Elephant Ears are irresistibly delicious and addictive fried dough sprinkled with cinnamon sugar. Elephant Ears are simple and easy to prepare and also one of our most favorite US State fair & carnival food recipes.
What are Elephant ears (Palmiers)?
Elephant Ears, sometimes also known as Palmiers, are large crispy pieces of fried dough sprinkled with cinnamon sugar. They are so big that they look like elephant ears 🙂
These are also known as fry bread and are popular food items sold at carnivals, state fairs, food trucks, and theme parks.
What is the difference between Funnel Cake and Elephant Ear?
Elephant ear is a sweet pastry dough, and funnel cake batter has a consistency similar to pancake or waffle batter.
I love state fair and carnival food items as they are always unique, and you will never find them in any local stores or restaurants.
I had elephant ears for the first time at the Indiana State Fair along with ORANGE SHAKE UP and just loved it. My little one also enjoyed the carnival activities and food so much that we visit the fair several times each time they were organized. I, however, feel the state fair and carnival food are slightly overpriced.
But I crave this fried pastry dough even when it is not carnival season, and therefore I tried making it at home. It was not only easy to make but tasted fantastic.
It is unbelievable that this post has been in my draft for more than a year now. I got busy with kids, shifting and work, events, etc. But yesterday, since we were craving for elephant ears again, I prepared them with my tried and tested recipe, and it was so delicious, and that is when I felt I should post this immediately.
SOME OF MY OTHER FAVORITE CARNIVALS AND FAIR FOODS
Anytime you have cravings for carnival, and fair foods, try these out. They are sure to satisfy all your food cravings.
- BEST HOMEMADE FUNNEL CAKE RECIPE
- CHURROS
- ORANGE SHAKE-UP
- CORN ON THE COB
- KETTLE CORN
- ELEPHANT EARS WITH PUFF PASTRY SHEETS (PALMIERS OR LITTLE HEARTS)
Ingredients for Elephant Ears or Palmiers
¾ cup Whole Milk
4 tablespoon Butter
½ teaspoon Salt
2 tablespoon Sugar
2 ¼ teaspoon Active yeast (1 packet)
2 cups All purpose flour
Oil for frying
For coating
2 tablespoon Cinnamon powder
6 tablespoon Sugar
How to make Elephant Ears or Palmiers at home
Step I (Make the dough)
- In a pan on medium flame, heat milk, butter, salt, and sugar until the butter has melted and the sugar has dissolved. Let this come down to 110 degrees F.
- Sprinkle yeast and let it rest until foamy.
- Add flour in increments and knead to form a smooth dough.
- Cover it and keep it aside for 30 minutes.
Step II (Frying the dough and coating )
- Heat oil in a pan on medium heat for frying.
- Take around 2-inch balls from the dough and roll them into thin sheets.
- Fry it on both sides on a medium flame for 2 minutes till it puffs up and becomes golden brown. Transfer it to a paper towel to absorb any excess oil.
- In a bowl, mix cinnamon and sugar. Sprinkle it on warm fried elephant ears.
- Elephant ears are ready. Serve warm and enjoy.
Tip:
- When preparing the sprinkle, adjust the amount of cinnamon and sugar as per your taste.
- The amount of flour required may vary depending on weather conditions, the brand of flour, etc. So add flour in increments and knead till a smooth dough is formed.
Can I make elephant ears ahead of time?
Like any other fried food, these taste the best when prepared and served fresh. But if you want to make it ahead of time or if there are any leftovers, reheat them in an oven or air fryer at 350 degrees F for 10 minutes.
Detailed recipe for Easy Homemade Elephant Ears or Palmiers
Recipe card
Elephant Ears | Palmiers | How To Make Elephant Ears At Home?
Ingredients
- ¾ cup Whole Milk
- 4 tablespoon Butter
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- 2 tablespoon Sugar
- 2 ¼ teaspoon Active dry yeast 1 packet
- 2 cups All purpose flour
- Oil for frying
For coating
- 2 tablespoon Cinnamon powder
- 6 tablespoon Sugar
Instructions
Step I - Make the dough
- In a pan on medium flame, heat milk, butter, salt, and sugar until the butter has melted and sugar has dissolved. Let this come down to 110 degrees F.¾ cup Whole Milk, 4 tablespoon Butter, ½ teaspoon Salt, 2 tablespoon Sugar
- Sprinkle yeast and let it rest until foamy.2 ¼ teaspoon Active dry yeast
- Add flour in increments and knead to form a smooth dough.2 cups All purpose flour
- Cover it and keep it aside for 30 minutes.
Step II - Frying the dough and coating
- Heat oil in a pan on medium heat for frying.Oil
- Take around 2 inch balls from the dough and roll them into thin sheets.
- Fry it on both sides on a medium flame for 2 minutes till it puffs up and becomes golden brown. Transfer it to a paper towel to absorb any excess oil.
- In a bowl, mix cinnamon and sugar. Sprinkle it on warm fried elephant ears.2 tablespoon Cinnamon powder, 6 tablespoon Sugar
- Elephant ears are ready. Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- When preparing the sprinkle, adjust the amount of cinnamon and sugar as per your taste.
- The amount of flour required may vary depending on weather conditions, the brand of flour, etc. So add flour in increments and knead till a smooth dough is formed.
Nutrition
***Click below to save it on Pinterest***
Dina and Bruce
This was superb! Reminded me of a fried dough that my mother used to make. Thank you for the memories!
Harriet Young
Amazing, so tasty and moreish. I could have eaten the whole batch! Will definitely be making again.