How to Make Canadian BeaverTails at Home

Canadian BeaverTails Recipe

BeaverTails, a beloved Canadian pastry, are hand-stretched to resemble the tail of a beaver, one of Canada’s national symbols. These fried dough pastries, typically topped with a variety of sweet garnishes, are a must-try for anyone who loves indulgent treats. Here’s how you can make BeaverTails at home.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup of warm water
• 5 tablespoons of sugar, divided
• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) of active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup of warm milk
• 1/3 cup of melted butter
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 2 eggs
• 3 cups of all-purpose flour, plus more for kneading
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• Your choice of toppings: cinnamon sugar, Nutella, peanut butter, jam, etc.

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the warm water, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until frothy.
2. Add the warm milk, remaining sugar, melted butter, salt, vanilla, and eggs to the yeast mixture. Mix well.
3. Gradually add the flour, mixing until a dough starts to form. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, approximately an hour.
5. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface. Divide the dough into 10-12 pieces and let them rest for a few minutes.
6. Using your hands, stretch each piece of dough into an oval shape resembling a beaver’s tail, about 1/4 inch thick.
7. Heat a few inches of vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large skillet to 365°F (185°C).
8. Fry each piece of dough for about 2 minutes on each side or until they are puffed up and golden brown. Ensure not to crowd the pan. Use tongs to transfer the fried pastries to a paper towel-lined plate.
9. While still warm, top your BeaverTails with your desired toppings.

Topping Ideas:

• Cinnamon Sugar: Mix 1/2 cup of sugar with 2 teaspoons of cinnamon, and sprinkle over the warm BeaverTails.
• Chocolate Spread: Spread Nutella or any chocolate-hazelnut spread over the warm BeaverTails and add a dollop of whipped cream.
• Peanut Butter & Jam: Spread peanut butter over the BeaverTails and swirl in some jam.

Tips:

• For a healthier version, you can try baking the BeaverTails at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until they’re lightly golden brown, though the texture will differ from the traditional fried version.
• Be creative with your toppings, and feel free to mix and match to suit your taste.

Enjoy your homemade Canadian BeaverTails and share this sweet experience with family and friends!