Carowinds Amusement Park Funnel Cake Recipe

We are back with a second course of A Taste of Carowinds, a series that gives you recipes so you can make delicious park eats at home. This week's food is a park favorite and is totally my jam. Executive Chef Mitch Weaver's next recipe is the sweetest of all: our classic Funnel Cake with a berry interesting twist. Let's get started!

Ingredients: 

2 Eggs

1 C. Whole Milk

1 C. Water

1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract

1/2 C. Sugar

3 C. All-Purpose Flour

3 T. Baking Powder

A Pinch of Kosher Salt

Frying Oil

Powdered Sugar

Whipped Cream 

For Strawberry Compote:

• 1 Pint Fresh Strawberries
• ½ Whole Orange - Juice Only
• ½ Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• ½ C. Sugar
• 2 T. Orange Liquor (optional)
• 2 T. Water
• 2 T. Cornstarch

Instructions:

Strawberry Compote - 

• Remove green tops from strawberries and cut them in half.
• In mixing bowl place halved strawberries, sugar, orange juice, vanilla, (optional) liquor.
• Stir and let sit for 10-15 minutes until sugar and juices combine.
• Place mixture in a saucepot and add water ¾ of the way up on mixture.
• Bring to simmer and continue to cook until ½ of the liquid has evaporated.
• Combine cornstarch and water in a small cup
• Bring the strawberry mixture back to slow boil and stir in cornstarch mixture until compote begins to thicken.
• Remove from heat and cool.
• Transfer mixture to airtight container and store in the refrigerator.

Funnel Cake - 

• In mixing bowl combine all dry ingredients.
• In separate bowl whisk eggs, milk, vanilla and water.
• Slowly combine dry ingredients into wet until completely mixed and there are no lumps.
• Pour batter into a pouring container (a pitcher or squeeze bottle). 
• In a cast-iron pan or heavy frying pan heat oil to 350 degrees. Test oil by dropping a small spoonful of batter in oil. If it rises to surface quickly oil is ready.
• Slowly pour batter in oil in circular pattern followed by zig-zag motion (this will help keep batter together in circle).
• With slotted spoon slowly turn funnel cake (be careful not to splash the hot oil)
• When funnel cake is golden brown, remove it from the oil and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
• Plate funnel cake with your favorite topping!

Now it's time for you to enjoy! Share your delicious creations with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Have a park recipe you want us to share? Tell us what you want to see with #Carowinds!