Dessert

Homemade BeaverTails: Canadian Fried Pastries with Delicious Toppings Recipe

Name: Homemade BeaverTails: Canadian Fried Pastries with Delicious Toppings Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Canadian
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional); 3/4 cup warm water; 1 tablespoon active dry yeast; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (plus more for frying); Cinnamon sugar (1/4 cup sugar mixed with 1 teaspoon cinnamon); Nutella or chocolate spread; Maple syrup; Sliced bananas; Chopped nuts; Whipped cream; Fresh berries

ByMatteo Rossi January 9, 2026January 9, 2026

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Introduction

BeaverTails are a beloved Canadian pastry known for their distinctive shape and delightful texture. These deep-fried dough pastries are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making them a perfect treat topped with a variety of sweet toppings. Whether for a special dessert or a fun snack, BeaverTails bring a delicious taste of tradition to your kitchen.

Three oval-shaped fried dough pieces are placed side by side on a wooden board lined with brown parchment paper on a white marbled texture. Each dough piece is dusted with powdered sugar. The left dough has a thick dark chocolate spread layer topped with swirls of white whipped cream and sprinkled with many dark chocolate chips. The middle dough has a dark chocolate spread base covered with two rows of banana slices sprinkled lightly with cinnamon or nutmeg. The right dough features a base layer of dark chocolate spread, topped with white whipped cream, drizzled with dark chocolate sauce, and sprinkled with crushed nuts. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
3/4 cup warm water
1 tablespoon active dry yeast
1 tablespoon vegetable oil (plus more for frying)

For the Toppings (Customize to Your Preference):

Cinnamon sugar (1/4 cup sugar mixed with 1 teaspoon cinnamon)
Nutella or chocolate spread
Maple syrup
Sliced bananas
Chopped nuts
Whipped cream
Fresh berries

Instructions

Step 1: In a small bowl, combine the warm water and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon if using.
Step 3: Add the yeast mixture and vegetable oil to the dry ingredients and stir until a dough forms.
Step 4: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth. Place it in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes.
Step 5: Once risen, roll the dough out on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
Step 6: Cut the dough into oval shapes resembling beaver tails using a knife or pizza cutter.
Step 7: Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C).
Step 8: Carefully fry the dough shapes a few at a time for 1–2 minutes per side, until golden brown.
Step 9: Remove the pastries and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Step 10: While still warm, add your choice of toppings such as cinnamon sugar, Nutella, bananas, nuts, whipped cream, or fresh berries.
Step 11: Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade BeaverTails!

Tips & Variations

Try baking the dough instead of frying for a lighter version; just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Experiment with toppings like caramel sauce, peanut butter, or seasonal fruits to customize the flavor.
Use fresh, seasonal fruits or festive toppings such as pumpkin spice or peppermint during holidays.

Storage

BeaverTails are best enjoyed fresh. If needed, store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day. Reheat briefly in a warm oven to restore some crispness before serving.

How to Serve

Three oval-shaped fried dough pieces with a golden-brown crunchy crust lightly dusted with powdered sugar are placed side by side on a wooden board with parchment paper. Each dough has a base layer of dark chocolate spread. On the left dough, thick white whipped cream is piped in a zigzag pattern, topped with dark chocolate chips. The middle dough is topped with thick banana slices arranged in two neat rows, sprinkled with a light dusting of cinnamon or cocoa powder. The right dough has thick white whipped cream in uneven zigzag lines, drizzled with chocolate sauce and sprinkled with chopped nuts. The scene is on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before rolling and frying. Allow it to come to room temperature before shaping.

What oil is best for frying BeaverTails?

Use a neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point such as vegetable, canola, or peanut oil to get crispy, golden BeaverTails without imparting strong flavors.