If you’re craving a warm, crispy, and sweet treat that’s easy to make at home, this Elephant Ears Recipe is exactly what you need. Known for their golden, puffy perfection dusted generously with cinnamon sugar, these delightful fried dough rounds bring a carnival favorite right to your kitchen. It’s a simple recipe that transforms basic ingredients into a fun and utterly irresistible snack, perfect for sharing or savoring solo with a cup of coffee or tea.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To whip up Elephant Ears Recipe, you only need a handful of simple pantry staples—all of them play an essential role in creating that perfect balance of texture and flavor. From the soft yet crisp dough to the sweet cinnamon sugar topping, every ingredient counts.
- 2 cups Flour: The base of the dough that provides structure and chewiness.
- ½ tsp Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- ½ tsp Baking Powder: Adds the gentle puffiness and light texture.
- 1 cup warm water: Activates the baking powder and helps form a pliable dough.
- Oil for Frying: The key to achieving that crispy golden exterior.
- 2 Tbsp Sugar: Sweetens the topping and complements the cinnamon.
- 2 tsp Cinnamon: Adds the warm, familiar spice that makes Elephant Ears irresistible.
How to Make Elephant Ears Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Dough
Start by combining the flour, salt, and baking powder in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Slowly add the warm water, stirring gently until a soft dough forms. You may not need all of the water, so add it gradually to avoid a sticky mess. This step is crucial because the dough’s consistency will determine how perfectly your Elephant Ears puff up and crisp.
Step 2: Let the Dough Rest
Once the dough comes together, set it aside for about 5 minutes. This relaxing period allows the gluten to settle and makes the dough easier to roll out later. It’s a small wait that guarantees a more tender, flaky texture in every bite.
Step 3: Divide and Roll
After resting, roll the dough slightly and slice it into 6 even pieces. Each piece will transform into an individual Elephant Ear, so try to keep the sizes consistent for even frying. Then, using a rolling pin, flatten each piece into a circle about half an inch thick—thick enough to get that satisfying puff but not too thick to fry through properly.
Step 4: Fry Until Golden
Heat about 3 inches of oil in a deep pot until it’s hot but not smoking. Gently slide each dough circle into the oil. The dough should bubble and puff slightly, turning a beautiful golden brown. Flip each one carefully and fry the other side until it matches that golden color. This step is where all the magic happens, turning simple dough into an airy and crisp delight.
Step 5: Drain and Sugar Coat
Transfer the fried dough onto a plate lined with paper towels to soak up any excess oil. While still warm, sprinkle generously with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar. The heat helps the sugar stick beautifully, creating that iconic Elephant Ears topping that is both sweet and warmly spiced.
How to Serve Elephant Ears Recipe
Garnishes
While classic cinnamon sugar is a top favorite, you can also get creative by adding a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey or chocolate sauce. Fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream also makes a lovely pairing that elevates this treat into a dessert sensation.
Side Dishes
Elephant Ears pair wonderfully with a hot beverage—think freshly brewed coffee, chai tea, or even a cold glass of milk. For a brunch spread, serve alongside scrambled eggs or fruit salad to balance the sweetness and add variety.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Elephant Ears stacked on a large platter with small bowls of different dipping sauces such as caramel, chocolate, or fruit compote. You can also sprinkle chopped nuts over the cinnamon sugar topping for extra crunch and flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Elephant Ears, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They’re best enjoyed fresh but keeping them properly sealed helps maintain some of their crispness.
Freezing
You can freeze Elephant Ears by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freezing until solid, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag. This way, they’ll keep for up to a month. Just be sure to separate them with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-out-of-the-fryer crispness, reheat your Elephant Ears in a 350°F oven for about 5 to 7 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make them soggy and chewy rather than crispy and delightful.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a few hours before or even the night before, keep it covered tightly in the refrigerator, and bring it to room temperature before rolling and frying.
What type of oil is best for frying?
Use a neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil. These oils won’t overpower the taste and handle high temperatures well.
How do I know when the oil is hot enough?
Heat the oil to about 350°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, test by dropping a small piece of dough into the oil—it should bubble and rise to the surface quickly without burning.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
While the classic recipe calls for wheat flour, you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends, but results may vary as the texture could be less chewy and puffy.
Is this recipe suitable for kids to help with?
Definitely! Kids will love rolling out the dough and sprinkling cinnamon sugar. Just be sure to handle the hot oil yourself or supervise closely during frying.
Final Thoughts
Making Elephant Ears Recipe at home is a joyous and rewarding experience that fills the kitchen with warm, inviting aromas and brings smiles all around. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because, they’re a timeless treat that’s sure to impress anyone who tastes them. Give this recipe a try and discover how simple ingredients can deliver such delightful results!
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Elephant Ears Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Classic Elephant Ears are crispy, golden-fried dough treats dusted with a sweet cinnamon sugar mixture. This simple recipe yields deliciously fluffy and slightly puffed fried pastries perfect for a quick dessert or snack that can be made in under 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 2 cups Flour
- ½ tsp Salt
- ½ tsp Baking Powder
- 1 cup warm water (may need slightly less)
Frying & Topping:
- Oil for Frying (about 3 inches deep in pot)
- 2 Tbsp Sugar
- 2 tsp Cinnamon
Instructions
- Mix Dough: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and baking powder. Slowly stir in the warm water, adding gradually until a dough forms. You may not need to use all the water.
- Rest Dough: Let the dough sit for 5 minutes to relax the gluten, which makes it easier to roll out.
- Divide Dough: Roll the dough slightly and cut it into 6 equal pieces.
- Shape Dough Circles: Roll each piece into a circle about ½ inch thick.
- Heat Oil: Heat oil to about 350°F in a deep pot, maintaining 3 inches of oil depth for frying.
- Fry Dough: Fry each dough circle in the hot oil until golden brown and puffed slightly, then flip to cook the other side evenly.
- Drain: Remove fried dough and place on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- Prepare Topping: Mix the cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl.
- Apply Topping: Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the warm fried dough so it sticks well.
- Serve Warm: Enjoy immediately while the elephant ears are warm and fresh for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use warm water to help activate the baking powder and aid dough formation.
- Make sure oil temperature is around 350°F for proper frying; too cool oil will result in greasy pastry.
- Do not overcrowd the pot while frying to maintain oil temperature and ensure even cooking.
- Serve immediately for optimal crispiness as the dough tends to soften as it cools.
- For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of vanilla or nutmeg to the dough.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
