Fill a medium sized skillet with 1" of your favorite frying oil. I used canola. Heat over medium heat while preparing the batter.
Add all of the dry ingredients (except the powdered sugar) in a bowl and mix to combine. Add all of the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until well combined.
Let the batter sit for about 5 minutes while the oil still heats.
Spoon the batter into the hot oil one spoonful at a time. I used a dinner spoon (the larger spoon that comes in a flatware set). Cook 5-7 balls at a time.
Once they start browning on the bottom, around 15-30 seconds, turn over and cook the other side. Once both sides are browned, take them out with a slotted spoon and dry on a paper towel. Continue cooking in batches until all of the batter is gone.
Dust with powdered sugar (if desired) and serve immediately. You can also serve with dipping sauces or other toppings (see notes).
Recipe Notes
Serve with a variety of toppings, including:
Sauces- chocolate, strawberry, blueberry, peach
Whipped Cream
Cookies, candy, sprinkles, nuts, crushed cereal
Dips- whipped cream with crushed oreos, whipped cream with sprinkles
Ice cream
You can also make this batter into regular funnel cakes.