Description
Bring the fairgrounds to your kitchen with these Homemade Carnival Treats! Light, fluffy, and fried to golden perfection, these delightful bites are finished with a dusting of powdered sugar and can be customized with fun mix-ins like chocolate chips or sprinkles.
Ingredients
Scale
Essential Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – The main base for the batter.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder – Gives the treats a fluffy lift.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Adds cozy, warm flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg – Enhances the spice notes with depth.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – Balances the sweet flavors.
- 1 1/2 cups milk – Provides the necessary moisture.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the batter just right.
- 2 large eggs – Binds everything and adds richness.
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract – Infuses delightful aroma and taste.
- Vegetable oil – For deep-frying until golden and crisp.
- Powdered sugar – For dusting and a sweet carnival finish.
Optional Add-Ons:
- Chocolate chips – Stir into the batter for melty sweetness.
- Chopped nuts – Adds crunch and nutty flavor.
- Sprinkles – For a colorful, festive vibe.
- Coconut flakes – Brings a light, tropical twist.
Instructions
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Combine wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together milk, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Make the batter: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry, stirring just until smooth. If using optional add-ons, fold them in now.
- Heat the oil: In a deep pot or fryer, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the treats: Drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil and fry in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown (about 2–3 minutes).
- Drain and cool: Use a slotted spoon to transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
- Dust with powdered sugar: While still warm, sprinkle generously with powdered sugar.
- Serve and enjoy: Best enjoyed fresh and warm!
Notes
- Do not overcrowd the pot when frying—work in small batches.
- Use a thermometer to maintain oil temperature for even cooking.
- You can reheat leftovers in the oven for a few minutes to regain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: undefined
- Trans Fat: undefined
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: homemade carnival treats, fairground desserts, fried batter snacks, powdered sugar treats, fun dessert ideas, easy fried dessert