Cue the calliope music and the scent of hot sugar in the air-Trader Joe's is bringing the boardwalk to your freezer with their Carnival Fun Cake Fries. If you've ever wanted to eat funnel cake with your fingers (minus the sticky mess and sunburn), here's your chance.
These quirky fry-shaped cakes promise the nostalgia of summer fairs, fried dough, and powdered sugar bliss. But do they deliver on the fun, or do they fizzle out like a damp firework? I gave them a spin in both the oven and air fryer to find out.
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Review of Trader Joe's Carnival Fun Cake Fries
Trader Joe's Carnival Fun Cake Fries are here to bring a little fairground magic into your kitchen-no ride tickets required. Priced at $4.99 for a bag, this seasonal item is essentially funnel cake cut into French fry shapes. You get a frozen batch ready to heat and dust with your own powdered sugar. While the flavor is unmistakably carnival-inspired, how you cook them makes a big difference.
These fries walk a fine line between fun novelty and freezer disappointment, depending on how you prepare them.
The flavor is classic funnel cake: mild, cakey, slightly fried, and begging for a big ol' shake of powdered sugar. The shape makes them ideal for dipping, stacking, or just eating off the tray when no one's looking. The texture is soft inside with a bit of crisp around the edges if you use the air fryer.
However, the batch I had came with a strange aftertaste. It wasn't overwhelming, but it was noticeable-and definitely not part of the fairground fantasy I signed up for. That said, my guess is this varies bag to bag, and it might have been a one-off issue.
Without powdered sugar, these fall flat. They need that extra sweetness to shine. Think of them as a blank carnival canvas-meant to be zhuzhed up.
Are they as good as a fresh funnel cake from a summer fair? No. Are they a fun weekend treat or something cute for a themed dessert board? Absolutely.
Cooking Instructions
The key here is spacing. Keep the fries in a single layer and do not overcrowd the tray or basket.
In the oven- 425°F for 8-10 minutes.
In the air fryer- at 325°F for 6-7 minutes.
While both oven and air fryer directions are listed, the air fryer method gives far better results. In the oven, one side tends to stay softer, while the air fryer crisps things up a little more evenly-though still not quite "deep-fried" level crisp.
Once they're heated, you add your own powdered sugar. (Which is your cue to go wild.)
Serving Suggestions
Want to level up your Carnival Fun Cake Fries? Try one of these:
- Dust with cinnamon sugar instead of powdered sugar for a churro-style twist
- Douse in powdered sugar (obviously)
- Drizzle with chocolate or caramel sauce
- Top with strawberries and whipped cream for a faux funnel cake sundae
- Serve with ice cream for a dessert poutine moment
- Add to a summer dessert board alongside s'mores fixings, fruit, and cookies
FAQs about Trader Joe's Carnival Fun Cake Fries
Below is a list of frequently asked questions about this product
No. These contain dairy and eggs.
Air fryer for better crispiness. Oven works but results in softer fries.
Yes, these are a limited-time summer item and may be gone by early fall.
Nope, you'll have to supply your own. I found myself adding more than what was pictured here.
Final Thoughts
Trader Joe's Carnival Fun Cake Fries are a fun twist on a nostalgic favorite. They're not going to win any awards for authenticity, and yes, they're more novelty than necessity. But if you're planning a themed night, want a dessert the kids can help decorate, or just want to relive the magic of walking the boardwalk with fried dough in this is a sweet little find.
Just remember: use the air fryer, don't skimp on the sugar, and eat them hot. Because cold funnel cake fries are nobody's idea of a good time.
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Trader Joe's Carnival Fun Cake Fries
Product Name: Trader Joe's Carnival Fun Cake Fries
Product Description: Trader Joe's Carnival Fun Cake Fries take classic funnel cake but make it so you can have it at home without the mess. But the powdered sugar is absolutely recommended.
Price: $4.99
Currency: USD
Availability: LimitedAvailability
Summary
Trader Joe's Carnival Fun Cake Fries take classic funnel cake but make it so you can have it at home without the mess. But the powdered sugar is absolutely recommended.
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Taste
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Value
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Worthy of Repurchasing
Pros
- Fun shape – Fry form makes for easy snacking and dipping
- Nostalgic flavor – Tastes like classic funnel cake once topped
- Kid-friendly – A sweet and interactive dessert
- Air fryer option – Cooks better than in the oven
- Seasonal novelty – Great for summer-themed treats
Cons
- Powdered sugar not included – You'll need to DIY
- Odd aftertaste – Some bags may have a slightly off flavor
- Inconsistent crispness – Oven method leaves one side soft
- Short shelf life – Seasonal item that may disappear fast
I'd love to hear what you think! Leave a comment below and share your thoughts.