If you’ve ever visited Canada or attended a Canadian fair, you’ve probably tasted Beaver Tails—the iconic, indulgent pastry that’s crispy, chewy, and oh-so-sweet. But what if I told you that you can make these delicious treats at home, and even add a little maple twist to the mix? Trust me, these Maple Beaver Tails are everything you want in a sweet treat: crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and drizzled with that irresistible maple syrup goodness.
These warm, golden pastries are perfect for a cozy evening snack, a fun dessert for guests, or just a sweet indulgence whenever you’re craving something decadent. With the richness of maple syrup and the fluffiness of freshly fried dough, they’ll have everyone coming back for more. Let’s get into how to make these heavenly pastries at home, no deep-frying experience required!
Why You’ll Love Maple Beaver Tails
A Canadian Classic with a Maple Twist
Beaver Tails are a beloved Canadian fair food, but when you add maple syrup into the mix, you elevate the experience to a whole new level. Maple is the true star here, bringing a distinct sweetness that pairs perfectly with the crispy pastry.
Super Fun to Make
Making Maple Beaver Tails is a fun activity—whether you’re cooking solo or with family or friends. Stretching and shaping the dough into the signature tail shape is just as enjoyable as eating them! Plus, the maple syrup topping is something everyone can customize, whether you like it extra syrupy or just a light drizzle.
Quick to Whip Up
Once you get the hang of it, making these Beaver Tails is surprisingly easy! In less than an hour, you can have a batch of warm, golden pastries on your plate, ready to be devoured.
Perfect for Any Occasion
These treats are great for everything from cozy nights in to big gatherings. They’re also a hit at fairs, street festivals, or just as a special weekend treat. You can make a batch for breakfast, dessert, or even an afternoon snack.
Customizable Toppings
Maple syrup is the classic topping, but you can get creative! Add a dusting of powdered sugar, chocolate sauce, crushed nuts, or even fresh fruit for an extra flavor boost. There’s no wrong way to top a Beaver Tail—just make it your own.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- All-purpose flour
- Active dry yeast
- Warm water
- Sugar
- Salt
- Milk
- Egg
- Butter
For the Maple Topping:
- Pure maple syrup
- Butter
- Optional: powdered sugar, crushed nuts, or chocolate for extra toppings
(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Ready to make these delicious Maple Beaver Tails? Let’s dive in!
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until the mixture becomes bubbly and frothy. Then, add in the milk, egg, butter, salt, and flour. Mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, or until it’s smooth and elastic.
Step 2: Let the Dough Rise
Once your dough is ready, place it in a greased bowl and cover with a damp cloth. Let it rise for about 45 minutes, or until it doubles in size. This gives the dough a chance to get fluffy and light.
Step 3: Shape the Dough
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Turn it out onto a floured surface and divide it into 4-6 equal portions. Roll each portion into a long, oval shape, mimicking the classic beaver tail. Don’t worry about getting them perfect—each one will be a little different, and that’s part of the charm!
Step 4: Fry the Beaver Tails
In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Carefully lower each shaped dough piece into the hot oil, frying them for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Be sure to flip them halfway through for an even fry.
Step 5: Prepare the Maple Topping
While the beaver tails are frying, prepare the maple topping. In a small saucepan, heat the maple syrup and butter over medium heat until melted and combined. Stir to combine and keep warm.
Step 6: Drizzle and Serve
Once the Beaver Tails are crispy and golden, remove them from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil. While they’re still warm, drizzle the maple syrup mixture generously over the top. You can also add a dusting of powdered sugar, crushed nuts, or any other toppings you like.
Step 7: Enjoy!
Serve these warm, crispy Maple Beaver Tails right away. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or indulging on your own, they’re sure to be a hit. Enjoy the crispy texture, the sweetness of the maple, and the satisfaction of making these treats from scratch!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: [Number of servings]
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]
Preparation Time
Prep Time: [Time to prepare ingredients]
Cook Time: [Time to cook or bake]
Total Time: [Total time needed]
How to Serve Maple Beaver Tails
With Hot Beverages
Pair these crispy pastries with a warm drink like hot chocolate, a latte, or even spiced cider. The sweetness of the maple syrup and the crispness of the beaver tails go beautifully with any of these drinks.
Add a Scoop of Ice Cream
For an extra indulgent treat, top these maple Beaver Tails with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold creaminess melts beautifully on the warm dough.
Top with Fruit
For a fresher twist, top the maple-drizzled beaver tails with fresh berries, like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries. The fruit adds a burst of color and a light, juicy contrast to the rich sweetness.
Additional Tips
Make Them Mini
If you want to make smaller, bite-sized versions of these, simply divide the dough into more portions before rolling them out. Mini Beaver Tails are perfect for serving at parties or for a snackable dessert.
Try Other Toppings
While maple syrup is the classic topping, feel free to get creative! Nutella, peanut butter, or cinnamon sugar also make fantastic alternatives, depending on your flavor preference.
Don’t Skip the Draining Step
After frying, make sure to drain your Beaver Tails on paper towels to remove any excess oil. This step helps keep the pastry crispy and not greasy.
How to Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftover Beaver Tails (which I highly doubt!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to crisp them back up.
These Maple Beaver Tails are a deliciously sweet, crispy treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With their rich maple topping and chewy, golden dough, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So go ahead—give these a try and taste the magic of Canada in your own kitchen!
Print
Maple Beaver Tails
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Description
Maple Beaver Tails are a Canadian treat that is crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and drenched in a sweet maple syrup glaze. This iconic pastry is often served at festivals and fairs but can be made at home for a delicious indulgence.
Ingredients
- For the Beaver Tails Dough:
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 3/4 cup warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 egg
- For the Maple Syrup Glaze:
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- For Frying:
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Activate the yeast:
In a small bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Stir and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until the mixture becomes foamy. - Make the dough:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and salt. Add the activated yeast mixture, vanilla extract, milk, butter, and egg. Mix until a dough forms. - Knead the dough:
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for about 5-7 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour as needed. - Let the dough rise:
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size. - Prepare the maple glaze:
In a small saucepan, combine the maple syrup, butter, and vanilla extract (if using). Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the glaze slightly thickens. Remove from heat and set aside. - Shape the dough:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 6-8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and then flatten each ball into an oval shape, about 1/4-inch thick. - Heat the oil:
In a deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Ensure there is enough oil to fully submerge the dough. - Fry the Beaver Tails:
Carefully place the flattened dough pieces into the hot oil, one at a time, being sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the beaver tails from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. - Glaze the Beaver Tails:
While the beaver tails are still warm, brush them generously with the maple syrup glaze. Make sure to cover both sides for that delicious, sticky sweetness. - Serve:
Serve the Maple Beaver Tails immediately, topped with additional maple syrup, powdered sugar, or your favorite toppings (e.g., crushed nuts, cinnamon sugar, or chocolate drizzle).
Notes
- Toppings: Feel free to top your maple beaver tails with whipped cream, chocolate sauce, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for extra flavor.
- Vegan Option: Use dairy-free butter and plant-based milk to make this recipe vegan-friendly. The egg can be replaced with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water).
- Storage: Beaver tails are best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 1 day. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to restore some of the crispness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Canadian, North American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 beaver tail
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 30mg