Enjoy a festive spin on traditional funnel cake with this Red Velvet Funnel Cake recipe. Crispy, tender, and packed with that signature red velvet flavor.
This recipes combines two of my favorite things into one amazing recipe. You can enjoy everything you love about classic Funnel Cake Recipe and Red Velvet Cake.
The rich red velvet batter fries into light, crispy swirls with a tender center and a hint of cocoa flavor. Finished with a dusting of powdered sugar, these homemade funnel cakes are perfect for holidays, parties, or anytime you want a colorful and delicious treat.
This is such an easy recipe and really delicious. You might also want to try Red Velvet Rice Krispie Treats and Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies.
Table of contents
Why We Love This Recipe
- Unique Twist on a Classic: Red velvet flavor gives a festive, colorful upgrade to traditional funnel cakes.
- Crispy and Tender: Light, crispy edges with a soft, tender center make every bite irresistible.
- Easy to Make at Home: Enjoy fair-style funnel cakes without leaving your kitchen.
- Perfect for Holidays & Parties: Vibrant red color and delicious flavor make them ideal for special occasions.
- Customizable Toppings: Finish with powdered sugar, whipped cream, chocolate drizzle, or sprinkles for a fun touch.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure for the funnel cake; spoon into the cup for accurate measuring.
- Cocoa powder: Use unsweetened for that classic red velvet chocolate flavor.
- Baking powder: Ensures the funnel cake rises; make sure it’s fresh for best results.
- Milk: Adds moisture and richness; whole milk works well, but any milk can be used.
- Eggs: Bind the batter and give it structure; large eggs are ideal.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances flavor depth; pure vanilla gives the best taste.
- Red food coloring: Gives the funnel cake its vibrant, festive red color.
- Powdered sugar: For garnish; adds a sweet finishing touch and classic presentation.
Scroll to the bottom of the page for the complete ingredients list.
How To Make Red Velvet Funnel Cake
Step 1. Combine the dry ingredients.
Step 2. Use a large mixing bowl and combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt.
Step 3. Mix together thoroughly.
Step 4. Combine the wet ingredients. You will need a separate mixing bowl to combine the milk and large eggs.
Step 5. Mix together the wet and dry ingredients.
Step 6. Gradually stir together the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Do not over mix and only combine until the mixture is smooth.
Step 7. Add food coloring. Put the drops of red food dye into the batter. You can use the amount you prefer to get the desired color.
Step 8. Combine until the food coloring is mixed into the batter.
Step 9. Add the oil to the pan and heat. You will want about 2″ of oil. Then heat the oil until hot over medium heat. This takes about 2 to 4 minutes.
Step 10. Pour the batter in a zig zag or swirl pattern so it resembles a funnel cake. We used about ½ cup of the batter for one funnel cake. If you prefer, you can also use a piping bag to make this easier.
Step 11. Fry on each side. The funnel cake should be golden brown. It takes 60 to 90 seconds per side. Take the funnel cake out of the oil and place on a plate. Make sure to line it with a paper towel to absorb any excess grease.
Step 12. Top with powdered sugar. These are best served right away.
- Step 13. Repeat until all the batter is gone. Keep repeating this process until you have made all of the funnel cakes.
Topping Ideas
- Cream cheese frosting: Rich and tangy, pairs perfectly with red velvet flavor. Homemade Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe or store-bought both works.
- Powdered sugar: A classic topping that adds sweetness and a beautiful finishing touch.
- Whipped cream: Light and fluffy, Homemade Whipped Cream balances the richness of the funnel cake.
- Chocolate or caramel drizzle: Adds extra indulgence and flavor variety.
- Fresh berries: Strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries add color and a fruity contrast.
- Sprinkles: Fun and festive, perfect for holidays or parties.
- Crushed nuts: Adds crunch and a nutty flavor to complement the soft cake.
- Mini chocolate chips or candy pieces: For extra sweetness and a playful touch.
Storage
Room Temperature: Store cooled funnel cakes in an airtight container for up to 1 day. Best enjoyed fresh for crisp edges.
Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container for up to 2–3 days. Note that refrigeration may soften the crisp texture.
Freezing: Funnel cakes can be frozen for up to 1 month. Wrap individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag or container. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to regain crispness.
Can Funnel Cakes Be Reheated?
While best eaten fresh, they can be reheated. I recommend reheating in the oven for 10 minutes at 350 degrees. You can also use a toaster oven.
Either of these options will help to make them crispy. You can use the microwave but they will be soft and not crunchy on the outside.
Pro Tips
- Use a neutral frying oil: Vegetable or canola oil works best for frying. These oils have a high smoke point and won’t affect the flavor of the funnel cake.
- Portion size: This recipe makes about six funnel cakes, but you can make smaller or larger ones depending on your preference.
- Mix batter gently: Stir the batter until just combined and smooth. Overmixing can make the funnel cakes dense instead of light and airy.
- Enjoy fresh and warm: Funnel cakes are at their best when served immediately after frying. The edges are crispy, and the center is tender.
- Drain excess oil: Place cooked funnel cakes on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess grease and keep them from becoming soggy.
- Maintain oil temperature: Fry over medium heat. Too hot and the outside will burn before the center cooks; too cool and the cake will absorb too much oil.
- Keep the batter handy: Pour the batter into a squeeze bottle or piping bag for easy, controlled funneling into the hot oil.
Try These Funnel Cakes
- Chocolate Funnel Cake Recipe
- Oreo Funnel Cake Recipe
- Funnel Cake Recipe
- Funnel Cake with Pancake Mix
- Funnel Cake Fries Recipe
More Red Velvet Recipes
- Red velvet poke cake
- Easy Red Velvet Cake Balls
- The Best Red Velvet Cupcake Recipe in the world
- Red Velvet Brownies
Make these festive Red Velvet Funnel Cakes today and enjoy a sweet, crispy treat straight from the fryer! Be sure to leave a comment below sharing how yours turned out, your favorite toppings, or any creative twists. Don’t forget to give the recipe a star rating to let others know how much you loved it!
Red Velvet Funnel Cake
Ingredients
- 2 cups All Purpose Flour
- 2 Tbsp Sugar
- 1 Tbsp Cocoa Powder
- 1 tsp Baking Powder
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1 cup Milk
- 2 Large Eggs
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1/4 cup Vegetable Oil
- Red Food Coloring
- 1 cup Powdered Sugar
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt.
- In a separate mixing bowl, combine the wet ingredients: milk and 2 large eggs.
- Slow stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and stir until the mixture is smooth. Then add in the red food coloring until the batter is the color that you prefer.
- Heat up vegetable oil in a sauce pan. You will want to line the bottom of the pan with approximately 2″ of oil. Heat on medium heat until the oil is hot (2-4 minutes).
- Slowly drizzle approximately ½ cup of the batter into the oil. You will want to swirl and criss-cross the batter across each other to form the funnel cake look. You can also use a piping bag for this process.
- Fry each side of the funnel cake until they are golden brown (60-90 seconds per side).
- Remove from the oil and place on a paper towel line plate.
- Dust with powder sugar immediately and serve warm.
- Repeat this process with the remaining batter until all the funnel cakes are created. The batter makes approximately 4-6 cakes depending on the size of your funnel cakes.
- Then enjoy!
