Red Velvet Funnel Cake

You know those moments when you’re wandering through a summer fair, the scent of sugary fried dough floating in the air, and you have to follow your nose to the funnel cake stand? Now imagine that, but add the rich, chocolatey decadence of red velvet. Yes – red velvet funnel cake is real, and it’s just as dreamy as it sounds.

I first came across good funnel cake red velvet ideas on a late-night Pinterest scroll (you know the kind – snacks you definitely don’t need at midnight but suddenly need to make immediately). One thing led to another, and there I was, deep-frying swirls of crimson batter in my kitchen like it was my own personal fairground. Spoiler alert: zero regrets.

Whether you’re planning a fun dessert night, want something wow-worthy for Valentine’s Day, or just love a cheeky indulgence, this is one of those red velvet funnel cake recipes you’ll come back to again and again.

What is Red Velvet Funnel Cake?

If you’ve never had funnel cake before, let me introduce you to this deep-fried delight. Funnel cake is a classic American fairground snack made by pouring batter through a funnel (hence the name) into hot oil, creating crispy, squiggly, golden strands of deliciousness. Traditionally served with powdered sugar, it’s crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside.

Now, give that funnel cake the red velvet treatment – rich cocoa flavour, a pop of buttermilk tang, that signature scarlet colour – and you’ve got something really special.

Ingredients for Red Velvet Funnel Cake

Here’s everything you need to whip up your own red velvet funnel cake at home. I’ve included both UK and US measurements to make life easier for everyone!

Dry Ingredients:

• 180g (1 ½ cups) plain flour / all-purpose flour

• 2 tbsp cocoa powder (unsweetened)

• 50g (¼ cup) caster sugar / granulated sugar

• 1 tsp baking powder

• ¼ tsp bicarbonate of soda / baking soda

• Pinch of salt

Wet Ingredients:

• 240ml (1 cup) buttermilk

• 2 large eggs

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 tbsp red food colouring (liquid or gel – gel gives a richer colour)

• 1 tbsp melted butter (optional, but adds richness)

For frying:

• Vegetable oil or sunflower oil (enough for deep frying)

Toppings (choose your adventure!):

• Icing sugar / powdered sugar (a must!)

• Whipped cream

• Cream cheese glaze (highly recommended – recipe below)

• Fresh strawberries or raspberries

• Chocolate shavings or sprinkles

Optional: Quick Cream Cheese Glaze

Because what’s red velvet without cream cheese, right?

• 60g (2 oz) cream cheese, softened

• 2 tbsp butter, softened

• 100g (¾ cup) icing sugar / powdered sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1–2 tbsp milk (to loosen)

Whisk together until smooth and pourable.

Method: How to Make Red Velvet Funnel Cake at Home

Honestly, once you’ve got your batter ready, you’re only minutes away from funnel cake red velvet glory.

1. Mix Your Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, and salt.

2. Mix Your Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, buttermilk, vanilla extract, red food colouring, and melted butter if using.

3. Combine Wet and Dry

Pour the wet mix into the dry ingredients and whisk until smooth. The batter should be pourable, like thick pancake batter. If it feels too thick, add a splash more buttermilk.

4. Get Your Oil Hot

Pour about 2 inches of oil into a heavy-bottomed pan. Heat it to 180°C / 350°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, drop a tiny bit of batter in – it should sizzle and float immediately.

5. Time to Fry!

Pour the batter into a squeeze bottle, piping bag, or even a jug with a narrow spout. Hold it over the hot oil and drizzle in circles and crisscross patterns to create that classic funnel cake look. Fry for about 2–3 minutes per side until crispy and deep red-brown.

Top Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan – fry one or two at a time so they cook evenly.

6. Drain and Dust

Remove with tongs and drain on paper towels. While still warm, dust with powdered sugar and add your favourite toppings.

Serving Ideas

Let’s be honest – red velvet funnel cake is not a minimalist dish. Go big or go home.

• Valentine’s Vibes: Top with pink whipped cream, strawberries, and edible hearts.

• Birthday Bash: Load with ice cream, chocolate sauce, and rainbow sprinkles.

• Festive Feels: Add crushed candy canes and a cream cheese drizzle for a Christmas twist.

And yes, it’s totally acceptable to eat this straight from the plate in your pyjamas. I may or may not have done exactly that.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This is one of those red velvet funnel cake recipes that ticks all the boxes:

• Quick and easy to make
• Seriously impressive-looking
• Customisable with your fave toppings
• Fairground nostalgia with a gourmet twist
• Great for parties, date nights, or just-because days

Plus, it’s a brilliant way to use up leftover buttermilk (because what else do we ever use that for?).

More About Red Velvet Funnel Cake

Can I make red velvet funnel cake without buttermilk?

Yes! You can make your own buttermilk by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tbsp of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it curdles slightly, and you’re good to go.

Can I bake funnel cake instead of frying?

You can, but it won’t be the same. Baking won’t give you that crispy-fried texture. If you’re looking to make it a bit healthier, you could try using an air fryer – just pipe the batter into a lined basket and cook at 180°C / 350°F for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway.

How do I store leftover funnel cake?

Funnel cake is best eaten fresh (and hot!), but if you’ve got leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for 5 minutes to crisp back up.

What’s the difference between red velvet cake and chocolate cake?

Red velvet cake has a subtle cocoa flavour but is tangier thanks to the buttermilk and vinegar. It’s usually softer and finer in texture than chocolate cake – and, of course, that iconic red colour makes it stand out.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely. Swap the flour for your favourite 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Just keep an eye on the texture – you might need a little more or less liquid depending on the blend you use.

If you’re craving something indulgent, a little nostalgic, and totally Instagram-worthy, red velvet funnel cake is your new BFF. It’s one of those red velvet funnel cake recipes that feels like it belongs at a theme park, but you can make it at home in under 30 minutes.

Have you tried making funnel cake red velvet style before? Let me know in the comments or tag me on Instagram if you give this recipe a go – I’d love to see your creations!

See more of my baking creations here!