Hello friends! Cooking is fun fun fun! Today I am showing you how I make Cameroonian gateau - a doughnut-like snack that is sold on the streets, bakeries and in grocery stores in Cameroon. Now gateau literally means "cake" in French but these are not "cakes". In French, this would probably be referred to as "les beignets". This snack is a glorified version of puff puff. This means that it is quite similar to puff puff but it thicker, richer and keeps longer.
When I published my gateau recipe, it was purely the result of an accident. Since then, I have tweaked and tested the original accidental recipe several times and I have made a few changes. I am publishing those changes here but I would like to leave my original recipe the way it is, in its pure unadulterated form because that recipe still works for many.
Now unto the changes:
- I increased the quantity of flour to a solid 4 cups which is equal to half a kilogram. That way, those who use kilograms to measure find it easier to measure.
- I increased the liquid to two cups so the dough rises easily and the taste develops better. It is very sticky but it is better that way because you can generously flour your board before placing the dough on top. Also, this makes the gateau softer and fluffier.
- I omitted water and used only liquid milk for a richer flavour.
Now that we have that out of the way, let me tell you something: This recipe comes with a warning.WARN yourself against eating too much!
These are the very definition of insanely delicious! They are irresistibly good! They will make you weep for joy!
I'm so glad that I was able to make a video for you guys. Let's get to it!
Cameroonian Gateau (Deep Fried Dough)
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (½ kg) + 1 cup more for dusting and kneading
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter (or margarine)
- ⅓ - ¾ cup sugar - use according to desired sweetness
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups liquid milk (whole or semi-skim)
- 1 sachet yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons)
- Oil for frying- I used corn oil
Instructions
- Melt your butter in a saucepan or in a microwave. Let it cool.
- While the butter cools, pour milk into a large bowl then pour in the yeast. Add in sugar and salt, stir. Let it rest for five minutes.
- Add in melted butter and mix well. Crack egg into milk mixture and beat well until everything is well incorporated.
- Add in your flour and mix well gradually, using a wooden spoon to form a very sticky dough. Mix the dough for about five minutes then cover with a plastic wrap and paper towel. Keep it in a warm place to rise. I usually turn on my oven to make it warm then turn it off. When I place my dough into the warm (turned off) oven, it is guaranteed to rise.Let is rise for 1 hour or until the dough has about doubled in size.
- Generously flour a board then turn risen dough onto the board. Punch to deflate and knead lightly, adding flour as needed.
- Form one large log with the dough. Cut it into two. Cut each part into two again. Keep cutting into two until you have 32 equal pieces.
- Use each piece to form a small ball by molding with your hands.
- Halfway through forming the balls, put oil on the fire to heat. I poured about 2 litres of oil in a large pan. Now the temperature of the oil is very important. Let it get heated for 5 - 10 minutes on high heat then turn down the heat to medium. If you have a deep fryer thermometer, the temperature of the oil should be 325 degrees F (175 degrees C). When it is at this point, turn it to medium before dropping in your balls. That way, your balls cook through without burning quickly and remaining raw on the inside.
- Drop your balls into the oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. I fried about 10-12 balls at a time. When one side is slightly brown, turn to the other side and let it cook too. Keep turning until the balls are thoroughly cooked. It takes about five minutes for each batch to cook through. Remove and place on paper towel to absorb excess oil. Repeat the process with the rest of the dough.
- Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Dominika Goodness says
Dear Precious, miss you loads but thank God that I'm back. I trust God that you and the family are doing gloriously well. about Cameroonian Gateau I love eating these so much,in Lagos Nigeria where I live it popularly called yellow buns which is hawked in a glass-like cage. it's been saving lives since I started eating these buttery-like goodness ooooo.stay bless sister.
Precious says
Missed you too, hun!
Interesting to see that it is sold in Lagos. It is so delicious and it tastes even better when made at home. Have a great weekend!
Bola says
I see this all the time o, but as Dominika rightly said, we call it yellow puff puff.
Recipe saved for holiday time.
Testimony time!!!
Home made ginger drink is bae. Have been enjoying it since, thanks for sharing.
Precious says
Lol overcomers' time!!!
So happy to hear about the success with the ginger drink. That thing is delicious - even my kids it.
You are bae!
Grace says
This is wow honestly, now I know I have loads of work to do. Thank u Pressy cutie
Precious says
Enjoy, dearie!
Sophia pearse says
I like this group nd i have tried to join for long thank God today i gain access thank u madam God bless this group as i stay to lean how to make all sorts of snakes i love u madam nd all members thank u
Precious says
So glad you are learning, Sophia.
Thank you!
claudine efenge says
Hey Pre, Long time. I missed drooling over your pics, recipes and interesting write ups. New momma duties and all. At least i squeeze time in between sleepless nights and diapers to get my fix on Cameroonian foodies. Hope the girls and Mr N are doing great. Keep it up and stay blessed
Precious says
Hi Claudine, I have missed you so much! How nice of you to check on me. Congrats on the new baby. Enjoy your mommy duties all you can. We are all fine. Thanks for asking. God bless you sis.
Ndidi says
No baking powder?
Precious says
No, no baking powder.
Rosie Agbor says
Just watched the video, will make some gateau tonight .
Precious says
Enjoy, dear.
Asheri says
Thank you so much Aunty P your recipes are just perfect. I improve my cooking everyday.
Precious says
Awww, thank you Asheri.
Paulina says
I made these last week for an Ancestry DNA reveal party (my cousin's 38%!! Cameroonian!!) and they absolutely FLEW off the food table. These
were absolutely delicious and the recipe was easy to follow. Thank you!
Precious says
Hi Paulina! So glad to hear about your success with the recipe and your cousin's Ancestry DNA results! There's nothing like being connected with your history through food. Thank you for taking out time to give me feedback!
Petral says
Delicious!!
Please what degree of heat required for baking the gateaux .
Precious says
Hi Petral, bake at 350 degrees F or 180 degrees C.
Forsab kedju carine N says
Hello mam precious ,i have been following you for a very long time on this blog especially when i needed any recipe i was sure i will get them here. Thankyou for the amazing recipies you gave out on this blog . Trust me it has made cooking an enjoyable process .This Gato recipe is the best so i'm in love with it.
God bless you Mam
Recieve Lots of love from Cameroon
Precious says
God bless you too dear.