Elephant Ears Food – Tasty, Easy, and Fun to Make

When you hear the words “Elephant Ears food,” your mind probably jumps to the delicious, sweet, and crispy fried dough treat you find at fairs and carnivals. This tasty snack, often topped with cinnamon sugar, has a texture that’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. It’s a favorite for people of all ages, especially when enjoyed fresh and warm. In this blog post, we’ll take a deep dive into Elephant Ears food—what it is, where it comes from, how you can make it at home, and some fun variations you can try!
Table of Contents
What Are Elephant Ears?
Elephant Ears food is a popular snack made from dough that is deep-fried until it puffs up and turns golden brown. The dough is rolled out into large, flat pieces, resembling the shape of an elephant’s ear—hence the name. Once fried, the dough is usually coated with cinnamon sugar, though other toppings like powdered sugar, honey, or even fruit preserves can be added.
The treat is commonly found at fairs, carnivals, and amusement parks across the United States, and it’s a nostalgic favorite for many people who associate it with fun summer memories.
History of Elephant Ears Food
The history of Elephant Ears food is rooted in various fried dough traditions from different cultures. Although it’s most popular in the U.S. as a carnival treat, variations of fried dough can be found all around the world. In some cultures, similar treats go by different names: in Canada, they’re called “Beaver Tails,” while in Mexico, you might come across “buñuelos,” a sweet, fried dough with a similar texture and flavor.
Elephant Ears became famous at American state fairs and carnivals in the mid-20th century. These fried dough snacks quickly gained popularity because of their large size, crispy texture, and delicious toppings. While you can still enjoy them at fairs, many people now make them at home for a special treat.

Elephant Ears Food – Tasty, Easy, and Fun to Make
How to Make Elephant Ears Food at Home
Making Elephant Ears food at home is easier than you might think! Here’s a simple recipe to get you started.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 3/4 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- Oil for frying
- Cinnamon sugar (for topping)
Instructions:
- Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add in the milk and melted butter. Stir until a dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 2-3 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Divide the Dough: Divide the dough into small balls (about the size of a golf ball). Roll each ball into a thin, flat circle—around 1/4 inch thick. The dough should resemble the shape of an elephant’s ear!
- Heat the Oil: Heat oil in a deep pan to about 350°F (175°C). Carefully drop the dough into the hot oil and fry each piece until golden brown, turning once (about 1-2 minutes per side).
- Drain and Top: Remove the Elephant Ears from the oil and place them on a paper towel to drain. While they are still warm, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, powdered sugar, or any toppings of your choice.
And just like that, you have your homemade Elephant Ears food!

Tasty and Easy
Fun Variations on Elephant Ears Food
While the classic cinnamon sugar-topped Elephant Ear is delicious on its own, there are many ways to get creative with your toppings. Here are some fun ideas:
- Powdered Sugar: A simple yet tasty variation—just dust your fried dough with powdered sugar.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Melt some chocolate and drizzle it over your Elephant Ears for a rich and indulgent twist.
- Fruit Toppings: Add fresh strawberries, blueberries, or bananas along with whipped cream for a fruity spin on the classic treat.
- Honey and Nuts: Drizzle honey over the fried dough and sprinkle with crushed walnuts or pecans for a sweet and nutty flavor.
- Savory Elephant Ears: If you’re feeling adventurous, try making savory Elephant Ears by topping them with garlic butter and parmesan cheese. Perfect for those who prefer salty snacks!
These variations make Elephant Ears even more fun to enjoy at home, and they’re sure to be a hit with family and friends.
Example of Elephant ears food
Elephant Ears food is a fried dough treat you find at fairs and carnivals. A big, flat, crispy piece of dough shaped like an elephant’s ear, fried until golden brown and covered in cinnamon sugar or powdered sugar. The outside is crunchy, the inside is soft and chewy. Some people like to add fruit preserves, chocolate drizzle or whipped cream for extra sweetness.
To give you a better example:
You’re at a summer fair and you order a freshly made Elephant Ear. It comes out warm, almost the size of a plate, slightly puffed with a crunchy texture around the edges. As you take a bite the sugar melts in your mouth and the sweet and fried flavors are irresistible.
This is what Elephant Ears food looks and tastes like!

Fun to Make
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Elephant Ears Food
- Are Elephant Ears and Funnel Cakes the same thing?
No, Elephant Ears and Funnel Cakes are different. While both are fried dough treats, Elephant Ears are made from a flat, rolled-out dough, while Funnel Cakes are made by pouring batter through a funnel into hot oil, creating a lacy, crisscross pattern.
- Can I bake Elephant Ears instead of frying them?
Yes, you can bake them! While the texture won’t be exactly the same, you can bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 8-10 minutes or until golden brown. Brush them with melted butter and add your desired toppings afterward.
- Can I use store-bought dough for Elephant Ears?
Yes, if you’re short on time, you can use store-bought pizza or biscuit dough to make Elephant Ears. Just roll it out thin and follow the same frying instructions.
- What is the best oil to use for frying Elephant Ears?
Vegetable oil or canola oil works best for frying Elephant Ears. These oils have a high smoke point, which means they won’t burn easily at the high temperatures needed for frying.
- How should I store leftover Elephant Ears?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for about 1-2 days, but Elephant Ears are best enjoyed fresh.
Conclusion
Elephant Ears food is a beloved treat that brings joy to people of all ages. Whether you’re at a carnival or making them at home, they are a delicious and fun snack to enjoy. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, you can bring the magic of fair food to your kitchen. Try out different toppings, get creative with flavors, and share this tasty snack with friends and family!
Next time you’re craving something sweet and crispy, why not try making your own Elephant Ears? It’s a treat that never disappoints!
By following these tips and frequently asked questions, you’ll become an Elephant Ears expert in no time!