Crispy, cinnamon-sugar Elephant Ears Recipe makes a great treat to enjoy at home. Quick to make, 5-minute fry time, endless topping ideas.
Skip the state fairs and carnival as we are going to show you how to make elephant ears at home! Don’t let the idea of making these fried pastries intimidate you.
It is very simple and we give you step by step instructions. The results are the best elephant ears. Each bite is soft and fluffy on the inside and crispy on the outside. The topping takes it to the next level for a delicious treat or Snacks. If you love this bread, then you will love Indian Fry Bread Recipe.
What's in this post: Elephant Ears Recipe
What are Elephant Ears?
This popular fair food is plate-sized fry bread that are flattened, then the dough is fried then puffs, crisp and get showered in cinnamon sugar while still hot.
They’re easier than funnel cakes because no piping is required and you can whip them up with pantry staples in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients
- Flour – We use all purpose flour.
- Salt – Use sea salt or kosher salt
- Baking Powder – Needed to provide lift and fluffy texture
- Oil – Peanut, vegetable or canola oil work best for frying.
- Optional Topping – Sugar and Cinnamon
Scroll to the Recipe Card for the full recipe.
How to Make Elephant Ears
Step 1 – Add the flour, salt and baking powder. Stir in the warm water until a dough forms. Then let the dough sit for 5 minutes.
Step 2 – Roll the dough out slightly into thin sheets and cut it into 6 pieces. Next, take each of those pieces and roll into balls of dough.
Step 3 – Then flatten into ½ inch thick circles.
Step 4 – Place the dough circles in the hot oil over medium heat and fry until the puff pastry is golden brown. Remove from heat and place on a plate with paper towels.
Step 5 – Mix together the cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl.
Step 6 – Sprinkle the elephant ears with cinnamon and sugar mixture while warm.
Elephant Ears Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups Flour
- ½ tsp Salt
- ½ tsp Baking Powder
- 1 cup warm water
- Oil for Frying
- 2 Tbsp Sugar
- 2 tsp Cinnamon
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Instructions
- In a bowl, mix flour, salt, and baking powder.
- Slowly stir in warm water until a dough forms (you may not need all the water).
- Let the dough rest for 5 minutes.
- Divide the dough into 6 pieces, then roll each into a ½-inch thick circle.
- Heat about 3 inches of oil in a deep pot.
- Fry each dough round until golden brown and puffed, then flip and cook the other side.
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
- Mix sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle over the warm dough.
- Serve immediately.
Recipe Video
Nutrition Facts
Pro Tips
- Rolling Dough – Roll the dough out with a rolling pin into thin slices. We like to roll about ¼ inch thick.
- No Yeast – The baking powder helps the bread rise.
- Frying Bread – Fry bread one at time to ensure that all the edges are crispy. You will need to work in batches.
Fun Topping Ideas
Traditionally, cinnamon and sugar goes on top. However, the possibilities are endless for this treat.
- Cherry Pie Filling. I think a dollop of this with whipped cream would be amazing.
- Caramel sauce. You can use store bought or make this easy recipe. We even like to add sprinkles for a fun twist.
- Hot Fudge Sauce. Chocolate fans will love this topping.
- Nutella. My kids love this.
- Powdered Sugar. Simple but delicious.
Whatever you decide to use, it will be delicious. I think your friends and family will love elephant ears.
Frequently Asked Questions
They are made with very similar ingredients and both are fried. However, the dough is prepared differently.
You roll out Elephant ears such as a thin pizza before frying. Funnel Cake is fried in a criss-cross pattern.
I store the leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to 2-3 days.
You can reheat them in the microwave or in the oven. If you stored them without the cinnamon sugar you can brush them with melted butter and then sprinkle with cinnamon.
More Easy Treat Recipes
We love to hear from you! If you make these Homemade Elephant Ears Recipe, please leave us a comment or a star review.
Question??? Can these be done in an air fryer? If so, what is the temperature and time? The reason why I’m asking this question is I have stopped using deep frying approximately four years ago. Asking for a friend lol ?
I haven’t tested this recipe in the air fryer yet, so I can’t say for sure on the time and temperature. I love the idea though, especially if you’re avoiding deep frying! If you try it out, please come back and let me know how it turns out!
You don’t have a temp for the oil? Are we going with a standard 350?
Yes, I heat the oil to 350 degrees F.
Is the nutrition nutrition content for all of the dough? Or 1/6 of the dough? Thanks!
It’s for 1 serving so 1/6 of the dough.