Description
Maple beaver tails, a classic Canadian street treat, blend sweet traditions with crispy pastry. Canadian bakers and home cooks can easily craft this delightful dessert perfect for winter celebrations and festive gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups (946 ml) vegetable oil (for frying)
- 3 ½ cups (420 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (7 g / 1 packet) active dry yeast
- ¾ cup (177 ml) warm milk (110°F / 45°C)
- ½ cup (118 ml) warm water
- 3 tablespoons (45 ml) sugar
- 3 tablespoons (45 ml) melted butter
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup (118 ml) maple syrup
- 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) melted butter
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ cup (30 g) crushed pecans
Instructions
- Yeast Activation: Combine yeast with warm water and sugar in a mixing bowl, allowing the mixture to bloom and become frothy for 5 minutes.
- Dough Preparation: Blend flour and salt in a large bowl, incorporating vanilla for an aromatic touch. Create a well in the center and add activated yeast, warm milk, melted butter, and whisked egg.
- Kneading and Fermentation: Vigorously knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let rise in a warm spot for one hour or until doubled in volume.
- Shaping: Gently deflate the risen dough and divide into eight equal portions. Stretch each piece into an oval shape, approximately 8 inches long, resembling a beaver’s tail.
- Frying Process: Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Carefully lower dough pieces into hot oil, frying until golden-brown, about 30-45 seconds per side. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Maple Glaze and Finishing: Whisk maple syrup, powdered sugar, melted butter, and cinnamon until smooth. Brush warm pastries generously with the glaze and sprinkle crushed pecans on top.
- Serving: Present immediately, offering additional maple syrup on the side for those craving extra sweetness.
Notes
- Yeast Activation Precision: Ensure water temperature is between 100-110°F to activate yeast perfectly without killing it; too hot will destroy yeast, too cold prevents proper blooming.
- Dough Kneading Technique: Develop gluten structure by kneading consistently for 8-10 minutes, creating elastic texture that ensures light, airy beaver tails with perfect chewiness.
- Oil Temperature Control: Maintain consistent 350°F oil temperature for even frying; use a kitchen thermometer to prevent burning or undercooked pastries and ensure golden-brown exterior.
- Gluten-Free Adaptation: Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free blend and add xanthan gum to maintain dough structure and prevent crumbling during frying.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Canadian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 13
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 160 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg