Funnel cakes are a concession stand favorite, known for their fluffy interior, crisp golden crust, and sweet flavor. With high profit margins, they’re ideal for fairs, carnivals, and events. While powdered sugar is a classic topping, stocking a variety of creative options allows you to upsell and maximize profits with minimal effort. By serving traditional and unique toppings, you can transform your funnel cakes into sought-after indulgences, making your concession stand or food truck the talk of the fairgrounds. To help you get started, we’ve provided a list of the 10 best funnel cake toppings to inspire your menu.
Shop All Funnel Cake Mixes1. Powdered Sugar
Powdered sugar reigns as the #1 funnel cake topping, and for good reason. Its light, airy texture adds a delightful sweetness that perfectly complements the crispy exterior of the funnel cake. This simple yet classic topping is an inexpensive way to enhance the dessert’s appeal, making it instantly recognizable and inviting to customers. The white dusting not only elevates the visual presentation but also creates a nostalgic connection, reminding patrons of childhood fairs and festive gatherings. Every funnel cake stand should feature powdered sugar as a staple topping to create a base menu item that caters to traditional tastes.
Powdered sugar can be enjoyed as a standalone topping for those who appreciate simplicity or combined with virtually any other topping for a more decadent experience. Whether paired with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or drizzled chocolate sauce, powdered sugar adds an extra layer of sweetness that enhances each flavor without overwhelming the dish. This adaptability allows vendors to create customized funnel cake options that cater to diverse customer preferences, ensuring that there’s something for everyone at the stand. Additionally, you can mix the powdered sugar with cinnamon or pumpkin spice to boost its flavor or blend with citrus zest and juice to create a tangy glaze.
Here are some potential menu items you can create with powdered sugar:
- Classic funnel cake
- Glazed funnel cake
- Cinnamon sugar funnel cake
2. Flavoring Sauces
Whether drizzled generously or used sparingly, flavoring sauces are an easy way to take your funnel cake to the next level. If you can only stock your stand with one or two flavors, let them be chocolate and caramel sauce. Their familiar flavor pairs perfectly with funnel cake and can be used with a variety of other toppings to create several different menu items.
For those looking to switch it up and add a fruity twist to their funnel cakes, consider trying fruity flavors like blueberry and strawberry, especially during the summer months. As the fall fair days approach, experiment with seasonal flavors such as pumpkin spice and toffee to capture the essence of the autumn season. By incorporating a variety of flavoring sauces into your funnel cake creations, you can cater to different taste preferences and elevate the overall experience for your customers.
Here are some potential menu items you can create with flavoring sauces:
- S'mores funnel cake
- Chocolate lovers' funnel cake
- Nutty caramel funnel cake
3. Fresh Fruit
Fresh fruit is a classic choice for topping funnel cakes, adding vibrant color and taste. Popular options like strawberries and bananas not only enhance the dessert's visual appeal but also provide a refreshing contrast to its rich sweetness. For summertime, a medley of mixed berries creates a colorful topping perfect for hot days. In the fall, baked cinnamon apples make a cozy and comforting addition, adding a warm and aromatic touch that complements the sweet vanilla flavor of the cake.
Fresh fruit toppings offer a lighter menu item alongside your heavier, richer options. By incorporating fresh ingredients, these toppings enhance the perceived value of your cakes. The fruit can be enjoyed on its own, paired with a dusting of powdered sugar for a subtle sweetness. Alternatively, layer in chocolate sauce and crunchy nuts for a show-stopping treat.
Here are some creative funnel cake menu items you can make with fresh fruit:
- Fresh berry medley funnel cake
- Banana bread funnel cake
- Chocolate-covered strawberry funnel cake
4. Fruit Fillings and Compote
If you want to add a burst of fruity flavor to your cakes but fresh fruit isn’t a realistic option, fruit fillings and compotes are a delicious alternative. These toppings feature real fruit chunks in a thick, sweet, syrupy sauce that adds a refreshing touch to every bite. Whether you opt for canned or frozen varieties, fruit fillings are a convenient solution for adding a fruity twist to your funnel cake creations. Canned toppings provide a shelf-stable and cost-effective alternative to fresh fruit, making them a practical choice for operators with minimal space or limited electrical power. They are ready to use, saving you valuable kitchen prep time while still delivering that fresh, vibrant flavor of real fruit.
By having fruit fillings and compotes on hand, you can serve up the taste of fresh fruit regardless of what's in season, allowing you to offer a variety of fruity options year-round. Create tempting menu items by pairing the compotes with other toppings like a scoop of creamy ice cream or whipped cream for a delightful combination of flavors and textures.
Here are some delicious funnel cake menu items you can create using various compotes like strawberry, apple, and blueberry:
- Strawberry shortcake funnel cake
- Apple pie funnel cake
- Blueberry lemon curd funnel cake
5. Ice Cream
For anyone with a sweet tooth, the heavenly combination of funnel cake and ice cream is sure to satisfy. This delightful pairing transforms your funnel cake into a truly unforgettable dessert experience. Customers will enjoy sinking their fork into a warm, crispy funnel cake topped with a generous scoop of creamy vanilla or an enticing seasonal flavor like pumpkin cheesecake or butter pecan. Whether you prefer rich chocolate, nutty praline, or refreshing fruity options, the possibilities are endless for creating the ultimate treat that’s sure to impress.
The cool creaminess of the ice cream is a delightful contrast to the warm, comforting flavors of the funnel cake. As it slowly melts on the treat, it adds a velvety sauce that enhances each bite. You can also use the funnel cake as a base to create unique ice cream sundaes, adding toppings like caramel sauce, sprinkles, or fresh fruit for an extra burst of flavor.
Here are some funnel cake menu items you can create using classic ice cream flavors:
- Hot fudge sundae funnel cake
- Chocolate chip cookie dough funnel cake
- Chocolate fudge brownie funnel cake
6. Whipped Cream
Light, creamy, and airy, a dollop of whipped cream is a delightful addition to funnel cake, perfectly complementing its crispy fried texture. It serves as an excellent alternative to powdered sugar or can be used alongside it for an extra layer of creaminess. If your stand or food truck can’t accommodate ice cream as a topping, whipped cream is a cool, luscious, and more affordable option that is easier to store. It pairs nicely with fresh fruit toppings, compotes, or sauces, enhancing the overall flavor and making your funnel cake even more irresistible.
To stand out from the competition, consider making your own whipped cream in-house. By doing so, you can easily customize the flavor profile to cater to your customers' preferences. Whether you opt for classic vanilla or a seasonal flavor, homemade whipped cream adds a personal touch to your funnel cake offerings.
Here are some ways you can customize your whipped cream topping to create interesting funnel cake menu items:
- Classic whipped cream funnel cake
- Cinnamon whipped cream funnel cake
- Espresso whipped cream funnel cake
7. NUTELLA®
NUTELLA® is a beloved chocolate-hazelnut spread that has captured the hearts of dessert lovers worldwide, making it an exceptional topping for funnel cake. Its creamy texture is perfect for drizzling over the light, crispy layers of the funnel cake, adding an irresistible sweetness and tempting presentation. It offers a creamier alternative to chocolate sauce, or it can be layered with chocolate sauce for those who crave an extra chocolatey experience.
To elevate your funnel cake even further, consider pairing NUTELLA®’s rich cocoa notes with fresh bananas or strawberries and a dollop of whipped cream. For an extra touch of sophistication, sprinkle some chopped hazelnuts on top to echo the nutty undertones of NUTELLA® while adding a satisfying crunch. You can even mix NUTELLA® into the batter itself, infusing each bite with its irresistible flavor and creating a uniquely delicious funnel cake that’s sure to impress.
Here are some funnel cake menu items you can create using NUTELLA®:
- Raspberry NUTELLA® funnel cake
- NUTELLA®-covered banana funnel cake
- NUTELLA® hazelnut crunch funnel cake
8. Oreo Cookies
Crushed Oreo cookie pieces can transform funnel cake into a decadent dessert that captures the beloved cookies and cream flavor in every bite. Their rich chocolatey crunch contrasts beautifully with the light, fluffy texture of the funnel cake, adding flavor, texture, and an enticing visual appeal. The creamy filling of the cookies can be accentuated with a drizzle of whipped cream, enhancing the dessert’s indulgent nature.
Creating a cookies and cream funnel cake for your menu is sure to be a hit amongst adults and kids alike. Start with a generous dusting of crushed Oreos on the freshly fried funnel cake, then add a scoop of cookies and cream ice cream on top. A drizzle of chocolate sauce or a light dusting of powdered sugar can finish it off, creating an irresistible presentation. This combination not only appeals to Oreo fans but also provides a nostalgic twist, making it a must-try treat for anyone looking to elevate their funnel cake experience.
Here are some funnel cake menu ideas using Oreo cookies:
- Cookies and cream funnel cake
- Oreo cheesecake funnel cake
- Mint Oreo funnel cake
9. Candy
Candy toppings bring an exciting mix of textures and familiar flavors to funnel cake, turning each mouthful into a journey down memory lane. Candy is easy to store and can be prominently displayed on your counters, enticing potential customers and increasing impulse buys. With such a variety of candy options, funnel cake becomes a customizable treat that appeals to all ages.
Sprinkles are a top pick, providing a burst of color and a satisfying crunch while keeping the funnel cake’s flavor the star of the show. Gummy candies, like gummy bears or sour worms, can also be a fun addition, offering a playful chewiness. For a richer experience, try incorporating chopped candy bars such as Snickers or Reese's, which bring chewy, chocolatey elements to the crispy exterior. Drizzling chocolate or caramel sauce on top can further enhance the sweetness and create a luscious finish.
Here are some funnel cake menu ideas using candy:
- Classic funnel cake with sprinkles
- HEATH bar funnel cake
- Cotton candy funnel cake
10. Savory Toppings
When we think of funnel cakes, our minds often drift to visions of powdered sugar and sweet toppings. But why limit this classic fair treat to just the sweet side of the menu? Sweet and savory is a flavor combination that will always intrigue customers, so consider offering a few savory funnel cake options alongside your classic sugary ones to attract lunch crowds and draw in even more customers throughout the day.
Savory toppings can be as simple or complex as you want them to be. Try topping with bacon bits and a maple syrup or cheese sauce drizzle for an easy-to-serve snack, or create an entree-style menu item by swapping out the traditional waffle for a chicken and funnel cake dish topped with hot honey. For a fun twist on a classic carnival favorite, try topping your funnel cake with cheese sauce and all the fixings for reimagined nachos. The crispy funnel cake base provides the perfect canvas for a savory explosion of flavors, making it a unique and satisfying snack for your customers to enjoy.
If you make your own funnel cake batter, get creative with your ingredients. Reduce or omit sugar altogether and instead infuse your batter with garlic and herbs for a savory twist. Top with grated parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh herbs to transform this classic treat into a unique culinary experience.
Here are some savory funnel cake menu ideas:
- Garlic parmesan herb funnel cake
- Bacon cheddar funnel cake
- Buffalo chicken funnel cake
Variety is essential when selecting the best funnel cake toppings for your concession stand. While classic powdered sugar is a reliable choice, don’t hesitate to get creative with unique toppings that will make your funnel cakes truly memorable. By expanding your topping options, you can attract more customers and encourage repeat visits. The beauty of these toppings is their versatility; they can be combined in endless ways to create show-stopping menu items.
Word-of-mouth marketing can be a powerful tool for driving sales - seeing a satisfied customer enjoying your custom funnel cake could be all it takes to convince a passerby to visit your stand. So, don't underestimate the impact that a well-topped funnel cake can have on your business's success.
