BeaverTails

Dessert Canadian

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Few dessert recipes are as satisfying as a well-made BeaverTails. The star here is parts yeast, supported by a short list of everyday ingredients. It sits firmly in the Canadian tradition, so expect the flavours you would get from a good home kitchen there. Read through the tips before you start — a couple of small details go a long way with this one.

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BeaverTails — Dessert recipe, Canadian cuisine
BeaverTails · Canadian

Ingredients

Method

  1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, add warm water, a big pinch of sugar and yeast. Allow to sit until frothy.
  2. Into the same bowl, add 1/2 cup sugar, warm milk, melted butter, eggs and salt, and whisk until combined.
  3. Place a dough hook on the mixer, add the flour with the machine on, until a smooth but slightly sticky dough forms.
  4. Place dough in a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and allow to proof for 1 1/2 hours.
  5. Cut dough into 12 pieces, and roll out into long oval-like shapes about 1/4 inch thick that resemble a beaver’s tail.
  6. In a large, deep pot, heat oil to 350 degrees. Gently place beavertail dough into hot oil and cook for 30 to 45 seconds on each side until golden brown.
  7. Drain on paper towels, and garnish as desired. Toss in cinnamon sugar, in white sugar with a squeeze of lemon, or with a generous slathering of Nutella and a handful of toasted almonds. Enjoy!

Tips for the best BeaverTails

  • Rest the finished dish for a few minutes before serving — it lets the flavours settle and the texture firm up.
  • Let the egg come up to room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking so it cooks evenly.
  • Taste as you go. Seasoning at the end is fine, but adjusting halfway through gives a more balanced result.
  • Use a kitchen scale for the dry ingredients if you have one — baking is less forgiving than cooking.

Variations

  • Swap the egg for silken tofu — keep the cooking time similar and check for doneness.
  • Vegetable boost: stir in a handful of spinach, peas or diced peppers in the last few minutes of cooking.
  • Spicier version: add a pinch of chilli flakes or a sliced fresh chilli with the aromatics.

Serving ideas

Serve slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a spoon of thick cream.

Storage

Keeps in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days, or refrigerated for up to a week. Most versions freeze well for 2 months.

Frequently asked questions

What can I substitute for parts yeast?

Any ingredient with a similar texture and cooking time works; see the variations below for ideas. Keep quantities the same and adjust seasoning at the end.

Can I make BeaverTails ahead of time?

You can prep all the ingredients a day ahead and keep them covered in the fridge, then cook just before serving for the best texture.

Is this BeaverTails recipe medium to make?

It is rated medium: 12 ingredients and 7 steps. Follow the order and the tips above and it is very forgiving.

Recipe data via TheMealDB — source

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