Description
Maple Beaver Tails are a classic Canadian fried pastry featuring a crispy golden exterior and a soft, fluffy interior, generously brushed with pure maple syrup and topped with cinnamon sugar. This beloved treat offers authentic Canadian flavor with simple ingredients, customizable toppings, and a warm, comforting texture perfect for dessert lovers and festive occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 2 tablespoons sugar (plus a pinch to activate yeast)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
Frying and Topping Ingredients
- Vegetable oil (for frying, about 4 cups)
- Pure maple syrup (for brushing)
- Cinnamon sugar (for sprinkling topping)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Start by activating the yeast in warm milk with a pinch of sugar, letting it foam for about 5 minutes. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the softened butter, egg, and the activated yeast mixture, then knead until the dough is smooth and elastic. Cover and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, approximately 1 hour.
- Shape the Beaver Tails: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into equal portions. Roll each portion into an oval shape about 1/4 inch thick. Gently pinch the two ends of the oval, pulling them slightly outward to create the signature beaver tail shape. Place the shaped dough pieces on parchment-lined trays and let them rise again for 20 minutes.
- Fry to Perfection: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry each shaped dough piece until golden and crispy, about 1-2 minutes per side, turning once. Remove the beaver tails with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Add Maple Syrup and Toppings: While the beaver tails are still warm, brush them generously with pure maple syrup. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar or your choice of toppings. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Check the oil temperature with a thermometer to maintain a consistent 350°F (175°C) for even frying.
- Do not over-knead the dough to prevent it from becoming tough; knead just until smooth and elastic.
- Keep liquids warm but not too hot to properly activate the yeast for a perfect rise.
- Use pure maple syrup for authentic Canadian flavor; avoid artificial syrups.
- Serve the beaver tails fresh for the best taste, or reheat gently before serving.
- Prep Time: 1 hr 30 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Canadian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 beaver tail
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Maple Beaver Tails, Canadian pastry, maple syrup dessert, fried dough, sweet treat