Cameroonian Gateau, also known as Lofombo or simply "gateaux," is a beloved treat across Cameroon. This crispy, fluffy, and sweet deep-fried dough resembles a doughnut or fritter, making it an irresistible snack for all ages.
Pour the milk into a small pot and gently warm it until it reaches a lukewarm temperature. Add the yeast, then stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Set it aside for later use.
Pour the dry ingredients (flour, salt, sugar and nutmeg) into a large bowl, and combine them well.
Warm the butter slightly until it melts. Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients mixture and pour in the melted butter, beaten eggs, and milk-yeast mixture. Use a spatula to mix everything together until well combined.
Use your hands to knead the dough for a few minutes. If the mixture is too sticky, add a bit more flour and continue kneading. Once the dough is smooth and elastic, cover it with cling film and set it aside to rest for about an hour.
Place the dough on a clean, floured surface and knead it again for a few minutes. Then, divide the dough into small portions and shape each piece into a round form, adjusting the size to your preference.
Place the shaped dough on a tray, cover them, and let them rise again for about 30 minutes.
After the resting time, heat the oil in the frying pan to about 180°C. Check the oil temperature by putting a dough into the oil, if the dough quickly returns to the surface of the oil, then you can start frying, if not wait until the oil is hot enough.
Carefully place the dough portions into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Fry them for a few minutes until golden brown, then turn them over to fry the other side.
When they are golden brown, carefully take them out of the oil. They are ready to be served.