Queues de Castor, also known as Canadian Beaver Tails, are a classic Canadian street food, loved for their crispy, golden texture and sweet, sugary finish. These deep-fried pastries are shaped like beaver tails and dusted with powdered sugar, making them a delightful treat for dessert or a snack. Perfect for a cozy afternoon or a fun family activity, these pastries bring the warmth and comfort of Canadian street food straight to your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy and golden: Deep-fried to perfection, with a crispy exterior and soft interior.
- Simple ingredients: Made with basic pantry staples, this recipe is quick and easy to prepare.
- Customizable toppings: Enjoy them with powdered sugar, or get creative with toppings like chocolate sauce, cinnamon sugar, or fruit.
- Perfect for sharing: A fun treat that’s great for gatherings, snack time, or special occasions.
- A taste of Canada: Experience a beloved Canadian street food right at home.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 10 g powdered sugar (or regular sugar)
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 200 g flour
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 pinches of salt
- 200 ml warm water
- Fresh yeast (about 15 g)
directions
Prepare the Dough:
- In a small bowl, dissolve the fresh yeast into the warm water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it starts to bubble.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt.
- Add the yeast mixture to the dry ingredients along with the vanilla extract. Mix until a smooth dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes until it becomes soft and elastic.
- Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm area for 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
Fry the Queues de Castor:
- Heat the oil in a deep fryer or large pan to 350°F (175°C).
- Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/2-inch thickness.
- Cut the dough into oval shapes, resembling beaver tails.
- Fry the dough pieces in hot oil until golden brown on both sides, about 3–4 minutes.
- Remove the pastries from the oil and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Serving:
- Dust the warm queues de castor with powdered sugar and serve immediately.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes (including dough rise time)
Calories per serving: Approximately 300 kcal
Variations
- Cinnamon Sugar: After frying, dust with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar for a warm, spiced twist.
- Chocolate Hazelnut Spread: Spread Nutella or chocolate ganache on the hot pastries for a decadent treat.
- Fruit Toppings: Add sliced strawberries, bananas, or berries for a fresh, fruity version.
- Maple Syrup: For a true Canadian touch, drizzle with maple syrup instead of powdered sugar.
- Savory Option: Skip the sugar and top with cheese or herbs for a savory take on queues de castor.
storage/reheating
Storage: These pastries are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days.
Reheating: If you need to reheat them, place them in a warm oven for a few minutes to restore their crispness. Avoid microwaving as it will make them soggy.
FAQs
Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can substitute dry yeast. Use about 7 g of dry yeast in place of the 15 g of fresh yeast.
How can I make the dough rise faster?
You can place the dough in a warm, draft-free area, such as an oven with the light on, to help it rise more quickly.
Can I make queues de castor ahead of time?
It’s best to enjoy them fresh, but you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before frying.
What oil is best for frying?
Vegetable oil or canola oil works well for frying queues de castor due to their neutral flavors and high smoking points.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 1 month. Let it thaw at room temperature before frying.
Are queues de castor similar to funnel cakes?
Yes, both are deep-fried pastries, but queues de castor are typically larger and shaped like beaver tails, while funnel cakes are often smaller and more delicate.
How can I make these gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend as a substitute for regular flour.
Can I add other toppings to queues de castor?
Absolutely! Try adding whipped cream, caramel sauce, or crushed nuts for additional texture and flavor.
How can I make queues de castor more flavorful?
Infuse the dough with cinnamon, nutmeg, or citrus zest to add extra warmth and fragrance.
Are queues de castor a traditional Canadian dessert?
Yes, they are a popular Canadian street food, especially in winter months and at festivals.
Conclusion
Queues de Castor are a sweet, indulgent treat that brings the essence of Canadian street food into your home. With their crispy texture, soft center, and dusting of powdered sugar, these deep-fried pastries are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Whether you’re looking for a fun snack or a delicious dessert, this easy-to-make treat offers the perfect balance of simplicity and flavor. Enjoy a taste of Canada with every bite!
PrintCanadian Beaver Tails)
A beloved Canadian street food, these deep-fried pastries are dusted with sugar and often served with a hint of vanilla, creating a crispy, golden treat perfect for dessert or a snack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes (including dough rise time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Canadian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 10 g powdered sugar (or regular sugar)
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 200 g flour
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 pinches of salt
- 200 ml warm water
- Fresh yeast (about 15 g)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, dissolve the fresh yeast into the warm water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it starts to bubble.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt.
- Add the yeast mixture to the dry ingredients along with the vanilla extract. Mix until a smooth dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes until it becomes soft and elastic.
- Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm area for 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
- Heat the oil in a deep fryer or large pan to 350°F (175°C).
- Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/2-inch thickness.
- Cut the dough into oval shapes (resembling beaver tails).
- Fry the dough pieces in hot oil until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes.
- Remove the pastries from the oil and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Dust the warm queues de castor with powdered sugar and serve immediately.
Notes
- For added flavor, you can drizzle the queues de castor with chocolate or maple syrup.
- If you don’t have fresh yeast, you can substitute it with dry yeast (about 7g).
- Make sure to fry in batches to prevent overcrowding the pan and ensure even cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pastry
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg