We've Only Just Found Out Why Funnel Cakes Are Called Funnel Cakes (2024)

Funnel cakes have been around for years, they're practically a pillar of society in the US, but why are they even called funnel cakes in the first place and how on earth do we make them?

It just so happens that we were recently reminded via TikTok that funnel cakes are called funnel cakes for a very valid reason...

Why is it called funnel cake?

It's called funnel cake because, well... it's made using a funnel.

The name comes from the way you squeeze batter through a funnel into a pan of hot oil, to achieve a squiggly plate of crispy-fried dough.

What does funnel cake taste like?

Funnel cake tastes a lot like a fried doughnut (quite churro-esque), and can be finished with all sorts of toppings, from icing sugar to syrup and ice cream.

Is funnel cake mix and pancake mix the same?

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.

What country are funnel cakes from?

Funnel cakes come from the US, and are most commonly associated with carnivals and fun fairs.

Who came up with the funnel cake?

It's believed that the Pennsylvania Dutch, a group of German immigrants who landed in Pennsylvania before the 19th century, came up with funnel cakes.

The first ever funnel cake recipe was seen in a German cookbook in 1879.