Elephant Ears Recipe - melissassouthernstylekitchen.com (2024)

Home » » Elephant Ears Recipe

ByMelissa

16 Comments

Jump to Recipe

This Elephant Ears Recipe features homemade dough that’s fried, then coated with cinnamon and sugar making them impossible to resist!

Elephant Ears Recipe - melissassouthernstylekitchen.com (1)

Easy Elephant Ears Recipe

What are elephant ears? Elephant Ears are is a vintage street food dessert that’s commonly found at carnivals and fairs. They have many names often related to their shape. These light and airy fried dough pastries are coated with a cinnamon sugar while hot then served. Elephant ears were actually named for their shape and common street fare made famous at state fairs, sold by food trucks and theme parks. I’ve also heard them call beaver tails and bunuelos by some, and fry bread by others they’re all essentially the same thing. Fried dough coated with cinnamon and sugar, although the dough itself may be slightly different. Regardless, all of them are delicious. How to make Elephant Ears: (Scroll down for full printable recipe.)

  • Warm Milk –In a small saucepan, combine milk, salt, butter and 2 tablespoons of sugar on medium heat. Heat while stirring until butter melts and sugar dissolves. Remove from heat, Let cool until warm, about 110°F.
  • Yeast – Sprinkle yeast on top and let sit for 10 minutes until mixture is foamy and yeast has bloomed.
  • Combine – Pour yeast mixture into the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook. Add vanilla.
  • Flour – Mix on low gradually adding the flour until a dough forms.
  • Knead – Once all is added, increase the speed and knead for 5 minutes, or until smooth and dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
  • Let Dough Rise – Cover bowl with a damp cloth and let rise 45-60 minutes or until it has doubled in size.
  • Make Cinnamon Sugar – Combine cinnamon and reserved 6 Tbsp of sugar, set aside.
  • Heat Oil – In a large pot or 12 inch deep skillet, heat 2-3 inches of oil to 360-365°F. Keep roughly in this range.
  • Roll Dough – Pinch balls of dough about the size of an egg. Roll out into thin sheets.
  • Fry – Drop dough sheets into the hot oil and fry for 1-2 minutes per side or just until puffed and golden.
  • Coat with Cinnamon Sugar – Drain on paper towels and immediately sprinkle with cinnamon sugar. Serve and enjoy.
Elephant Ears Recipe - melissassouthernstylekitchen.com (2)

How to Make the Best Homemade Elephant Ears Recipe

What kind of dough is used for making Elephant Ears? They’re made using deep fried rounds of sweet pastry dough that’s been made with yeast. They’re coated in cinnamon-sugar and at times served with maple syrup or honey on the side for dipping. I’ve seen some recipes for elephant ears that use puff pastry for a shortcut. However, this recipe is the classic way to make them from scratch. A few tips for Elephant Ears making success:

  • Ingredients you’ll need to make Elephant Ears Pastry: All purpose flour, whole milk, salt, butter, rapid rise yeast, ground cinnamon and vegetable oil for frying.
  • Kitchen gadgets you’ll need: A small saucepan, measuring cups and spoons, a whisk, mixing bowls, a stand mixer or a hand mixer fitted with a dough hook, a Dutch oven fitted with a fry thermometer or a deep fryer and a baking sheet lined with paper towels or parchment paper. You’ll also need a spoon or spatula to stir together the cinnamon and sugar for the coating.
  • If you don’t have a stand mixer, you can knead the dough on a flat surface by hand.
  • Please note, you’ll need two 1/4 ounce each packets of dry yeast for this recipe.
  • Depending on the size of the dough rounds, you could yield anywhere from 8-12 elephant ears with this recipe.
  • That said, you can also divide the dough according to how many you want to make. If you’re treating a larger group, make them smaller and stretch the servings to accommodate.
  • I recommend using vegetable oil for frying, not olive oil.
  • Tongs will be your best friend for turning and removing fried dough from the oil safely.
  • It’s important to dust the pastries with cinnamon sugar immediately after removing from the oil so it will adhere to the surface.
  • If you’re working alone and get a bit behind in the process, you can brush on both sides lightly with melted butter to help the cinnamon and sugar to adhere.
  • These types of pastries are best made and eaten while warm. That said, you can store them in an airtight container and reheat leftovers gently in the microwave. Just note, fresh is best.
Elephant Ears Recipe - melissassouthernstylekitchen.com (3)

More Desserts to Make

Handheld desserts are always on the dessert table at our house, due to the nature of grab-n-go. A few other fun handheld sweet treats you may like to try:

  • Make your own warmGlazed Yeast Doughnutsat home.
  • Bakery style homemadeChocolate Eclairsfilled with homemade pastry cream.
  • The always deliciousFunnel Cakeswith your favorite toppings. You may need a fork for this one.
  • For breakfast, brunch or dessert easyGlazed Apple Turnovers.
  • New Orleans Style Beignetsdusted with copious amounts of powdered sugar. Granted, this one will need a plate.
  • You may also enjoy this recipe for Italian donuts calledZeppolefrom Natasha’s Kitchen.
Elephant Ears Recipe - melissassouthernstylekitchen.com (4)

Thanks for visiting come back soon!

Disclosure ~ If a purchase is made using one of the affiliate links on this website we may earn a small commission atno additional cost to you. Thank you!

Helpful Kitchen Items:

Elephant Ears Recipe - melissassouthernstylekitchen.com (5)

Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate this Recipe

5 from 5 votes

Elephant Ears

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Cook Time5 minutes mins

Rise time1 hour hr

Total Time1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American, Southern

Keyword: elephant-ears, elephant-ears-recipe

Servings: 10 servings (may vary)

Calories: 401kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 8 Tbsp granulated sugar divided
  • 6 Tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 2 (1/4 oz each) packets rapid rise yeast
  • 4 cups all purpose flour
  • 2 Tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 quart vegetable or peanut oil for frying

Instructions

  • Dough: In a small saucepan, combine milk, salt, butter and 2 tablespoons of sugar on medium heat. Heat while stirring until butter melts and sugar dissolves. Remove from heat, Let cool until warm, about 110°F. Sprinkle yeast on top and let sit for 10 minutes until mixture is foamy and yeast has bloomed.

  • Pour mixture into the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook. Add vanilla. Mix on low gradually adding the flour until a dough forms. Once all is added, increase the speed and knead for 5 minutes, or until smooth and dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl.(Alternately, knead by hand on a lightly floured non-stick surface.)

  • Cover bowl with a damp cloth and let rise 45-60 minutes or until it has doubled in size. Combine cinnamon and reserved 6 Tbsp of sugar, set aside.

  • Fry: In a large pot or 12 inch deep skillet, heat 2-3 inches of oil to 360-365°F. Keep roughly in this range.

  • Pinch balls of dough about the size of an egg. Roll out into thin sheets. Drop into oil and fry for 1-2 minutes per side or just until puffed and golden. (It may take less time depending on the oil temp and thickness)

  • Drain on paper towels and immediately sprinkle with cinnamon sugar. Serve and enjoy. (May brush with melted butter if desired, then sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.)

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 401kcal | Carbohydrates: 51g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 22mg | Sodium: 251mg | Potassium: 113mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 274IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 67mg | Iron: 2mg

Tried this recipe?Mention @melissassk or tag #melissassk!

Pin

Share

Email

Tweet

Elephant Ears Recipe - melissassouthernstylekitchen.com (2024)

FAQs

What is the origin of the elephant ear recipe? ›

Inspired by the fry bread of Native Americans, elephant ears get their name from their big, “ear”-like shape. Fry bread was invented by the Navajo tribe of the southwestern United States in 1864 using the flour, sugar, lard, and salt given to them by the U.S. government.

What is the best fertilizer for elephant ear plants? ›

Fertilizer. Fertilize elephant's ear plants in the garden in spring, summer, and fall to support the large leaves using a water-soluble 20-20-20 fertilizer, following manufacturer's instructions. Do not fertilize the plant when it is not growing, as in the winter.

What is an elephant ear pastry made of? ›

Palmiers cookies (also called elephant ears) are one of my most favorite French pastries ever! EVER! They are simple, crisp, and buttery. And this palmiers recipe is made with just two ingredients: store-bought puff pastry and sugar.

What is another name for elephant ear dessert? ›

A palmier (/ˈpælmieɪ/, from French, short for feuille de palmier 'palm tree leaf'), pig's ear, palm heart, or elephant ear is a French pastry in a palm leaf shape or a butterfly shape, sometimes called palm leaves, cœur de France, French hearts, shoe-soles, or glasses that were invented in the beginning of the 20th ...

What is the elephant ear Italian dish? ›

One popular variation of the Cotoletta alla Milanese is called the oreggia d'elefant, orecchio d'elefante, "the elephant ear," and uses a thinner but larger cut of boneless meat. Not strictly traditional, but a thinner cut will mean faster and more even cooking.

Is Epsom salt good for elephant ears? ›

If you see your elephant ears turning yellow then it is lightly to be a sign that the plant needs more water. What can I do about the leaves of my elephant ears turning yellow? If the new leaves emerge with a slightly yellowish tint apply Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) to the elephant ear plant.

Can you put coffee grounds on elephant ear plants? ›

Moisture-loving plants to experiment with coffee grounds:

Bugbane. Calla. Crinum. Elephant Ear.

Do elephant ears like Miracle grow? ›

They like moist soil, bright shade and an occasional feeding. Use a diluted 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 fertilizer to feed them. Half strength water soluable fertilizer such as Miracle Gro or Peter's houseplant fertilizer will give them the nutrients they need without the fear of overfeeding and burning the roots.

What flavor is elephant ear? ›

Sweet, crispy, crunchy elephant ears rank high on the list of indulgent treats people make a beeline for when they hit the carnival or county fair. And who can blame them? These oversize disks of fried dough dusted with cinnamon sugar are a taste of sweet nostalgia we never outgrow.

Is fried dough the same as an elephant ear? ›

Fried dough is also known as fry dough, fry bread (bannock), fried bread, doughboys, elephant ears, beaver tails, scones, pizza fritte, frying saucers, and buñuelos (in the case of smaller pieces).

What are elephant ears good for? ›

10 Benefits of Having an Elephant Ear Philodendron
  • Purifies air, removes toxins like formaldehyde, enhancing oxygen levels.
  • Easy to grow and maintain, perfect for beginners and busy plant lovers.
  • Boosts decor and well-being, with heart-shaped leaves symbolizing abundance.
Dec 16, 2023

Which elephant ears are edible? ›

Many of the species have long been grown for the edible starchy corms or tubers as an important staple food in tropical regions. Taro (Colocasia esculenta) tubers (L) and tannia or tiquisque (Xanthosoma sagittifolium) tubers (C) for sale in a Costa Rican market, and Alocasia tubers for sale in Fiji.

Is fried dough the same as funnel cake? ›

Fried dough is made with a bread dough that uses yeast for leavening. Funnel cake has a more pancake-like batter, which is much thinner than bread dough, and it uses baking powder as leavening rather than yeast.

Why is it called elephant ear? ›

Inspired by the fry bread of Native Americans, elephant ears get their name from their big, “ear”-like shape. Fry bread was invented by the Navajo tribe of the southwestern United States in 1864 using the flour, sugar, lard, and salt given to them by the U.S. government.

Where do elephant ears originate from? ›

The first two genera are native to tropical southern Asia, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Guinea, parts of Australia, or the Pacific Islands, while Xanthosoma is native to tropical America. Many of the species have long been grown for the edible starchy corms or tubers as an important staple food in tropical regions.

What is elephant ears food Midwest? ›

Most commonly, elephant ears are a fried and flattened flank of dough sloughed with butter and sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar.

Is the root of the elephant ear plant edible? ›

These plants are tuberous and are known to be used in some traditional Asian cuisine. All parts of the plant are poisonous while raw, but once cooked the tubers are edible. Colocasia is a tender perennial that cannot survive winter months in many places.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Wyatt Volkman LLD

Last Updated:

Views: 6523

Rating: 4.6 / 5 (46 voted)

Reviews: 85% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Wyatt Volkman LLD

Birthday: 1992-02-16

Address: Suite 851 78549 Lubowitz Well, Wardside, TX 98080-8615

Phone: +67618977178100

Job: Manufacturing Director

Hobby: Running, Mountaineering, Inline skating, Writing, Baton twirling, Computer programming, Stone skipping

Introduction: My name is Wyatt Volkman LLD, I am a handsome, rich, comfortable, lively, zealous, graceful, gifted person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.