BeaverTails are a beloved Canadian fried pastry—crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and topped with sweet icing, crushed cookies, and a drizzle of melted chocolate. This homemade version brings the iconic fairground treat straight to your kitchen, making for a delightful indulgence perfect for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentic Canadian treat – Recreates the famous BeaverTails found at fairs and winter festivals.
- Crispy yet soft texture – Fried to perfection for a golden, fluffy bite.
- Customizable toppings – Go classic with cinnamon sugar or get creative with chocolate, nuts, or fruit.
- Perfect for special occasions – A fun and indulgent dessert the whole family will love.
- Easy to make at home – Simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Dough:
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- ½ cup warm water
- ½ cup warm milk
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Toppings:
- ½ cup icing (vanilla or cream cheese)
- ¼ cup crushed cookies (Oreos or graham crackers)
- ¼ cup melted chocolate (for drizzling)
Directions
- Prepare the Dough: In a bowl, mix warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Add warm milk, salt, vanilla, egg, and melted butter. Mix well.
- Gradually add flour and knead into a smooth dough. Cover and let rise for 1 hour.
- Divide the dough into 8 pieces and roll each into an oval shape.
- Heat the Oil: In a deep pan, heat vegetable oil to 375°F (190°C).
- Fry the Pastries: Carefully fry each piece for about 1 minute per side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
- Add Toppings: Spread icing over warm BeaverTails, sprinkle crushed cookies, and drizzle with melted chocolate.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Rising Time: 1 hour
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Servings: 8 pastries
- Calories: 320 kcal per pastry
Variations
- Cinnamon Sugar BeaverTails – Skip the icing and coat warm pastries with a mix of cinnamon and sugar.
- Nutella & Banana – Spread Nutella on top and add banana slices.
- Maple Butter Delight – Drizzle warm maple syrup and spread with butter.
- S’mores Style – Top with melted marshmallows, graham crackers, and chocolate chips.
- Savory Twist – Skip the sugar and serve with garlic butter and cheese.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover pastries in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Freezing: Freeze plain BeaverTails (without toppings) in a sealed bag for up to 3 months. Reheat before serving.
- Reheating: Warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-7 minutes or in an air fryer at 325°F (160°C) for 3-4 minutes.
FAQs
What are BeaverTails?
BeaverTails are deep-fried Canadian pastries, typically stretched into an oval shape and topped with sweet or savory toppings.
Can I bake BeaverTails instead of frying?
Yes! Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes until golden brown, though they will be less crispy.
What type of oil is best for frying?
Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil work well for deep frying.
How do I make the dough ahead of time?
Prepare the dough and let it rise, then refrigerate overnight. Let it come to room temperature before frying.
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, use the same amount and skip the proofing step—just mix it directly with the dry ingredients.
What if I don’t have icing?
You can use melted chocolate, caramel sauce, or a simple dusting of powdered sugar instead.
How do I prevent the pastries from absorbing too much oil?
Ensure the oil is hot enough (375°F/190°C) and don’t overcrowd the pan when frying.
Can I make mini BeaverTails?
Yes! Roll out smaller portions of dough and adjust frying time to about 30 seconds per side.
What’s the best way to serve BeaverTails?
Serve warm with a variety of toppings and a hot drink like coffee or hot chocolate.
Are BeaverTails similar to elephant ears?
Yes, they are both fried pastries, but BeaverTails are stretched into an oval shape, while elephant ears are rounder and thinner.
Conclusion
Homemade BeaverTails are a fun and delicious way to enjoy a Canadian classic. With their crispy exterior, soft interior, and endless topping possibilities, these pastries are perfect for any occasion. Try them today and bring the taste of a carnival or winter festival right to your kitchen!
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Classic Canadian BeaverTails
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 pastries 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic Canadian fried pastry—crispy on the outside, soft on the inside—topped with sweet icing and chocolate drizzle.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Toppings:
- 1/2 cup icing (vanilla or cream cheese)
- 1/4 cup crushed cookies (Oreos or graham crackers)
- 1/4 cup melted chocolate (for drizzling)
Instructions
-
Activate the Yeast:
- In a bowl, mix warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
-
Prepare the Dough:
- Add warm milk, salt, vanilla, egg, and melted butter. Mix well.
- Gradually add flour and knead into a smooth dough.
- Cover and let rise for 1 hour, until doubled in size.
-
Shape & Fry:
- Divide dough into 8 pieces and roll each into an oval shape.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to 375°F (190°C).
- Fry each piece for about 1 minute per side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
-
Add Toppings & Serve:
- Spread icing over warm BeaverTails.
- Sprinkle with crushed cookies and drizzle with melted chocolate.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- For a classic cinnamon sugar BeaverTail, brush with butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar instead of icing.
- Make it extra indulgent by adding Nutella, peanut butter, or fruit preserves.
- Best served warm and fresh, but you can reheat them in an oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Rise Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Pastries
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Canadian