Zaxby’s Funnel Cake Recipe (Copycat)

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Craving the irresistible sweetness of a carnival classic with a side of Southern charm? Look no further than the temptingly delicious Zaxby’s Funnel Cake recipe! I must say that Zaxby’s take on this traditional treat has truly captured my dessert-loving heart. Imagine a light and airy batter kissed by the golden embrace of a sizzling fryer, adorned with a generous dusting of powdered sugar, and served with a side of dreamy caramel sauce that weaves a symphony of sweetness with every dip.

How to make Zaxby’s Funnel Cake

Zaxby’s Funnel Cake is a dessert item offered by the fast-food chain Zaxby’s. It’s a crispy, fried dough treat that’s similar to what you’d find at fairs and amusement parks. The funnel cake is typically dusted with powdered sugar, giving it a sweet, light flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Powdered sugar for dusting
• Vegetable oil for frying

For the caramel sauce:

• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

Prepare the Funnel Cake Batter:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. In another bowl, beat the eggs with the milk and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, whisking until the batter is smooth and free from lumps.

Heat the Oil:

1. Pour about an inch of vegetable oil into a deep skillet or fryer and heat it to 375°F (190°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy.

Fry the Funnel Cakes:

1. Once the oil is hot, pour the batter into a funnel or a plastic squeeze bottle while covering the opening with your finger.
2. Hold the funnel or bottle over the hot oil and remove your finger, allowing the batter to flow while moving the funnel in a circular motion to create a spiral shape.
3. Fry for about 1-2 minutes on each side or until each side is golden brown.
4. Remove the funnel cake with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

Make the Caramel Sauce:

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar and butter, stirring until melted.
2. Add heavy cream and a pinch of salt, bringing the mixture to a slow boil. Simmer for about 5 minutes to thicken.
3. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.

Serve:

1. Dust the warm funnel cakes with powdered sugar.
2. Serve immediately with the warm caramel sauce on the side for dipping.

Tips for Making Perfect Zaxby’s Funnel Cake:

• Batter Consistency: The batter should be smooth and pourable, similar to pancake batter. If it is too thick, add a little more milk; if too thin, add a bit more flour.
• Temperature Control: It’s crucial to maintain the oil at the right temperature. If it’s too hot, the cake will brown too quickly without cooking through. Too cool, and the cake will absorb the oil and become greasy.
• Serving Immediately: Funnel cakes are best enjoyed fresh and warm. The longer they sit, the soggier they can become.

What to serve with

Zaxby’s Funnel Cake, with its golden crispy edges and soft, fluffy interior, beautifully dusted with powdered sugar, is a standalone masterpiece that can easily be the star of any dessert table. However, to elevate the eating experience and add an array of flavors and textures, consider pairing it with complementary items that will turn this delightful treat into a truly indulgent feast.

1. Ice Cream Varieties: A scoop of classic vanilla ice cream is a timeless pairing with warm funnel cake, but don’t hesitate to experiment with other flavors. Consider options like salted caramel, strawberry, or even butter pecan to add a contrast in temperature and texture that will enhance the overall dessert experience.

2. Fresh Fruits and Berries: Fresh fruits and berries offer a refreshing, juicy contrast to the sweet and crispy funnel cake. Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or a mix of berries not only add a vibrant pop of color but also integrate a delightful tartness that balances the sweetness. Slices of fresh peach or banana can also complement the flavors wonderfully.

3. Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light and airy component to the dish. The subtle sweetness and creamy texture of whipped cream make it an excellent addition to the funnel cake, especially when combined with fruit.

4. Nutella or Chocolate Sauce: For those with a penchant for chocolate, serving the funnel cake with a side of warm Nutella or a drizzle of chocolate sauce can transform the dish into a chocoholic’s paradise. The rich, creamy texture and deep chocolate flavor can take the Zaxby’s funnel cake to new decadent heights.

5. Assorted Sauces and Syrups: Apart from the classic caramel sauce, consider offering a variety of sauces and syrups to drizzle over the funnel cake. Raspberry coulis, mango sauce, or even a tangy lemon syrup can provide a unique twist to the dessert. Maple syrup is also a wonderfully rich option that brings a comforting warmth.

6. Coffee or Hot Beverages: To balance the funnel cake’s sweetness, serve it with strong black coffee, espresso, or even a latte. Hot tea varieties like Earl Grey or chamomile also work well, offering a soothing end to the meal. For the colder months, spiced hot chocolate can make the whole experience feel extra cosy.

7. A Selection of Nuts: Toasted almonds, pecans, or walnuts add a delightful crunch and nutty flavors that contrast beautifully with the soft, fluffy interior of the funnel cake. You can sprinkle them on top before serving for an extra textural element.

Ingredients Substitutes

Making a Zaxby’s funnel cake at home can be a delightful adventure, but sometimes, you might find yourself short on specific ingredients or need to make adjustments due to dietary restrictions or preferences. Here’s a guide to substituting some common ingredients in funnel cake recipes, allowing everyone to enjoy this treat regardless of the pantry situation or dietary considerations:

Flour (For Gluten-Free Version)

• Almond Flour: A great gluten-free option that adds a nutty flavor. However, because it lacks gluten, you might need to add a binding agent like xanthan gum (¼ teaspoon per cup of flour).
• Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour: There are many brands available that can be used as a 1:1 substitute for wheat flour. They usually contain a blend of rice flour, potato flour, and xanthan gum, which makes them suitable for funnel cakes.

Eggs

• Applesauce: Use ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce to replace one egg. This substitute works well in cakes, adding moisture without affecting the flavor much.
• Flaxseed Meal: Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water and let it sit for a few minutes until it becomes gelatinous. This mixture can replace one egg and is especially good for adding fiber.

Milk

• Almond Milk: You can use almond milk as a 1:1 substitute for regular milk. It’s lower in calories and dairy-free, though it may add a slightly nutty flavor.
• Soy Milk: Another excellent dairy-free alternative, soy milk can replace cow’s milk cup for cup. It’s rich in protein, but make sure to use an unsweetened variety to avoid altering the sweetness of the cake.

Sugar

• Coconut Sugar can replace granulated sugar 1:1. It has a lower glycemic index, but it may impart a slight caramel-like flavor, which can be quite pleasant.
• Maple Syrup: If you’re using a liquid sweetener like maple syrup, for every 1 cup of sugar, use ¾ cup of maple syrup and reduce the other liquid in the recipe by about 3 tablespoons. This will yield a richer flavor.

Baking Powder (If You’re Out)

• Baking Soda and Cream of Tartar: If you don’t have baking powder, use a mixture of baking soda and cream of tartar. Combine two parts cream of tartar with one part baking soda. For example, if your recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of baking powder, use ⅔ teaspoon of cream of tartar and ⅓ teaspoon of baking soda.

Oil (For Frying)

• Coconut Oil is a great alternative to traditional frying oils. Its high smoking point makes it perfect for deep frying, and it may add a subtle coconut flavor.
• Canola Oil: If you’re looking for a neutral-tasting oil, canola is a good choice. It has a high smoke point, making it suitable for frying funnel cakes.

Powdered Sugar (For Topping)

• Blender Powdered Sugar: If you run out of powdered sugar, you can make your own by blending granulated sugar in a powerful blender until finely ground. Add a tablespoon of cornstarch per cup of sugar to prevent clumping.
• Honey or Maple Syrup Drizzle: For a different approach, drizzle honey or maple syrup over the top of your funnel cakes for a naturally sweet finish.

Final Thoughts

By mixing and matching these accompaniments, you can create a customized dessert platter that appeals to various tastes and preferences. Each option brings its own unique set of flavors and textures, ensuring that every bite of Zaxby’s Funnel Cake remains an exciting and indulgent experience.

More Cake Recipes:

• Easy Gum Gum Fruit Cake Recipe
• Copycat Duncan Hines Lemon Pound Cake Recipe
• Starbucks Pineapple Cloud Cake
• Lemon Dump Cake With Lemon Pie Filling
• Dump Cake (With Frozen Fruit)