Delicious and Easy Homemade Elephant Ears Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of milk
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 2 tablespoons of sugar
  • 2 tablespoons of shortening
  • 1 tablespoon of active dry yeast
  • 3 cups of all-purpose flour
  • 1 quart of vegetable oil for frying
  • 1 cup of confectioners' sugar for dusting

Steps and instructions

  1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the milk, salt, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and shortening. Heat until the shortening is melted and the sugar is dissolved.
  2. Remove the milk mixture from heat and let it cool to lukewarm, about 115 degrees F (43 degrees C).
  3. In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast in the milk mixture. Let it stand until creamy, about 10 minutes.
  4. Stir in the flour until the dough pulls together.
  5. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes.
  6. Lightly oil a large bowl, place the dough in the bowl and turn to coat with oil.
  7. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let the dough rise in a warm place until it has doubled in volume, about 1 hour.
  8. Deflate the dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and form into rounds.
  9. Cover the rounds and let them rest for about 30 minutes.
  10. Heat oil in a deep-fryer or large saucepan to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
  11. Roll out a dough ball into a thin, round disc.
  12. Fry the dough in the hot oil until golden on both sides, flipping once. Drain on paper towels.
  13. Dust warm pastries with confectioners' sugar before serving.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a healthier twist.
  • Add cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a spiced flavor.
  • Replace the vegetable oil with coconut oil for a different frying taste.
  • Try a savory version by adding herbs and spices to the dough, such as garlic powder or dried rosemary.
  • Make a gluten-free version by using a gluten-free flour blend.
  • For a vegan option, substitute the milk with almond milk or another plant-based milk and use vegan-friendly shortening.
  • Add a filling such as apple slices, chocolate chips, or cream cheese before frying the dough.
  • Sprinkle the finished elephant ears with flavored sugar, such as cinnamon sugar or powdered matcha.
  • Serve the elephant ears with a dipping sauce, such as caramel sauce, chocolate ganache, or fruit compote.
  • Make mini elephant ears by dividing the dough into smaller portions and frying them into bite-sized treats.

Recipe overview

Get ready to enjoy a classic fair favorite right at home with this easy recipe for Elephant Ears. These sweet pastries, dusted with a heavenly sprinkle of confectioners' sugar, are crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside. The recipe involves making a simple yeast dough, allowing it to rise, and then frying it in hot oil till golden brown. The final touch of a sweet dusting of sugar makes these irresistible. Whipping up a batch of these delectable treats is a fun activity that can also serve as a delightful culinary trip down memory lane. Enjoy them freshly made and warm for the best experience. So roll up your sleeves, get your ingredients ready, and let's get started on making some yummy Elephant Ears.

Common questions

  1. Can I use any type of milk for this recipe?
    Yes, you can use any type of milk for this recipe, such as whole milk, low-fat milk, or even plant-based milk like almond milk or soy milk.
  2. Can I substitute the shortening with butter?
    Yes, you can substitute the shortening with an equal amount of butter.
  3. Do I need to use a deep-fryer to make elephant ears?
    No, you can also use a large saucepan with enough oil to deep-fry the dough.
  4. Can I freeze the elephant ears?
    Yes, you can freeze the elephant ears after they have been fried. Allow them to cool completely, place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply thaw and warm them in the oven for a few minutes.
  5. Can I add any toppings or fillings to the elephant ears?
    Absolutely! Elephant ears can be enjoyed plain, but you can also get creative with toppings like cinnamon sugar, chocolate sauce, caramel, or even fruit preserves. Feel free to experiment and customize them to your liking.

Serving dishes and utensils

Origin stories

Elephant ears, despite their name, have nothing to do with actual elephants. This delightful pastry has its roots in American fair culture, where they are a staple food and are eagerly anticipated by visitors every year. They got their name from their large, flat shape that resembles an elephant's ear. While the exact origin is unknown, many believe they were first created at county fairs in the Midwest in the early 20th century. Despite their American origins, similar pastries can be found around the world, from the French "palmiers" to the Indian "luchi", all of them bearing the same characteristic shape and irresistible taste. The next time you sink your teeth into one of these sugary treats, remember that you're biting into a piece of American culinary history!

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.