Description
BeaverTails are a traditional Canadian deep-fried pastry shaped like a beaver’s tail. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, these sweet dough treats are topped with a variety of delicious toppings such as cinnamon sugar, Nutella, maple syrup, fresh fruit, and whipped cream, making them a perfect indulgent dessert or special treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Dough:
- 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
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and optional cinnamon until evenly combined.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the yeast mixture and vegetable oil to the dry ingredients. Stir until a sticky dough forms.
- Knead Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for approximately 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place the dough into a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes until it doubles in size.
- Roll Out Dough: Once the dough has risen, transfer it to a floured surface. Roll it out to about 1/4 inch thickness to prepare for shaping.
- Cut into Shapes: Use a knife or pizza cutter to slice the dough into oval shapes resembling a beaver’s tail.
- Heat Oil: In a deep skillet or pot, heat approximately 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C), suitable for deep frying.
- Fry Dough: Carefully place a few dough shapes at a time into the hot oil. Fry each side for 1 to 2 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Drain Excess Oil: Remove the fried BeaverTails from the oil with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.
- Add Toppings: While still warm, sprinkle the pastries with cinnamon sugar or spread Nutella over them. Add any additional desired toppings such as sliced bananas, chopped nuts, whipped cream, or fresh berries.
- Serve: Serve the BeaverTails immediately to enjoy their warm, freshly-fried goodness.
Notes
- For a lighter version, bake the BeaverTails instead of frying, adjusting the baking time until golden and cooked through.
- Experiment with toppings like caramel sauce, peanut butter, or seasonal spices such as pumpkin spice or peppermint for festive variations.
- Ensure the oil temperature remains steady at 350°F (175°C) for even frying and to prevent greasy pastries.
- Allow the dough to rise completely for a soft and airy interior texture.
- Use fresh ingredients and warm water to activate the yeast properly for the best dough rise.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Canadian
Keywords: BeaverTails, Canadian pastry, fried dough, sweet dessert, cinnamon sugar pastry, homemade dessert, deep fried treats
