Indulge in the carnival nostalgia with a delightful twist! Our Funnel Cake Cake brings the whimsy of carnival funnel cakes together with the celebratory delight of a classic cake. This fusion dessert is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering, evoking memories of summers spent at fairs and festivals. With layers of golden vanilla cake, cinnamon-infused frosting, and the unmistakable crunch of funnel cake, this dessert is a true celebration in every bite. Join us on a journey to create this irresistible Funnel Cake Cake and bring the joy of the carnival to your table!
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 box Golden Vanilla cake mix, plus ingredients on the back of the box
- 3 teaspoons cinnamon, divided
- Pinch of nutmeg
For the Frosting:
- 2 tubs vanilla Cool Whip Frosting, thawed
For the Funnel Cake Layer:
- Funnel Cake Ingredients (either from your favorite recipe or from a boxed mix)
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Layers
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven according to the instructions on the cake mix box.
- Prepare Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, prepare the cake batter according to the instructions on the box. Add a pinch of nutmeg and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon to the batter for added flavor.
- Add Cinnamon Swirl: Take about 1/3 of the prepared cake batter and mix in 2 teaspoons of cinnamon. This will create a cinnamon swirl effect in the cake.
- Layer the Batter: Pour half of the plain cake batter into two greased and floured cake pans. Then, pour the cinnamon swirl batter over the plain batter in each pan. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the cinnamon batter into the plain batter for a marbled effect.
- Bake: Place the cake pans in the preheated oven and bake according to the instructions on the cake mix box, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
- Cool: Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool completely on wire racks.
Step 2: Prepare the Funnel Cake Layer
- Make Funnel Cake Batter: Prepare the funnel cake batter according to your favorite recipe or the instructions on the boxed mix.
- Fry Funnel Cake: Heat oil in a deep fryer or large skillet to 375°F (190°C). Pour the funnel cake batter into the hot oil in a spiral pattern, creating a circular shape. Fry until golden brown and crispy, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Assemble Funnel Cake Layer: Once cooled, place the funnel cake on a serving platter or cake stand.
Step 3: Frost and Layer the Cake
- Frosting: Spread a layer of vanilla Cool Whip frosting over one of the cooled cake layers.
- Stack Layers: Carefully place the second cake layer on top of the frosted layer, creating a two-layer cake.
- Final Frosting: Use the remaining Cool Whip frosting to frost the entire cake, covering the top and sides evenly.
- Decorate: Dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar for a finishing touch.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
Slice the Funnel Cake Cake into portions and serve with a dollop of extra Cool Whip frosting, if desired.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Cinnamon Sugar Topping: For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle cinnamon sugar over the powdered sugar-dusted Funnel Cake Cake before serving.
- Add Fruit: Serve slices of the Funnel Cake Cake with fresh berries or a fruit compote for a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cake.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the top of the cake for an added indulgence.
Keto and Low-Carb Version:
For those following a keto or low-carb diet, consider the following modifications:
- Cake: Use a keto-friendly cake mix or prepare a homemade keto vanilla cake using almond flour or coconut flour.
- Frosting: Prepare a keto-friendly frosting using ingredients such as cream cheese, heavy cream, and a keto-friendly sweetener like erythritol or stevia.
- Funnel Cake Layer: Create a low-carb version of funnel cake using almond flour or coconut flour instead of traditional flour, and sweeten with a keto-friendly sweetener.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):
Q: Can I make the cake layers in advance? A: Yes, you can bake the cake layers in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Alternatively, you can wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze them for up to three months.
Q: Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip frosting? A: Absolutely! Feel free to use homemade whipped cream as a frosting alternative. Simply whip heavy cream with a sweetener of your choice until stiff peaks form, then use as you would the Cool Whip frosting.
Q: Can I make the cake without the funnel cake layer? A: Yes, you can certainly omit the funnel cake layer if desired. The cake will still be delicious with just the two layers of marbled vanilla cake and vanilla frosting.
In conclusion, our Funnel Cake Cake is a delightful fusion of carnival fun and classic cake indulgence. With layers of moist vanilla cake swirled with cinnamon, creamy vanilla frosting, and a crispy funnel cake topping, this dessert is sure to be a hit at any gathering. Whether you’re reminiscing about summer fairs or simply craving a sweet treat, this Funnel Cake Cake is guaranteed to bring joy with every bite. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to embark on a delicious journey of nostalgia and celebration!
