Crispy-Sweet Maple Beaver Tails Recipe: A Canadian Delight

Crispy maple beaver tails dance between Canadian street fair nostalgia and homemade comfort.

My memories flood back to chilly winters spent wandering winter carnivals.

Sweet dough stretches into signature paddle shapes that remind me of childhood adventures.

québec’s beloved pastry makes perfect weekend baking magic happen.

Sugar crystals glisten across golden surfaces, promising delectable moments.

Warm maple drizzles create irresistible patterns across each handcrafted treat.

Grab your apron and let’s recreate this classic Canadian delight together.

Why Maple Beaver Tails Taste So Good

• Craft Comfort Food Quickly: This beaver tails recipe transforms simple ingredients into a delightful treat that comes together in just over an hour, perfect for weekend baking adventures.
• Impress with Minimal Effort: Even novice bakers can nail this recipe with basic kitchen skills, creating a spectacular dessert that looks professionally made without complex techniques.
• Celebrate Canadian Culinary Heritage: Embrace a classic Canadian street food that brings authentic cultural flavor right to your home kitchen, creating memorable moments with every crispy, maple-glazed bite.
• Flexible Family Fun: Kids will love helping roll the dough, adults will enjoy the cooking process, and everyone will adore the sweet maple-pecan coating, making this a fantastic shared cooking experience.

What You’ll Need For Maple Beaver Tails

• Active Dry Yeast: Helps the dough rise and creates a light, fluffy texture. Fresh and unexpired yeast is key for best results.
• Warm Water: Activates the yeast and helps it bloom properly. Ideal temperature is around 110°F.
• Sugar: Feeds the yeast and supports fermentation. Helps create a soft, tender dough.

• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base of the beaver tail pastry. Choose unbleached flour for better texture.
• Salt: Enhances flavor and strengthens the gluten structure. Use fine table salt for even distribution.

• Warm Milk, Egg, Melted Butter: Add richness, moisture, and help bind the dough. Use room temperature ingredients for smooth mixing.
• Vanilla: Provides a subtle sweet flavor to the pastry. Pure vanilla extract offers the best taste.

• Maple Syrup: Creates the signature sweet, Canadian-style coating. Pure maple syrup recommended for authentic flavor.
• Powdered Sugar: Helps thicken the glaze and adds sweetness. Sift to remove lumps.
• Melted Butter: Adds richness to the glaze. Unsalted butter gives better control of saltiness.
• Ground Cinnamon: Provides warm, spicy undertones to the glaze.
• Crushed Pecans: Adds crunch and nutty flavor as a topping. Toasted pecans enhance the overall taste.

• Vegetable Oil: Used for deep-frying the pastry. Neutral oil with high smoke point works best.

Directions To Make Maple Beaver Tails

Step 1: Activate Yeast Mixture

Grab a cozy bowl and pour in warm water. Sprinkle yeast and sugar into the water. Let the mixture sit and bubble for about 5 minutes until it looks frothy and alive.

Step 2: Create Soft Dough

• All-purpose flour
• Salt
• Vanilla extract

Pour in the activated yeast mixture, warm milk, melted butter, and a fresh egg. Mix everything until a soft, sticky dough emerges. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm spot for one hour or until it doubles in size.

Step 3: Craft Beaver Tail Shapes

Gently punch down the risen dough and divide it into 8 equal portions. Roll each piece into an elongated oval shape, stretching it to resemble a classic beaver tail – about 8 inches long and flat.

Step 4: Crisp and Golden Frying

Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F. Carefully slide each dough piece into the hot oil. Fry for 30-45 seconds on each side until they turn a beautiful golden brown. Remove and drain excess oil on paper towels.

Step 5: Drizzle Maple Magic

• Pure maple syrup
• Powdered sugar
• Melted butter
• Ground cinnamon

Brush the warm beaver tails generously with the maple glaze. Sprinkle crushed pecans over the top for a delightful crunch.

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Plate the warm beaver tails immediately. Offer extra maple syrup on the side for dipping. Enjoy this Canadian-inspired treat with friends and family!

Useful Hints For Maple Beaver Tails

• Rise Like a Pro: Ensure your yeast mixture is perfectly foamy before adding to flour, which guarantees a light, fluffy beaver tail texture every time.
• Oil Temperature Matters: Use a cooking thermometer to maintain exact 350F oil temperature, preventing soggy or burnt pastries and achieving that perfect golden-brown crisp.
• Glaze with Grace: Brush maple glaze while beaver tails are still warm to help toppings stick better and create a deliciously glossy finish that enhances overall flavor.
• Customize Your Toppings: Swap pecans with alternative nuts like almonds or experiment with chocolate chips, cinnamon sugar, or fruit compote for unique flavor variations.
• Dough Handling Hack: Dust your work surface with flour to prevent sticky dough from sticking and make rolling out oval shapes easier and more consistent.

How To Store Maple Beaver Tails Easily

• Refrigerate leftover beaver tails in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• When ready to enjoy again, quickly reheat in a toaster oven or air fryer to restore their crispy texture.
• Avoid microwaving, which can make the pastry soggy and tough.
• Freezing works best for unglazed beaver tails – wrap individually in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer bag for maximum freshness up to 3 weeks.
• Thaw at room temperature and warm gently before serving to bring back that delightful fresh-fried crunch.

Maple Beaver Tails Perfect Pairings

• Pair with Maple Bourbon Cocktail: Mix bourbon, maple syrup, and bitters for a rich, complementary drink that echoes the dessert's sweet maple notes.
• Serve Alongside Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: The creamy, cold ice cream provides a delightful contrast to the warm, crispy beaver tail, creating a perfect temperature balance.
• Enjoy with Strong Canadian Coffee: Brew a robust dark roast coffee with a splash of maple syrup to enhance the Canadian-inspired flavor profile of the dessert.
• Complement with Cinnamon Chai Latte: The warm spices in chai beautifully mirror the cinnamon in the maple glaze, creating a harmonious taste experience.

Fun Variations For Maple Beaver Tails

• Chocolate Lovers' Beaver Tails: Replace maple glaze with rich chocolate ganache, then sprinkle crushed dark chocolate pieces and cocoa powder for an indulgent chocolate version.
• Berry Bliss Beaver Tails: Top warm pastries with mixed berry compote, drizzle with vanilla-infused cream cheese glaze, and garnish with fresh raspberries and blueberries.
• Caramel Crunch Beaver Tails: Coat fried dough with homemade salted caramel sauce, add crushed toffee bits, and finish with a light dusting of sea salt for a sweet-savory experience.
• Cinnamon Apple Beaver Tails: Incorporate diced cinnamon-spiced apples into the dough, then top with cream cheese frosting and sprinkle with extra cinnamon and chopped walnuts.

Questions And Answers About Maple Beaver Tails

• What exactly are Beaver Tails?

Beaver Tails are a beloved Canadian street food pastry that originated in Ottawa. They’re hand-stretched dough pieces shaped like a beaver’s tail, deep-fried until golden and crispy, then topped with sweet toppings.

• Are Beaver Tails similar to other fried pastries?

Yes, they’re similar to elephant ears or churros, but uniquely Canadian. The distinct oval shape and maple glaze make them a special treat that represents Canadian culinary culture.

• Can I make Beaver Tails without a deep fryer?

Absolutely! You can use a heavy-bottomed pot or deep pan with enough oil to submerge the dough. The key is maintaining a consistent oil temperature around 350F for perfect frying.

• Why is yeast important in this recipe?

Yeast helps the dough rise, creating a light, airy texture. It provides the signature softness and helps develop the rich, complex flavor of the Beaver Tail pastry.

Maple Beaver Tails Recipe

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4.9 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Maple beaver tails bring Canadian street fair magic right to kitchen counters, offering sweet nostalgia with each golden-brown pastry. Crispy dough stretched thin and drizzled with warm maple syrup promises a delightful indulgence you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Dough Ingredients:

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• ¾ cup warm milk (110°F / 45°C)
• ½ cup warm water
• 1 egg
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons melted butter

Frying and Coating Ingredients:

• 4 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
• ½ cup maple syrup
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon melted butter

Optional Garnish Ingredients:

• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ cup crushed pecans

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Instructions

1. Activate the yeast by combining it with warm water and sugar in a mixing vessel. Allow the mixture to bloom and become frothy for approximately 5 minutes.
2. Create a base for the dough by blending flour and salt in a spacious mixing bowl. Incorporate vanilla for an aromatic undertone.
3. Merge the activated yeast with warm milk, liquefied butter, and a whisked egg. Gently fold the ingredients until a cohesive dough emerges.
4. Knead the dough vigorously for 8-10 minutes, developing its elasticity and smoothness. Drape a clean kitchen towel over the bowl and permit the dough to undergo fermentation for one hour or until it doubles in volume.
5. Deflate the risen dough by pressing down gently. Segment the dough into eight uniform portions.
6. Stretch and elongate each segment into an oval configuration, mimicking the distinctive silhouette of a beaver’s tail. Aim for approximately 8 inches in length.
7. Prepare a deep pan with oil, heating it to 350°F (175°C) for optimal frying temperature.
8. Carefully lower each dough piece into the hot oil, frying until a rich golden-brown color develops. Flip once to ensure even cooking, approximately 30-45 seconds per side.
9. Transfer the fried pastries onto absorbent paper towels to drain excess oil.
10. Craft a luxurious maple glaze by whisking maple syrup, powdered sugar, melted butter, and a hint of cinnamon until smooth and glossy.
11. While the pastries remain warm, generously brush them with the maple glaze. Sprinkle crushed pecans over the surface for added texture and nutty flavor.
12. Serve immediately, offering additional maple syrup as an optional accompanying drizzle for those desiring extra sweetness.

Notes

• Work with warm ingredients to activate yeast effectively and ensure soft, fluffy dough texture.
• Knead dough thoroughly to develop gluten, creating a stretchy and elastic consistency that helps beaver tails maintain their signature shape during frying.
• Use a candy thermometer for precise oil temperature, preventing undercooked or burnt pastries and ensuring golden-brown exterior with perfectly cooked interior.
• Gluten-free adaptation possible by substituting all-purpose flour with a blend of gluten-free flour mix and adding xanthan gum for better structural integrity.
• Cool beaver tails slightly before glazing to prevent maple coating from becoming too runny and help toppings adhere better.
• For lower-fat version, consider baking beaver tails at 375F for 12-15 minutes instead of deep-frying, brushing with egg wash for golden color.
• Make ahead by preparing dough night before and refrigerating, allowing slower fermentation that develops deeper flavor profile.
• Store leftover beaver tails in airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days, reheating briefly in oven to restore crispness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Canadian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 46 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg