Strawberry Cheesecake Funnel Cake Sundae

Okay, so imagine this—crispy funnel cake, creamy cheesecake, and strawberry sauce all in one bite. Yep, it’s as insane as it sounds. I made it once and instantly became the dessert person.

It’s got that fair food crunch, layered with smooth cheesecake goodness, and topped with sweet strawberries and a scoop of ice cream. It’s messy. It’s magical. And it’s totally worth it.

If you love over-the-top desserts that feel like a celebration, this is it. I make it when I wanna treat myself big time. Every bite feels like summer.

Wanna make dessert fun again? Let’s whip this up together—it’s easier than it looks, and way more delicious than you think.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Dessert Mash-Up Magic: It’s part cheesecake, part funnel cake, all comfort food.
• Kid-Approved Treat: Ice cream + strawberries + crispy cake? Yes, please.
• Quick and Satisfying: Each part is simple, but together? Total crowd-pleaser.
• Made for Sharing: Whether it’s a fun family night or party dessert table, this one grabs attention.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: ~45 minutes

Servings:
Serves 4 generously, or 6 as smaller desserts. Double the batter if you’re feeding a crowd.

Difficulty:
Beginner-friendly, especially with store-bought cheesecake filling or pre-made syrup, but also fun to customize for more advanced bakers.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Mixing bowls (medium and large)
• Whisk
• Measuring cups & spoons
• Funnel or piping bag (for classic funnel cake shape)
• Slotted spoon or tongs
• Deep skillet or Dutch oven (for frying)
• Paper towels (for draining)
• Ice cream scoop

Ingredients for Strawberry Cheesecake Funnel Cake Sundae

Here’s everything you need to bring this sundae to life. These are pantry staples + easy toppings. Exact measurements are in the recipe card below.

For the Funnel Cake Batter

• Eggs (large) – for structure
• Milk – adds richness and smoothness
• Vanilla extract – just a splash for flavor
• All-purpose flour – base of the batter
• Baking powder – gives the puff and lift
• Salt – balances the sweetness
• Granulated sugar – adds light sweetness to the cake

For Frying

• Vegetable or canola oil – neutral and good for deep frying

For the Toppings

• Vanilla ice cream – creamy base for the sundae
• Strawberry syrup – store-bought or homemade
• Fresh strawberries – sliced for texture and tartness
• Graham cracker crumbs – for that cheesecake crunch
• Cheesecake filling or sweetened cream cheese – the indulgent layer
• Whipped cream – optional, but adds a nice finish

Variations for Strawberry Cheesecake Funnel Cake Sundae

• Mini Sundaes: Make smaller funnel cakes for individual servings—great for parties.
• Chocolate Twist: Add cocoa powder to the batter or drizzle with chocolate syrup.
• Berry Blend: Mix in blueberries or raspberries for extra fruit flavor.
• Crushed Cookie Crust: Swap graham crackers for crushed Oreos or vanilla wafers.
• No Ice Cream? Use whipped cream or a yogurt-based topping instead.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend in the funnel cake batter.

How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Funnel Cake Sundaes: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Funnel Cake Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. In a separate bowl, stir the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Slowly whisk the dry ingredients into the wet until just combined. Batter should be smooth but not too runny.

2. Heat the Oil

Fill a deep skillet or Dutch oven with about 2 inches of vegetable oil. Heat over medium-high heat to 350°F (use a thermometer if you have one).

3. Pipe the Batter

Pour the batter into a funnel, squeeze bottle, or piping bag. Carefully swirl the batter into the hot oil in a circular, criss-cross pattern. Don’t overcrowd—cook one or two at a time.

4. Fry Until Golden

Fry each funnel cake for about 1–2 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crisp. Use a slotted spoon to flip, then transfer to a paper towel–lined plate to drain.

5. Build the Sundae

Place the warm funnel cake on a plate. Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Add a spoonful of cheesecake filling or a swirl of sweetened cream cheese. Drizzle with strawberry syrup. Add sliced strawberries, a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs, and a little whipped cream if you like.

Serving and Decoration

How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Funnel Cake Sundae

This dessert is best served fresh and warm, right after the funnel cakes are fried. Here’s how to make it shine:

• Layer it up: Start with the funnel cake, then add ice cream, cheesecake filling, syrup, strawberries, and toppings.
• Presentation tip: Serve on a small plate or shallow dessert bowl. A drizzle of sauce on the edge adds a nice visual.
• Party-style: Let guests build their own sundaes with a topping bar of fruit, sauces, and crunchies.

Storing Strawberry Cheesecake Funnel Cake Sundae

• Funnel Cakes: Store leftover funnel cakes (un-topped) in an airtight container at room temp for 1 day. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5 minutes to crisp up.
• Cheesecake Filling: Keep in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Toppings: Keep all toppings refrigerated separately and assemble just before serving.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Test the oil: Drop a small bit of batter into the oil—if it sizzles and rises, it’s ready.
• Avoid soggy cakes: Drain funnel cakes on paper towels right after frying.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Too many funnel cakes at once drops the oil temp and leads to uneven cooking.
• Make it simple: If you’re short on time, use store-bought cheesecake dip and pre-sliced strawberries.
• Adjust thickness: If the batter is too thick, add a splash of milk. If it’s too thin, add a tablespoon of flour at a time.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~530 kcal
Total Fat	30g
Saturated Fat	12g
Carbohydrates	58g
Sugars	29g
Protein	6g
Fiber	2g
Sodium	220mg
Cholesterol	75mg

Note: Values are approximate and vary based on specific ingredients used.

FAQs

Can I make the batter ahead of time?
Yes, you can mix the batter a few hours in advance. Store it covered in the fridge and give it a quick whisk before using.

What’s the best way to reheat funnel cakes?
Pop them in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes. Avoid microwaving—they’ll get soggy.

Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, but thaw and drain them well so they don’t water down the sundae.

Is it okay to bake the funnel cakes?
This recipe is designed for frying. Baking won’t give the same texture, but you can try a donut pan for a similar base if avoiding frying.

What can I use instead of cheesecake filling?
Sweetened cream cheese, mascarpone, or even vanilla pudding make decent swaps.

🥄 Conclusion

This Strawberry Cheesecake Funnel Cake Sundae is more than dessert—it’s an experience. You get crispy, warm funnel cake, cold creamy ice cream, a tangy cheesecake layer, and bright strawberry flavor in every bite. It’s fun to make, even more fun to eat, and it turns any ordinary day into a treat-yourself moment.