Pennsylvania Fire-Grilled Funnel Cake Bites

Introduction

These crispy, fire-kissed Funnel Cake Bites are cooked right on the Arteflame grill surface for an unforgettable take on a Pennsylvania fairground favorite. No ovens, no frying oil – just you, the grill, and a little bit of butter magic sizzling on steel.

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 egg
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (plus more for greasing)
• Powdered sugar, for dusting
• Additional butter for grilling

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame Grill

1. Pour a little vegetable oil onto three paper napkins.
2. Place the napkins in the center of the Arteflame grill and stack firewood over them.
3. Light the paper napkins and allow the fire to build for about 20 minutes until the cooktop heats up – the center reaches up to 1,000°F and the surrounding flat top will be evenly hot.

Step 2: Mix the Batter

1. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, beat the egg, then whisk in the milk, vanilla extract, and melted butter.
3. Combine wet and dry ingredients and mix until smooth. Let rest 5 minutes.

Step 3: Prepare for Grilling

1. Lightly grease a section of the flat cooktop with butter, particularly closer to the hotter center zone but not directly over the grate.
2. Using a small spoon or squeeze bottle, drop mini dollops of funnel cake batter onto the greased area.

Step 4: Grill the Funnel Cake Bites

1. Let the batter cook for about 2–3 minutes or until the edges are golden and the tops begin to set.
2. Flip the bites using a metal spatula and grill the other side 1–2 minutes until cooked through.
3. Remove when golden brown and puffed.

Step 5: Serve and Dust

1. Transfer the grilled bites to a serving plate.
2. Generously dust with powdered sugar.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy warm.

Tips

• Keep the batter cool until ready to cook for the best texture.
• Use the hotter inner zones of the griddle for a quick sear and the outer edges if your bites are browning too fast.
• Always grill with melted butter for flavor and golden brown results.
• Use a squeeze bottle for fun shapes like mini spirals or hearts.
• Clean up is easy – just scrape the cooktop and wipe.

Variations

1. Apple Cinnamon Funnel Bites: Add 1/4 cup finely chopped apple and 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon to the batter for a cozy flavor perfect for fall grilling.
2. Chocolate Chip Delight: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips onto the batter on the grill for melty chocolate pockets.
3. Lemon Zest & Blueberry: Add 1 tsp lemon zest and 1/4 cup blueberries for a fruity, bright twist.
4. Savory Cheddar Jalapeño: Omit the sugar and vanilla, add 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese and 1 tsp finely diced jalapeño for a savory snackable bite.
5. Maple Bacon Funnel Cake Bites: Add crumbled candied bacon to the batter and drizzle with maple syrup after grilling for a salty-sweet mashup.

Conclusion

Funnel cake just got a delicious, portable upgrade – fire-grilled and seared on the Arteflame grill to lock in flavor and create picture-perfect bites. Whether you're flashing back to a Pennsylvania fair or making new family grilling memories, these bites will steal the show every time.

Best pairings

• Fresh seasonal berries or berry compote
• Homemade vanilla ice cream
• Spiced apple cider or sweet dessert wine
• Espresso or fresh cold brew