Peyton's Momma™

Minnesota based Family Lifestyle blog. Mother Daughter duo take on food, travel, and more.

Red Velvet Funnel Cake (Easy Homemade Fair Food Recipe)

Red Velvet Funnel Cake

Bring the excitement of your favorite fair or amusement park right into your own kitchen with this Red Velvet Funnel Cake recipe! Crispy on the outside, light and fluffy on the inside, and finished with a generous dusting of powdered sugar, this colorful dessert is guaranteed to impress.

If you’re a fan of classic funnel cakes and love everything red velvet, this recipe combines the best of both worlds. It’s perfect for birthday parties, Valentine’s Day, holiday celebrations, or whenever you’re craving a fun homemade treat.

The rich cocoa flavor is subtle, letting the signature red velvet color shine while still delivering that classic funnel cake texture everyone loves.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Crispy, golden edges with a soft center
  • Fun twist on classic fair food
  • Easy to make at home
  • Great for Valentine’s Day or birthday parties
  • Kid-friendly recipe
  • Beautiful bright red color
  • Ready in about 20 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1½ cups buttermilk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
  • ½ tablespoon white vinegar
  • Red food coloring
  • Vegetable, canola, or peanut oil for frying
  • Powdered sugar for serving

Equipment

How to Make Red Velvet Funnel Cake

Step 1

Heat your oil to 375°F.

While the oil is heating, line a large plate with paper towels.

Step 2

In a large bowl whisk together:

  • Buttermilk
  • Eggs

Until smooth.

Step 3

In another bowl combine:

  • Flour
  • Baking powder
  • Sugar
  • Salt
  • Cocoa powder

Whisk until evenly mixed.

Step 4

Slowly stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until the batter is smooth and lump-free.

Step 5

Mix in the vinegar.

Then add enough red food coloring to achieve your desired shade of red.

Step 6

Pour the batter into a squeeze bottle for easy pouring.

Step 7

Carefully drizzle the batter into the hot oil using overlapping circular motions to create the traditional funnel cake shape.

Cook for 1–2 minutes.

Flip using tongs and cook another 1–2 minutes, until both sides are golden brown.

Step 8

Transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil.

Dust generously with powdered sugar and serve warm.

Tips for Perfect Funnel Cakes

  • Keep your oil between 365–375°F.
  • Don’t overcrowd the fryer.
  • Use a squeeze bottle for cleaner circles.
  • Whisk until completely smooth.
  • Serve immediately while hot.
  • Dust with powdered sugar just before serving.

Delicious Topping Ideas

While powdered sugar is a classic, try these fun variations:

  • Cream cheese glaze
  • Chocolate drizzle
  • White chocolate drizzle
  • Fresh strawberries
  • Whipped cream
  • Vanilla ice cream
  • Crushed Oreos
  • Red velvet cake crumbs
  • Chocolate shavings

Variations

Valentine’s Funnel Cake

Top with whipped cream, strawberries, and heart-shaped sprinkles.

Cookies & Cream

Add crushed Oreo cookies and white chocolate.

Birthday Cake Funnel Cake

Finish with vanilla glaze and rainbow sprinkles.

Chocolate Lovers

Drizzle with warm chocolate ganache.

Storage

Funnel cakes are best enjoyed immediately after frying.

If you have leftovers:

  • Refrigerate for up to 2 days.
  • Reheat in the oven or air fryer until crispy.
  • Avoid microwaving since they lose their crisp texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does it taste like red velvet cake?

It has a light cocoa flavor similar to traditional red velvet cake while maintaining the classic texture of a funnel cake.

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

Yes. Refrigerate the batter for up to 24 hours and whisk before using.

What oil is best?

Vegetable, canola, or peanut oil all work well.

Can I skip the food coloring?

Absolutely. The cocoa flavor will still be delicious.

Why use buttermilk?

Buttermilk gives the funnel cakes a softer texture and adds a slight tang that’s characteristic of red velvet desserts.

This Red Velvet Funnel Cake is a fun, colorful spin on one of America’s favorite fair foods. Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day, hosting a birthday party, or simply craving a homemade carnival treat, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit. Top it with powdered sugar or get creative with your favorite toppings for an unforgettable dessert.

You can also make a cream cheese frosting to dip the funnel cake in too.  The cream cheese frosting recipe from our carrot cake recipe would be perfect!

Be sure to check back daily as we will be posting a new Minnesota State Fair inspired recipe everyday this month!

Print Pin

Red Velvet Funnel Cake

Learn how to make a homemade Red Velvet Funnel Cake that's crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and dusted with powdered sugar. An easy fair-inspired dessert everyone will love!
Course Dessert
Cuisine American

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 C Buttermilk
  • 2 Eggs
  • 2 C Flour
  • 1 tsp Baking Powder
  • 2 tbsp Sugar
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp Cocoa
  • 1/2 tbsp Vinegar
  • Red Food Coloring
  • Oil

Instructions

  • First, set up your deep fryer area. Take a large plate and line it with paper towels. Pour the oil into your pot or deep fryer. Start heating the oil to 375.
    Next, in a large bowl, combine the milk and eggs.  You want to whisk or beat them together. 
    In another large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, and cocoa powder. Stir until well combined. 
    Add the flour mixture to your egg mixture and stir until well combined. You'll want a smooth mixture so be sure to beat any lumps out. 
    Add the vinegar and mix well. 
    Next, add in the food coloring. It will take a fair amount of food coloring to change this red. You can use as little or as much or even skip this step if you would like. 
    Pour the batter into a bottle. I have this set and it works amazing for funnel cakes. You can also use it for pancakes or other recipes that require a controlled pour of batter. 
    Once your oil is heated it's time to make red velvet funnel cakes!
    Pour the batter into the hot oil in a circular motion. 
    Fry the funnel cake for 1-2 minutes then take a set of tongs to carefully flip the funnel cake and fry for another 1-2 minutes. 
    Use your tongs again to remove the funnel cake from the oil and place on the paper towels. Let the funnel cake sit on the towels for a few minutes for the excess oil to run off. 
    Then, plate your funnel cake! Sprinkle with powdered sugar and enjoy. 
    You can also make a cream cheese frosting to dip the funnel cake in too.  The cream cheese frosting recipe from our carrot cake recipe would be perfect!

About Shanna

Shanna started writing shortly after her daughter was born. She's written for various outlets over the years. When she's not writing about her adventures with her daughter, she's out having adventures!