If you have ever eaten an elephant ear, you know the sheer delight of this caramelized fried dough treat. It is a carnival classic that is popular all over the world. It is a perfect snack to have on a sunny day at the park or a fair, and even better when prepared fresh at home. And the good news is, it is quite easy to make!

The process of making elephant ears involves the combination of a simple dough and a generous topping of sugar and cinnamon. Then the dough is fried until golden brown and crispy. You can make the dough entirely from scratch or use a store-bought dough. Whether you have made them before or are a novice, this article will give you a step-by-step guide on how to make the perfect elephant ears.

Making elephant ear, also known as funnel cake or beaver tail, is a simple and delicious treat that anyone can enjoy. This popular carnival and fair snack can be made easily at home with a few ingredients and the right technique. In this article, we’ll teach you how to make a delicious elephant ear at home. So, let’s get started!

Ingredients you’ll need

To make the perfect elephant ear, you’ll need some basic ingredients that can be found in most kitchens. The ingredients list includes:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • oil for frying
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Step-by-step guide to making elephant ear

Follow these simple steps to make the perfect elephant ear:

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix well and set aside.
  2. In a separate mixing bowl, beat the egg until frothy. Add the milk and vanilla extract, and mix well.
  3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, and whisk until well combined. The batter should be smooth and creamy.
  4. Heat the oil in a deep frying pan or a deep fryer. The oil should be hot but not smoking.
  5. Using a ladle or a small measuring cup, pour the batter into the hot oil, making a spiral shape. Fry until golden brown, turning once to cook on both sides.
  6. Remove the fried elephant ear from the oil using a slotted spoon, and place it on a paper towel to remove the excess oil.
  7. Mix the sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Sprinkle the mixture over the elephant ear while it’s still warm.
  8. Repeat the process for the remaining batter to make more elephant ears.
  9. Serve the elephant ear while it’s still warm and crispy. You can also drizzle some chocolate sauce or caramel sauce on top for added sweetness.
  10. Enjoy your homemade elephant ear!

Tips for making the perfect elephant ear

Here are some tips to help you make the perfect elephant ear:

  • Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the elephant ear. If the oil is too cold, the batter will absorb the oil and become greasy.
  • Don’t overcrowd the frying pan or fryer. Fry one elephant ear at a time to ensure even frying and prevent sticking.
  • Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried elephant ear from the oil. This will help drain the excess oil and keep the elephant ear crispy.
  • Don’t skip the cinnamon sugar topping. It adds a delicious flavor and texture to the elephant ear.
  • Experiment with different toppings and flavors. You can add Nutella, powdered sugar, or fruits to your elephant ear for added flavor and variety.
  • Be careful when handling the hot oil. Use oven mitts or a long-handled frying utensil to prevent burns.

Conclusion

Making elephant ear at home is a fun and easy way to indulge your sweet tooth. With this simple recipe and basic ingredients, you can make delicious elephant ears that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Follow our step-by-step guide and tips for making the perfect elephant ear. Serve them warm and enjoy them with your family and friends!

Ingredients for Making Elephant Ears:

If you’ve never made elephant ears before, it’s important to note that this snack requires only a few simple ingredients. These include:

1. Flour
The base of any pastry is flour, and this holds especially true for elephant ears. For this recipe, you’ll need all-purpose flour.

2. Yeast
To make elephant ears rise and give them the perfect texture, you’ll need to use active dry yeast. This will help to activate the gluten in the flour.

3. Salt
Don’t forget to add a pinch of salt to your dough. This will help to bring out the flavors in the pastry.

4. Water
Water will serve as a binding agent for the dough, making it easier to work with. You might also need to add a bit of milk to the dough, depending on your recipe.

5. Butter
Butter is a key ingredient in this snack. It will add flavor and moisture to the dough.

6. Sugar
A bit of sugar will help to balance out the flavors in the pastry, making it sweet while not being overwhelming.

7. Cinnamon
Cinnamon is an optional ingredient, but it can take your elephant ears to the next level. It will add a warm, comforting flavor to the dough.

8. Oil
To prepare your elephant ears for frying, you’ll need plenty of oil. Vegetable oil or canola oil work well.

9. Powdered sugar
You can’t have elephant ears without powdered sugar! This will serve as a finishing touch, adding sweetness and making them look beautiful.

10. Toppings
While not necessary, toppings like chocolate drizzle, Nutella, or jam can add an extra layer of flavor to your elephant ears.

Ingredients needed to make elephant ears

Making elephant ears is an easy and fun process that requires minimum ingredients. Below are the ingredients that you will need to make crispy and delicious elephant ears at home:

Ingredients Quantity
All-purpose flour 2 cups
Active dry yeast 1 packet
Salt 1 teaspoon
Sugar 1 tablespoon
Warm water 3/4 cup
Vegetable oil 1/4 cup
Cinnamon sugar 1/2 cup

Step by Step Guide on how to make elephant ears

Making elephant ears is easier than it looks. Follow these simple steps to make these delicious treats.

Step 1: Proof the yeast

In a bowl, add yeast, sugar, and warm water. Mix and leave it for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.

Step 2: Add Flour and Salt

In a large bowl, add the all-purpose flour, salt, and vegetable oil. Mix slowly and add the yeast mixture to it. Now, knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes soft and elastic.

Step 3: Let the dough rise

Once the dough is properly kneaded, cover it with a damp cloth and keep it in a warm place for about an hour or until it doubles in size.

Step 4: Roll out the dough

Once the dough doubles in size, punch it a few times to release the air. Knead it again for a minute and roll out the dough into a thin rectangular shape.

Step 5: Fry the elephant ears

Heat oil in a frying pan. Once the oil is hot, slide the rolled-out dough into it. Fry for a few seconds until it turns golden brown and flip it over to cook the other side.

Tips for making perfect elephant ears

Making elephant ears can be a bit tricky for beginners. Here are some helpful tips to make delicious and crispy elephant ears:

Tip 1: The dough should be soft and elastic

To make good elephant ears, the dough should be soft and elastic. Be sure to knead the dough properly until it becomes soft and pliable.

Tip 2: Roll out the dough thin

Roll out the dough into thin layers to ensure that the elephant ears become crispy.

Tip 3: Work quickly in hot oil

Oil is key to frying the elephant ears. Be sure to heat the oil to the right temperature and work quickly to fry the dough in it.

Tip 4: Dust with cinnamon sugar

Once the elephant ears are fried, dust them with cinnamon sugar to give them a sweet and delicious flavor.

Tip 5: Serve hot

Elephant ears taste best when served hot. Serve them fresh and crispy for the best flavor and texture.

Time to Satisfy Your Cravings

Now that you know how to make your own delicious elephant ear, it’s time to whip up a batch and indulge in its sugary, crispy goodness. Remember to enjoy it while it’s fresh and hot! Thanks for reading this article and I hope that you had fun learning something new in the kitchen. Do visit us again for more life-hack recipes to keep your taste buds entertained. Happy cooking!