Elephant Ears
Elephant Ears are crispy, golden pastries with a sweet cinnamon-sugar coating, perfect for breakfast or a treat. Their flaky texture and delightful flavor make them a hit with kids and adults alike. Easy to make at home, they bring a touch of fairground nostalgia to any occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dissolve yeast in lukewarm water.
- Add salt, sugar, water, shortening, and egg to the yeast mixture and mix well.
- Stir in flour gradually, 1/2 cup at a time, until the dough is smooth.
- Break off pieces of dough the size of an egg.
- Roll out each piece to 1/4 inch thickness on a floured surface.
- Deep-fry the rolled dough in shortening until golden brown and crisp.
- Remove from oil and dust with sugar and cinnamon before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, let the dough rise in a warm place until doubled in size before frying. If you don't have shortening, you can use vegetable oil as a substitute. Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to achieve a crispy texture. You can also experiment by adding a hint of vanilla or nutmeg to the dough for a unique flavor twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Elephant Ears warm, dusted generously with sugar and cinnamon. They pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. You can also serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzled with Hot Fudge Sauce (This Is A 'Mom' Original) for an indulgent dessert experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Elephant Ears in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes until warm and slightly crispy again. Avoid microwaving as it can make them chewy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Elephant Ears contains roughly 137 calories, with 3g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 2g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can use instant yeast in place of active dry yeast. Simply add it directly to the dry ingredients without dissolving it in water first. The dough may rise a bit faster, so keep an eye on it during the proving stage.
What if my dough is too sticky during preparation?
If your dough is too sticky, gradually add a bit more flour until it reaches a smooth consistency. Be careful not to add too much at once, as it can make the Elephant Ears dense. The dough should be soft but manageable when rolling out.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it after the first rise. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature and rise again before rolling and frying. This is a great time-saving method for gatherings.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).