Description
A beloved Canadian treat, especially popular at winter festivals, Beavertails are hand-stretched pieces of whole wheat dough that are fried until golden brown and crispy. They are then topped with a variety of sweet toppings, most classically a simple sprinkle of cinnamon and sugar. They get their name from their flat, elongated shape, which resembles a beaver's tail. This recipe shows you how to make the simple yeasted dough and fry it to perfection for a warm, comforting, and delicious snack.
A Taste of History
BeaverTails were created in 1978 in Killaloe, Ontario, by Grant and Pam Hooker. The recipe was passed down through their family. They first sold the pastries at a local fair, and their popularity quickly grew, leading to the establishment of the BeaverTails brand, which now has locations across Canada and internationally. It has become a symbol of Canadian winter festivities.
Prep Time
1 hour 30 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Total Time
1 hour 45 minutes
Ingredients & Nutrition
350 kcal
Calories
6 g
Protein
15 g
Fat
48 g
Carbs
3 g
Fiber
15 g
Sugar
300 mg
Sodium
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Instructions
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Common questions
- What is a BeaverTail?
- A Canadian fried-dough pastry. Yeast dough is stretched by hand into a flat oval 6 to 8 inches long - the shape that gives it its name - then fried and tossed in cinnamon sugar while still hot.
- What are beaver tails made of?
- A simple enriched yeast dough: warm water, active dry yeast, sugar, all-purpose and whole wheat flour, and salt. They are fried in vegetable oil and finished with cinnamon sugar.
- Can I use only all-purpose flour?
- Yes. The dough is 2.5 cups all-purpose to 1 cup whole wheat; using all-purpose throughout gives a slightly lighter, paler pastry.
- What oil temperature should I fry at?
- 375°F (190°C), in 2 to 3 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy pot. Each pastry needs only 1 to 2 minutes per side, until golden brown and puffed.
- How long does the dough need to rise?
- About an hour, until doubled in size. Total time is roughly 1 hour 45 minutes including the 15 minutes of frying.
- What toppings can I use?
- Cinnamon sugar is the classic. Lemon juice and sugar, chocolate-hazelnut spread, or sliced banana with whipped cream all work - add them immediately while the pastry is hot.
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