I had a  request from a customer to make a carnival design cake that is like a funnel-type flavor cake and filling.  I have never heard of anything like that and when I do a search online, all I get are recipes for regular funnel cakes.  Any ideas?

Crispy and fried? I don't see how unless it is some type of stack of junk, like the stacked donut "cakes". 

Carnival theme can be represented in the design, if mot in the flavor.

AYou might have to get creative with the filling. Remember people do make stuff such as oreo cookie filling, which was not standard at all. Italian dessert flavors might be closer to what you're looking for. Cannoli, zeppole and bambaloni come to mind.

It's true that there's no such a thing on the Internet, unless you look carefully. Other countries desserts might also have cakes with similar flavors.

http://www.confessionsofacookbookqueen.com/2013/05/funnel-cake-cupcakes/

http://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2014/06/robicellis-pastiera-di-grano-cupcakes.html

http://gracessweetlife.com/2011/08/bomboloni-alla-crema-krapfen-italian-cream-filled-donuts/

Still, crazy request!

AMaybe you could try cooking a doughnut muffin receipe in a cake pan? I guess something like that would mimic the taste of the fried dough of the funnel cake the best (including the melted butter part and the sugar coating that I would sprinkle/rub on top of the layer). For the buttercream, they sprinkle so much powdered sugar on top of those funnel cake I would choose ABC.

Never try this one but it looks yummy to me! http://www.finecooking.com/recipes/doughnut_muffins.aspx

Don't know what your overall design is for the cake but would you consider making some tiny funnel cakes (real ones) and using them as decoration or even to decorate your cake board?  And you know everyone will want to eat those first because they will be so cute and tiny (and calorie free! - oh wait - not!)

Theresa