Description
Maple Beaver Tails are a beloved Canadian carnival treat featuring a soft, yeasted dough fried to golden perfection and drizzled with pure maple syrup. These delicious pastries are crisp on the outside, tender inside, and perfect for sharing as a sweet snack or dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
For the dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
For frying:
- Vegetable oil (for deep frying)
For topping:
- ¼ cup maple syrup (for drizzling or brushing)
- Powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar (optional)
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let the mixture sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active and ready.
- Mix wet ingredients: Whisk in maple syrup, vanilla extract, egg, and melted butter into the yeast mixture until fully combined.
- Form the dough: Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 5–7 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
- First rise: Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl and cover it. Let it rise in a warm area for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Shape the beaver tails: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, then gently stretch and flatten into an oval or tail shape about ¼ inch thick.
- Heat the oil: In a deep skillet or pot, heat 2–3 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C), ensuring it is hot enough for deep frying.
- Fry the dough: Carefully fry each shaped dough piece one at a time for 1–2 minutes per side until golden brown and puffed. Use a slotted spoon to remove and drain on paper towels.
- Add toppings: While still warm, brush or drizzle each fried beaver tail generously with maple syrup. Optionally, sprinkle powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar on top for extra sweetness.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve the beaver tails warm for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Beaver Tails are a traditional Canadian carnival classic that can be customized with creative toppings such as Nutella, bananas, crushed candy, or whipped cream.
- The dough can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated overnight after the first rise for convenience.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Canadian
