Copycat Del Taco Funnel Cake Fries Recipe

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What if I told you that you don’t need a carnival or even a trip to Del Taco to enjoy the deliciousness of their Del Taco Funnel Cake Fries? That’s right—you can make these crispy, golden bites of sugary perfection right in your kitchen!

How to make Del Taco Funnel Cake Fries

Del Taco Funnel Cake Fries are a fun, limited-time dessert on Del Taco’s menu—a sweet twist on classic funnel cake fair food.

Ingredients

For the funnel cake batter:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup milk (whole milk is best, but any milk will work)
• 1 egg
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For frying:

• Vegetable oil or canola oil (enough to fill your pan to about 2 inches deep)

For topping:

• Powdered sugar (for dusting)
• Optional: A drizzle of chocolate syrup, caramel sauce, or even whipped cream for an extra indulgent finish.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Funnel Cake Batter:

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, mix the wet ingredients: milk, egg, and vanilla extract.
3. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, whisking until the batter is smooth. The consistency should be slightly thinner than pancake batter but thick enough to hold its shape when piped or drizzled.

2. Heat the Oil:

1. In a large, deep skillet or a heavy-bottomed pot, heat about 2 inches of oil over medium heat.
2. Use a kitchen thermometer to ensure the oil reaches 350°F (175°C)—this is the ideal temperature for frying. If the oil gets too hot, your fries will burn on the outside before cooking through. If it’s not hot enough, they’ll turn out greasy.

3. Pipe the Funnel Cake Fries:

1. Pour the batter into a squeeze bottle, piping bag, or even a large Ziploc bag with a small hole cut at one corner.
2. Carefully pipe the batter into the hot oil in short, straight strips (about the length of traditional fries). You can make them as thick or thin as you prefer.
3. Fry the strips in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.

4. Fry to Perfection:

• Fry each batch for about 2–3 minutes, turning the fries halfway through, until they’re golden brown and crispy.
• Use a slotted spoon to remove the fries and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

5. Add the Final Touch:

• While the fries are still warm, generously dust them with powdered sugar using a fine mesh sieve.
• If you want, drizzle with chocolate or caramel sauce for an added layer of flavor.

Tips for the Perfect Funnel Cake Fries

• Oil Quality Matters: Use a neutral, high-smoke-point oil like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil for frying. Avoid olive oil as its flavor can interfere with the sweetness of the dessert.
• Temperature Control: Maintaining the oil at the right temperature (around 350°F) is key. Use a thermometer or test the oil by dropping in a small bit of batter—it should sizzle immediately and rise to the surface in a few seconds.
• Don’t Skimp on the Powdered Sugar: Funnel Cake Fries get their iconic flavor from that sweet dusting of powdered sugar, so don’t hold back!
• Batch Frying: Fry your Funnel Cake Fries in small batches so they cook evenly without the oil temperature dropping too much.
• Serving Fresh: Funnel Cake Fries taste best when served warm and fresh. If you need to make them ahead, keep them warm in the oven at a low temperature (around 200°F).

What to serve with

Del Taco Funnel Cake Fries are delicious on their own, but pairing them with complementary treats and dips can elevate the experience into something truly indulgent.

Chocolate Sauce:

• Melt semisweet or dark chocolate with a splash of heavy cream or milk for a rich, silky dip.
• You can add a pinch of sea salt or chili powder for a subtle twist.

Caramel Sauce:

• Serve a warm, gooey caramel dip (store-bought or homemade).
• A salted caramel version adds a gourmet flair.

Strawberry or Raspberry Sauce:

• Blend fresh berries with a bit of sugar to create a tangy fruit sauce.
• Perfect if you’re looking for a refreshing tartness to complement the sweetness of the fries.

Nutella Dip:

• Heat Nutella slightly for a warm hazelnut-chocolate pairing.
• Optionally, mix it with heavy cream for a thinner consistency.

Marshmallow Fluff/Creme:

• Light and airy marshmallow fluff makes the Del Taco Funnel Cake Fries taste like a toasted s’more experience.

Ingredients Substitutes

Del Taco Funnel Cake Fries are a popular dessert that combines the texture of a funnel cake with the convenience of fries, dusted with powdered sugar for a delightful treat.

1. All-purpose Flour

Substitute: You can use whole wheat flour for a healthier version or pastry flour for a softer texture. If you’re gluten-sensitive, try gluten-free all-purpose flour or oat flour combined with a binding agent like xanthan gum.

Ratio: Replace in a 1:1 ratio.

Note: Keep in mind that gluten-free substitutions may slightly alter the texture of the fries.

2. Granulated Sugar

Substitute: Use brown sugar, coconut sugar, or honey for a more natural sweetness. In case you’re looking for a lower-calorie option, try stevia or monk fruit sweetener.

Ratio: Replace granulated sugar with an equal amount of your chosen substitute. For liquid sweeteners like honey, reduce other liquids slightly to compensate for the sweetness.

3. Baking Powder

Substitute: If you don’t have baking powder, combine cream of tartar (1 part) and baking soda (2 parts) to create a homemade alternative. Another option is to use self-rising flour, which already includes leavening agents.

Ratio: Replace 1 teaspoon of baking powder with ⅓ teaspoon baking soda and ⅔ teaspoon cream of tartar.

4. Milk

Substitute: Any type of dairy or non-dairy milk can work here. For example, you can use almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, coconut milk, or even buttermilk.

Ratio: Replace milk in a 1:1 ratio with your chosen substitute.

Note: If using thicker milk alternatives like coconut milk, you may need to thin it out slightly with water.

5. Eggs

Substitute: For those avoiding eggs, you can use one of the following replacements:

• Flaxseed meal: Mix 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons water (per egg).
• Unsweetened applesauce: Replace 1 egg with ¼ cup applesauce.
• Greek yogurt: Replace 1 egg with ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt.
• Commercial egg replacers: Follow package directions.

Ratio: Replace 1 egg with 1 substitute portion as noted above.

6. Vanilla Extract

Substitute: You can use a different flavoring like almond extract, maple syrup, or hazelnut extract. Alternatively, use a teaspoon of vanilla bean paste for a richer vanilla flavor.

Ratio: Replace vanilla extract with your chosen substitute at a 1:1 ratio.

7. Cooking Oil (for frying)

Substitute: Use any high-smoke-point cooking oil, such as canola oil, vegetable oil, sunflower oil, or peanut oil, for frying. If you’re looking for a lower-fat alternative, try baking the funnel cake fries with cooking spray.

Note: Avoid oils with strong flavors, like olive oil, as they can affect the taste of the fries.

8. Powdered Sugar (for dusting)

Substitute: If you don’t have powdered sugar, you can make it at home by blending granulated sugar in a food processor until it reaches a fine consistency. You can also use icing sugar or a commercial sugar substitute (like powdered erythritol) for a sugar-free alternative.

Ratio: Use the substitute in a 1:1 ratio.

Final Thoughts

The versatility of Del Taco Funnel Cake Fries allows you to pair them with a wide range of sides, drinks, and toppings.