrant strawberry topping, it’s a treat that captures both nostalgia and indulgence in every bite. Simple to make and endlessly customizable, it’s a must-try for dessert lovers of all ages.

Strawberry Funnel Cake Sundae

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Crispy golden funnel cake topped with vanilla soft-serve, fresh strawberries, and strawberry syrup — a dreamy fairground dessert.

Author: Mari
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Whisk in the egg, milk, and vanilla extract until a smooth batter forms.
Heat oil in a deep skillet or pan to 350°F (175°C).
Pour batter into a funnel or squeeze bottle and drizzle in a spiral pattern into the hot oil.
Fry until golden brown, about 2–3 minutes per side. Flip and fry the other side.
Remove and drain on paper towels. Dust with powdered sugar.
Top with vanilla soft-serve or ice cream, fresh halved strawberries, and a drizzle of strawberry syrup.
Serve immediately and enjoy warm.