Elephant Ears Recipe
If you’re dreaming of the unforgettable magic of fairgrounds or family carnivals, making this Elephant Ears Recipe right at home will absolutely delight you! With their golden, crispy edges and fluffy centers dusted generously with cinnamon sugar, these irresistible treats are always a crowd pleaser. The Elephant Ears Recipe is delightfully simple yet produces layers of flavor and nostalgia with every bite—perfect for celebrations or simply adding joy to any weekend morning.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe requires just a handful of pantry staples, but each one is crucial for achieving that perfect bite. Let’s break down why every ingredient is essential to the magic of the Elephant Ears Recipe, from a fluffy dough to that sweet, sparkly finish!
- Flour: All-purpose flour forms the core of your dough, ensuring those classic chewy-inside, crisp-outside layers.
- Salt: A small amount of salt balances the sweetness and boosts flavor complexity.
- Baking Powder: This is the secret to achieving the elephant ears’ puffy, tender texture instead of a dense dough.
- Warm Water: Adds moisture and helps bind everything together—be sure it’s warm, not hot, to foster a soft dough.
- Oil for Frying: Use a neutral oil, like canola or vegetable, for deep frying to get that crispy, golden finish without altering the flavor.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar is perfect for creating that classic sweet sparkle found on every good Elephant Ears Recipe.
- Cinnamon: A generous sprinkle gives warmth and depth, transforming simple fried dough into something spectacular.
How to Make Elephant Ears Recipe
Step 1: Make the Dough
Start by grabbing a medium mixing bowl and combining the flour, salt, and baking powder. Stir everything together, then slowly pour in about a cup of warm water, mixing as you go. The dough should start coming together—if it feels a bit sticky or dry, adjust with a tablespoon more or less water. Knead gently until a soft, supple dough forms, but avoid overworking it.
Step 2: Let the Dough Rest
Now, give your dough a little break! Let it rest in the bowl for about 5 minutes. This short pause lets the gluten relax, making the dough easier to shape later and ensuring your Elephant Ears Recipe is perfectly tender.
Step 3: Shape the Dough
After resting, roll the dough out just a bit on a floured surface and slice it into 6 even pieces. Each piece will become an individual elephant ear. This not only helps control portions but guarantees even frying later.
Step 4: Flatten Each Piece
Take each dough piece and roll it out into a circle about ½ inch thick. Aim for circles, but don’t stress if they look a little rustic—quirky shapes add to the charm of homemade elephant ears!
Step 5: Fry the Dough
Pour about 3 inches of oil into a deep, heavy pot and heat it until shimmering (about 350°F is perfect if you’re using a thermometer). Gently lower in a dough circle, frying until it turns golden and puffs up, which usually takes 1 to 2 minutes per side. Flip carefully and let the other side turn golden, too—watch as your kitchen fills with that nostalgic, fairground scent!
Step 6: Drain and Cool
Once golden and perfectly puffed, transfer each elephant ear onto a large plate lined with paper towels. This quick drain helps keep them crispy and not greasy—no one wants soggy snacks!
Step 7: Add Cinnamon Sugar
While your elephant ears are still warm (this is key!), mix the cinnamon and sugar together in a small bowl. Generously sprinkle this mixture over each ear, letting it melt into the piping hot fried dough for maximum flavor and that signature sparkle.
Step 8: Time to Serve
Now comes the best part: serve up your Elephant Ears Recipe while they’re still warm! The crisp edges, soft inside, and sweet coating make every bite complete bliss.
How to Serve Elephant Ears Recipe
Garnishes
The classic topping is a rich dusting of cinnamon sugar, but you can easily get creative. Add powdered sugar for even more sweetness, or drizzle a little chocolate or caramel sauce over the top. A small scoop of vanilla ice cream on warm elephant ears can also take this treat over the top for special occasions.
Side Dishes
Elephant ears are indulgent and sweet, so try pairing them with fresh fruit like sliced strawberries, blueberries, or a crisp apple slaw to add a refreshing contrast. For a full carnival-at-home spread, serve alongside fresh lemonade or a mug of hot cocoa—especially fun for family movie nights!
Creative Ways to Present
For an extra-special touch, arrange elephant ears on a colorful platter and let everyone add their own toppings from small bowls of sprinkles, citrus zest, chocolate chips, or flavored sugars. You could even serve mini versions for a dessert platter at potlucks or parties, or cut your dough into fun shapes for themed festivities.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which isn’t likely, but just in case!), keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They’ll still taste delicious, though best enjoyed fresh for maximum crispiness.
Freezing
To have Elephant Ears Recipe ready anytime, fry, cool, and then freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag and enjoy within 1 to 2 months. Always let them cool fully before freezing to avoid sogginess.
Reheating
To revive the crispy magic, warm your refrigerated or frozen elephant ears in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make them chewy instead of crispy. Sprinkle a fresh hit of cinnamon sugar right before serving for that just-fried feel.
FAQs
Why is my dough tough or not puffing up?
It’s possible the dough was overworked or didn’t rest long enough. Make sure to knead gently and allow the dough to relax before frying—this helps achieve the light, puffy texture that defines the best Elephant Ears Recipe.
What oil works best for frying elephant ears?
Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as canola, vegetable, or peanut oil. These oils won’t impart any unwanted flavors and will get your elephant ears perfectly crisp and golden.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the dough, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to a day. Let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before rolling out and frying as usual for the best results from your Elephant Ears Recipe.
What if I don’t have a rolling pin?
You can simply pat out the dough circles with your hands. The shapes may be more rustic, but that’s part of the charm! Just aim for an even thickness so they cook evenly in the oil.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
While I haven’t tested it with gluten-free flour blends, you can try substituting a 1-to-1 gluten-free mix. Just be aware that the texture may vary, and you might need to tweak the liquid amount for the perfect elephant ear dough.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a little taste of summer fun or simple, comforting sweetness, this Elephant Ears Recipe is absolutely worth trying. The magic of warm, cinnamon-scented dough is hard to beat—and sharing these homemade treats just might become your favorite new tradition. Enjoy every bite, and don’t be surprised if these vanish faster than you expected!
Print
Elephant Ears Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 elephant ears 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful Elephant Ears Recipe that yields crispy, golden-brown fried dough sprinkled with cinnamon sugar. Perfect for a sweet treat or dessert.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 2 cups Flour
- ½ tsp Salt
- ½ tsp Baking Powder
- 1 cup warm water
Additional:
- Oil for Frying
- 2 Tbsp Sugar
- 2 tsp Cinnamon
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and baking powder. Slowly add warm water, stirring until a dough forms.
- Rest Dough: Allow the dough to rest for 5 minutes.
- Divide and Roll: Divide the dough into 6 pieces. Roll each piece into a ½ inch thick circle.
- Fry Dough: Heat oil in a pot. Fry dough circles until golden brown and puffed, then flip to cook the other side.
- Prepare Topping: Mix cinnamon and sugar. Sprinkle over the warm fried dough.
- Serve: Enjoy warm!
Notes
- Be cautious when frying in hot oil.
- Adjust cinnamon sugar to taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 elephant ear
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Elephant Ears, Fried Dough, Dessert, Cinnamon Sugar
