The beauty of making Strawberry Cheesecake Funnel Cake at home is the control you have over every component. You can adjust the sweetness level, choose the ripest strawberries, and ensure the cream cheese mixture reaches the perfect consistency. Plus, there’s something incredibly satisfying about creating those characteristic funnel cake spirals in your own kitchen, bringing the carnival atmosphere right to your dining table.
This recipe combines comfort food nostalgia with gourmet appeal, making it perfect for both casual family dinners and special occasions where you want to impress your guests with something truly unique and delicious.
Perfect Strawberry Cheesecake Funnel Cake Recipe
This delightful Strawberry Cheesecake Funnel Cake recipe transforms the classic carnival treat into an elegant dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. The combination of crispy fried batter, creamy cheesecake topping, and fresh strawberries creates a restaurant-quality dessert that’s perfect for any special occasion. With simple ingredients and straightforward techniques, you can bring the excitement of the fair to your own kitchen while adding a sophisticated twist that elevates this beloved treat to new heights of deliciousness.
Storage Options
Store leftover Strawberry Cheesecake Funnel Cake in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Place in an airtight container with the cheesecake topping and strawberries stored separately to prevent soginess. For best results, reheat the funnel cake base in a 350°F oven for 3-4 minutes to restore crispiness before adding fresh toppings. The cheesecake mixture can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator.
Summary
This Strawberry Cheesecake Funnel Cake combines the crispy, golden perfection of traditional funnel cake with luxurious cheesecake flavors and fresh strawberries. Ready in just 30 minutes, this impressive dessert features a light, airy batter that fries up beautifully, topped with a rich cream cheese mixture and juicy strawberries for an unforgettable treat that brings carnival magic to your home kitchen.
Equipment
- Large heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer
- Candy thermometer
- Large mixing bowls (2)
- Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
- Funnel or squeeze bottle
- Wire cooling rack
- Paper towels
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
Ingredients
For the Funnel Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1¾ cups whole milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Vegetable oil for frying (about 6-8 cups)
For the Cheesecake Topping:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
For Assembly:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- Additional powdered sugar for dusting
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the strawberries: In a medium bowl, gently toss sliced strawberries with 2 tablespoons granulated sugar. Set aside to macerate while preparing other components.
- Make the cheesecake topping: In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until well combined. Slowly pour in heavy cream, vanilla extract, and almond extract if using. Beat until mixture forms soft peaks. Refrigerate until ready to use.
- Heat the oil: In a large heavy-bottomed pot, heat vegetable oil to 375°F (190°C), using a candy thermometer to monitor temperature.
- Make the funnel cake batter: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and whisk until smooth. The batter should be pourable but not too thin.
- Fry the funnel cakes: Transfer batter to a funnel or large squeeze bottle. Hold your finger over the opening and position over the hot oil. Release your finger and move the funnel in overlapping circles to create the classic funnel cake pattern, about 6-8 inches in diameter. Fry for 2-3 minutes until golden brown on the bottom, then carefully flip and fry for another 1-2 minutes.
- Drain and cool: Remove funnel cake with tongs and place on wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Repeat with remaining batter.
- Assemble: Place warm funnel cake on serving plate. Generously dollop with cheesecake topping, add macerated strawberries, and dust with additional powdered sugar. Garnish with fresh mint if desired.
Notes
- Oil temperature is crucial for perfect Strawberry Cheesecake Funnel Cake – too hot and the outside burns before the inside cooks; too cool and the cake absorbs too much oil
- Make sure cream cheese is fully softened for smooth cheesecake topping
- Fresh strawberries work best, but frozen (thawed and drained) can be substituted
- Serve immediately for best texture contrast between crispy cake and creamy topping
Tips for Success
- Perfect oil temperature: Maintain 375°F consistently. Test with a small drop of batter – it should sizzle immediately and float to the surface
- Smooth cheesecake mixture: Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature to prevent lumps. Beat thoroughly before adding other ingredients
- Batter consistency: The batter should flow easily from the funnel but not be so thin that it creates wispy, delicate strands that break apart
- Frying technique: Work quickly but steadily when creating the spiral pattern. Overlapping circles create the best structure
- Serving timing: Assemble your Strawberry Cheesecake Funnel Cake just before serving to maintain the crispy texture
Additional Tips and Variations
Flavor Variations:
- Chocolate Strawberry: Add 2 tablespoons cocoa powder to the batter and drizzle with chocolate sauce
- Lemon Berry: Add lemon zest to the cheesecake topping and use mixed berries
- Cinnamon Sugar: Toss warm funnel cake in cinnamon sugar before adding toppings
Make-Ahead Options:
- Prepare cheesecake topping up to 24 hours in advance
- Macerate strawberries 30 minutes before serving for enhanced flavor
- Batter can be made 2 hours ahead and refrigerated
Healthier Alternatives:
- Use Greek yogurt in place of half the cream cheese
- Substitute almond flour for portion of all-purpose flour
- Reduce sugar in strawberries or use natural sweeteners
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I make Strawberry Cheesecake Funnel Cake without a funnel? A: Yes! Use a large squeeze bottle, large zip-lock bag with a corner cut off, or even pour batter from a measuring cup with a spout.
Q: What oil is best for frying funnel cake? A: Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil work best due to their high smoke points and neutral flavors.
Q: How do I know when the funnel cake is done? A: The Strawberry Cheesecake Funnel Cake base should be golden brown and sound hollow when tapped. Internal temperature should reach 190°F.
Q: Can I freeze leftover funnel cakes? A: Yes, freeze the plain funnel cake base for up to 1 month. Reheat in oven before adding fresh toppings.
Q: Why is my cheesecake topping runny? A: Ensure cream cheese is properly softened but not warm, and don’t overbeat after adding cream. Chill mixture if it becomes too soft.
Q: Can I use frozen strawberries? A: Yes, but thaw completely and drain excess liquid before using to prevent soggy results.
Conclusion
This Strawberry Cheesecake Funnel Cake recipe successfully transforms a beloved carnival classic into an elegant dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of crispy, golden funnel cake base with creamy cheesecake topping and fresh strawberries creates a truly memorable dessert experience that guests will rave about long after the last bite.
The beauty of this Strawberry Cheesecake Funnel Cake lies not only in its incredible taste but also in its approachability. With basic ingredients and straightforward techniques, home cooks of all skill levels can create this impressive dessert that looks and tastes like it came from a gourmet restaurant. The recipe’s flexibility allows for numerous variations and make-ahead options, making it practical for both spontaneous treats and planned entertaining.
Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, celebrating a special birthday, or simply wanting to surprise your family with something extraordinary, this Strawberry Cheesecake Funnel Cake delivers on both flavor and visual appeal. The nostalgic charm of funnel cake combined with the sophisticated flavors of cheesecake and fresh strawberries creates the perfect dessert that bridges childhood memories with adult tastes, ensuring this recipe will become a treasured favorite in your dessert repertoire.