Elephant Ears Recipe: 20-Min Bliss, Fewer Calories!

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The best Elephant Ears Recipe has been a quest of mine ever since I was a little kid, clutching my mom’s hand at the county fair. That intoxicating scent of warm, fried dough mingled with cinnamon sugar always drew me in, promising a moment of pure bliss. This particular Fried Dough Recipe brings all those nostalgic memories flooding back, delivering that same crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside perfection. I’ve discovered that making a Homemade Elephant Ears Recipe is surprisingly simple, and the joy of creating these iconic treats in my own kitchen is unmatched. You’ll love how easy it is to recreate that carnival magic. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Elephant Ears Recipe

I promise, once you try this recipe, you’ll be making these delightful treats all the time. This Easy Elephant Ears Recipe is a game-changer for homemade desserts.

Incredible Taste: You get that perfect balance of crispy exterior and soft, airy interior, coated in sweet cinnamon sugar. It’s pure comfort food!
Quick Prep Time: From start to finish, you’re looking at about 20 minutes. It’s truly a quick treat for any occasion.
Budget-Friendly: Made with simple pantry staples, this is an inexpensive way to enjoy a delicious dessert without breaking the bank.
Family-Friendly Fun: Kids and adults alike will love helping make and, of course, eating these. It’s a great activity for a rainy afternoon.
Versatile Toppings: While cinnamon sugar is classic, you can get creative with other toppings like fruit, chocolate, or powdered sugar.
Surprisingly Simple: Don’t be intimidated; this is an Easy Elephant Ears Recipe that anyone can master, even if you’re new to frying.

Ingredients for Elephant Ears Recipe

Curious about what are the ingredients for Elephant Ears? You’ll be happy to know that this Elephant Ears Recipe uses very simple pantry staples! I love that I almost always have these on hand, making it easy to whip up a batch whenever a craving strikes. It’s truly amazing how a few basic items can transform into such a delightful fried dough treat.

2 cups All-Purpose Flour – This forms the base of our crispy dough.
½ tsp Salt – A pinch of salt enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness.
½ tsp Baking Powder – This is key for creating that light, airy, and slightly puffed texture in your fried dough.
1 cup warm water – Use warm, not hot, water to help the dough come together smoothly.
Oil for Frying – Vegetable or canola oil works best for deep frying to achieve that golden brown crispness.
2 Tbsp Granulated Sugar – For the classic sweet coating.
2 tsp Ground Cinnamon – The essential spice that gives Elephant Ears their signature aroma and flavor.

How to Make Elephant Ears

Making these delightful treats is much easier than you might think! I promise, you’ll be amazed at how quickly you can create your own batch of crispy, cinnamon-sugar coated fried dough. This Deep Fried Elephant Ears Recipe will have you enjoying carnival flavors right in your own kitchen. Just follow these steps carefully for the best results.

Step 1: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine your dry ingredients: the flour, salt, and baking powder. Give them a good whisk to ensure they are evenly distributed.
Step 2: Slowly pour in the warm water, stirring continuously with a spoon or your hands. You’ll want to add the water gradually, as you might not need the full cup. Mix until a shaggy dough forms and then knead it gently for about a minute until it comes together. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
Step 3: Once your dough is formed, cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for 5 minutes. This brief rest allows the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to roll out.
Step 4: Lightly flour your work surface. Roll the dough out slightly into a rough rectangle, then use a knife or pastry cutter to divide it into 6 equal pieces. Each piece will become one delicious Elephant Ear.
Step 5: Take one piece of dough and roll it out into a thin, roughly ½ inch thick circle. Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly round; the rustic shape adds to their charm! Repeat for all dough pieces.
Step 6: Heat about 3 inches of oil for frying in a deep pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. The ideal temperature for this Deep Fried Elephant Ears Recipe is around 350-375°F (175-190°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, test the oil by dropping a tiny piece of dough in; it should sizzle immediately and float to the top.
Step 7: Carefully place one rolled-out dough circle into the hot oil. It will immediately puff up slightly and turn golden brown on the bottom. This usually takes about 30-60 seconds.
Step 8: Using tongs, carefully flip the dough to fry the other side until it’s also golden brown and beautifully puffed, another 30-60 seconds. The aroma filling your kitchen right now is simply divine!
Step 9: Once fried, remove the dough from the oil and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. This ensures your Elephant Ears are perfectly crispy, not greasy.
Step 10: While the fried dough is still warm, quickly mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon together in a small bowl. Liberally sprinkle this delicious cinnamon sugar mixture over both sides of the warm Elephant Ear. The warmth helps the sugar adhere and melt slightly.
Step 11: Serve immediately while warm and enjoy your homemade Elephant Ears! They are truly best enjoyed fresh from the fryer.

Pro Tips for the Best Elephant Ears Recipe

I’ve made my fair share of these delightful treats, and I’ve picked up a few tricks along the way to ensure your Elephant Ears Recipe turns out perfectly every time. These expert tips will help you achieve that ideal crispy-chewy texture and delicious flavor, making your homemade fried dough truly stand out.

Don’t Overwork the Dough: Mix just until combined. Over-kneading can lead to tough Elephant Ears, and we want them light and airy.
Roll Thinly and Evenly: The thinner you roll the dough, the crispier your Elephant Ears will be. Aim for an even thickness for consistent frying.
Maintain Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer if possible. Too cool, and they’ll be greasy; too hot, and they’ll burn before cooking through.
Sugar While Warm: Always sprinkle the cinnamon sugar as soon as they come out of the oil. The warmth helps the sugar adhere and melt beautifully.

What’s the secret to perfect Elephant Ears?

The real secret to a truly perfect Elephant Ears Recipe lies in the baking powder and the oil temperature. The baking powder creates those wonderful air pockets, giving you that classic, light texture. Maintaining a consistent oil temperature around 350-375°F ensures they cook through evenly and achieve that beautiful golden crispness without becoming greasy.

Can I make Elephant Ears ahead of time?

While Elephant Ears are best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the dough ahead of time. Mix the dough, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before rolling and frying. This makes for a quick and easy treat when you’re ready to fry.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Elephant Ears?

A common mistake is using oil that isn’t hot enough, which results in greasy Elephant Ears. Ensure your oil is at the correct temperature before frying. Another pitfall is over-mixing the dough; this leads to a dense, tough texture. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined for a wonderfully tender fried dough.

Best Ways to Serve Elephant Ears

Once you’ve made your delicious batch of Elephant Ears Recipe, it’s time to enjoy them! While the classic cinnamon sugar topping is always a winner, I love experimenting with different toppings for Elephant Ears to elevate this simple fried dough. These treats are best served immediately, warm from the fryer, ensuring that perfect crispy-soft texture.

For a decadent dessert, drizzle your warm Elephant Ears with melted chocolate or a rich caramel sauce. A spoonful of fresh whipped cream and some sliced berries also makes for a delightful combination, adding a touch of freshness. Don’t forget that a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting on top of a warm Elephant Ear is pure bliss, creating a wonderful contrast in temperatures and textures. They’re perfect as a standalone treat or as a fun addition to a dessert spread.

Nutrition Facts for Elephant Ears Recipe

Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional content per serving for this delightful Elephant Ears Recipe, based on the ingredients and preparation method. I find it helpful to have this information, especially when planning a balanced meal.

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 251
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 10g
Protein: 3g
Sodium: 50mg
Cholesterol: 0mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used, such as the type of oil or flour. This information is provided to give you a general idea of the nutritional profile of these delicious Elephant Ears.

How to Store and Reheat Elephant Ears

You might be wondering, how long do Elephant Ears last? While these delightful treats are truly best enjoyed fresh, warm from the fryer, you can certainly store them to savor later. The key is to let them cool completely on a wire rack first. This prevents condensation which can make them soggy. Once cooled, place them in an airtight container or a large zip-top bag at room temperature for up to 1-2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for 3-4 days.

If you’re looking to store them even longer, you can freeze your Elephant Ears! Wrap each cooled pastry individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, you can pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes until warmed through and slightly crisp again. An air fryer also works wonders for reheating, bringing back that lovely crispness in just a few minutes at 350°F (175°C).

Frequently Asked Questions About Elephant Ears Recipe

What is an Elephant Ear pastry?

An Elephant Ear pastry is a popular fried dough confection, often found at fairs, carnivals, and amusement parks. It’s essentially a large, thin piece of dough that’s deep-fried until golden and crispy, then typically coated with cinnamon sugar. The texture is wonderfully airy on the inside and crunchy on the outside, making it a beloved sweet treat.

Why are they called Elephant Ears?

They are called Elephant Ears primarily because of their appearance! Once the dough is rolled out and fried, it often puffs up and takes on a large, flat, oval shape that strikingly resembles an elephant’s ear. This distinctive shape, combined with their delicious taste, makes them instantly recognizable and a fun treat for all ages.

Can I make this Elephant Ears Recipe without a deep fryer?

Absolutely! You don’t need a dedicated deep fryer for this Elephant Ears Recipe. A deep, heavy-bottomed pot or a Dutch oven works perfectly. Just make sure to use enough oil (about 3 inches deep) to allow the dough to float and fry evenly. Always be cautious when working with hot oil and use a thermometer to maintain the correct temperature.

Are there any savory variations of the Elephant Ears Recipe?

While the classic Elephant Ears Recipe is sweet, you can certainly explore savory variations! Instead of cinnamon sugar, you could top the warm fried dough with garlic butter and Parmesan cheese for a savory breadstick-like treat. Another idea is to sprinkle it with herbs and a touch of sea salt. The base fried dough is quite versatile, so feel free to get creative with your toppings!

Variations of Elephant Ears You Can Try

While the classic cinnamon-sugar Elephant Ears Recipe is a timeless favorite, there are many exciting ways to customize this delightful treat! I love experimenting with different flavors and cooking methods to keep things fresh. These variations allow you to tailor your homemade fried dough to different dietary needs or simply explore new taste sensations.

Air Fryer Elephant Ears Recipe: For a lighter, less messy option, try making your Elephant Ears in an air fryer! Simply brush the rolled dough with a little oil, then air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes per side, until golden and puffed. This method yields a wonderfully crisp result without deep frying.
Gluten-Free Elephant Ears: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. You might need to adjust the water slightly to achieve the right dough consistency, but the result is a delicious gluten-free fried dough.
Sweet & Savory Swirls: Instead of just cinnamon sugar, spread a thin layer of Nutella or a fruit compote on the dough before rolling it up and frying. For a savory twist, sprinkle with garlic powder and Parmesan cheese after frying.
Mini Elephant Ears: For bite-sized treats, simply cut your dough into smaller pieces before rolling them out. These mini Elephant Ears are perfect for parties or as a fun snack.

Elephant Ears Recipe: 20-Min Bliss, Fewer Calories!

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Author: Jannet Lisa
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Enjoy the best Elephant Ears Recipe with crispy, fluffy pastries topped with cinnamon sugar for a delicious treat. This easy Elephant Ears Recipe makes a great treat to enjoy at home. The pastry dough is fried to perfection and topped with cinnamon sugar.

Instructions

In a medium size mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt and baking powder. Slowly stir in the warm water until a dough forms. Gradually add in the water until the dough is form (you may not need all the water).
Let the dough sit for 5 minutes.
Then roll the dough out slightly and cut it into 6 pieces.
Then roll out each piece into a ½ inch thick circles.
Heat 3 inches of the oil in a deep pot. Fry the dough circles in the oil until the dough is golden brown and poofs up slight. Then flip the dough to fry the other side.
Set the fried dough on a plate lined with paper towels.
Stir together the cinnamon and sugar together in a small bowl. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture onto the dough while still warm.
Serve immediately while warm and enjoy!