If you’ve ever strolled through a winter festival or a bustling fairground in Canada, you might have come across the delightful sight of freshly fried Beaver Tails. This iconic pastry, shaped like a beaver’s tail, is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, often topped with a variety of sweet toppings. This recipe will guide you through creating your own batch of Beaver Tails, perfect for sharing with friends and family or enjoying on a cozy night in.
Why You’ll Keep Making It
Once you try making Beaver Tails, you’ll find it hard to resist whipping them up again and again. The process is surprisingly simple, and the end result is a treat that can be customized to your heart’s content. Whether you prefer classic cinnamon sugar or something a bit more adventurous, like Nutella and bananas or apples and caramel, these pastries will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. Plus, they bring the joy of a carnival right into your home!
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup warm water
- 5 tsp active dry yeast
- 4 tbsp butter, melted
- 4 tbsp sugar
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 eggs
- 5 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 cups vegetable oil for frying
- 2 cups sugar for dusting
- 2 tbsp cinnamon for dusting
Hardware & Gadgets
- Large mixing bowl – for combining ingredients.
- Whisk – to blend eggs and liquids smoothly.
- Rolling pin – for rolling out the dough to the perfect thickness.
- Deep frying pan or deep fryer – for frying the Beaver Tails.
- Slotted spoon – to remove the Beaver Tails from oil.
- Paper towels – for draining excess oil.
Beaver Tails: How It’s Done
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water and active dry yeast. Allow it to sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This indicates that your yeast is active and ready to help your dough rise.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
Once the yeast is activated, add the melted butter, 4 tablespoons of sugar, milk, salt, vanilla extract, and eggs. Whisk everything together until well combined.
Step 3: Incorporate the Flour
Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the wet mixture, stirring until a dough forms. You may need to use your hands to knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
Step 4: Let It Rise
Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm area for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
Step 5: Roll Out the Dough
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into smaller portions. On a floured surface, roll each piece into an oval shape about 1/4 inch thick.
Step 6: Heat the Oil
In a deep frying pan or deep fryer, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. You can test if the oil is ready by dropping in a small piece of dough; if it sizzles and rises to the surface, it’s time to fry.
Step 7: Fry the Beaver Tails
Fry each oval of dough for about 1-2 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain.
Step 8: Dust with Sugar and Cinnamon
In a bowl, mix together the 2 cups of sugar and 2 tablespoons of cinnamon. While the Beaver Tails are still warm, dust them generously with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
How to Make It Lighter
- Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
- Use less sugar or opt for a natural sweetener like maple syrup.
- Fry in a healthier oil, such as coconut oil, which can add a delightful flavor.
- Consider baking the dough at a high temperature for a healthier version, although the texture will differ.
Pro Perspective
Making Beaver Tails at home is not only fun, but it also allows you to experiment with toppings. A few popular combinations include:
- Classic Cinnamon Sugar: The traditional choice that never goes out of style.
- Nutella and Sliced Bananas: A rich and indulgent topping.
- Apple Pie Filling: For a sweet, seasonal twist.
- Peanut Butter and Jelly: A nostalgic flavor that everyone loves.
Feel free to get creative with your own toppings, and don’t hesitate to share your unique creations with family and friends!
Make-Ahead & Storage
If you want to prepare Beaver Tails in advance, you can make the dough up to a day before. Store it in the refrigerator after the first rise. When you’re ready to fry, simply let the dough come to room temperature and proceed with the recipe. Cooked Beaver Tails are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat them in an oven for a few minutes to regain some of their crispiness.
Reader Q&A
Can I use a different type of flour?
Yes, you can substitute some all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option. However, this may alter the texture slightly, making them denser.
What toppings do you recommend for Beaver Tails?
Some popular toppings include cinnamon sugar, Nutella with strawberries, or even savory options like cheese and garlic. The possibilities are endless!
Can I freeze Beaver Tails?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked pastries. Ensure they are completely cooled before placing them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Reheat them in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy.
How can I ensure my Beaver Tails are crispy?
Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying and avoid overcrowding the frying pan, as this can lower the oil temperature. Frying in batches will help maintain the crispiness.
Ready to Cook?
With this comprehensive guide, you are all set to embark on your Beaver Tails adventure. Gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and let the frying begin! Enjoy the delightful aroma and the joy that comes from creating these delicious pastries at home.
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Beaver Tails
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water and active dry yeast. Allow it to sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Once the yeast is activated, add the melted butter, 4 tablespoons of sugar, milk, salt, vanilla extract, and eggs. Whisk everything together until well combined.
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the wet mixture, stirring until a dough forms. Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic, about 5-7 minutes.
- Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm area for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into smaller portions. Roll each piece into an oval shape about 1/4 inch thick.
- In a deep frying pan or deep fryer, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Test if the oil is ready by dropping in a small piece of dough.
- Fry each oval of dough for about 1-2 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain.
- In a bowl, mix together the 2 cups of sugar and 2 tablespoons of cinnamon. Dust the warm Beaver Tails generously with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
Notes
- Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
- Use less sugar or opt for a natural sweetener like maple syrup.
- Fry in a healthier oil, such as coconut oil, for a delightful flavor.
