Description
Maple Beaver Tails are a delightful Canadian-inspired treat featuring soft, fried dough shaped like a beaver’s tail, dusted with cinnamon sugar and drizzled with warm maple syrup. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, this recipe yields crispy, golden pastries with a sweet, comforting flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- ¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
- ¼ cup warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon salt
Frying
- Vegetable oil for frying
Toppings
- ½ cup warm maple syrup
- ¼ cup cinnamon sugar (¼ cup sugar mixed with ½ teaspoon cinnamon)
Instructions
- Prepare the yeast mixture: Warm the milk and water to about 110°F (43°C). Combine the yeast, warm water, and a pinch of sugar in a small bowl. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Make the dough: In a large mixing bowl, add the yeast mixture, warm milk, melted butter, remaining sugar, egg, salt, and flour. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 to 7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Then place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the dough: Punch down the risen dough to release air. Divide it into 8 to 10 equal pieces. Roll each piece out into an oval shape resembling a beaver’s tail.
- Heat oil and fry: Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry each dough piece for 1 to 2 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Drain and coat: Remove the fried dough pieces and drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil. While still warm, dust them generously with cinnamon sugar.
- Serve with maple syrup: Drizzle the warm maple syrup over the cinnamon sugar-coated beaver tails and serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Ensure the milk and water are warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
- You can use a thermometer to maintain the oil temperature at 350°F for perfectly fried pastries.
- For a different flavor, try topping with powdered sugar or your favorite fruit preserves.
- Serve immediately after drizzling syrup for the freshest experience.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently in the oven or air fryer to retain crispness.
