National Doghnut Day

A cheerful person biting into a doughnut with colorful sprinkles, wearing a cozy sweater, fall foliage in the background.. — National doghnut day illustration

Hey there doughnut lovers! Are you ready to celebrate National Doughnut Day? Grab your sprinkles and prepare for a sugar rush, because this delightful holiday is a treat for all your senses.

When is Doghnut Day?

It's national doghnut day on the 7th June.

The Sweet Origins of National Doughnut Day

Let's dive into the fascinating history of National Doughnut Day. This mouthwatering day is celebrated on the first Friday of June each year, and it's more than just an excuse to indulge. It actually has its roots in a heartwarming story from World War I.

During the war, Salvation Army volunteers known as 'Doughnut Girls' provided freshly cooked doughnuts to soldiers on the front lines. These tasty treats brought comfort and a taste of home to the brave servicemen. The very first National Doughnut Day was established in 1938 to honor their selfless service and raise funds for those in need.

Fast forward to the present day, and National Doughnut Day has become a joyous occasion for doughnut enthusiasts around the world. It's a day to celebrate the sugary delights that come in all shapes, flavors, and sizes. From classic glazed to chocolate-filled, jelly-stuffed to cronuts (a heavenly combination of a croissant and a doughnut), there's a doughnut out there for every taste bud.

So, whether you prefer the traditional fried rings or the trendy artisanal creations, National Doughnut Day is the perfect excuse to treat yourself to a scrumptious doughnut or two. Just make sure to save some for your friends, or they might start plotting a doughnut heist!

History behind the term 'Doghnut'

1796

The Origin of the Term 'Doughnut'

The term 'doughnut' is believed to have originated in 1796, when an American author named Washington Irving mentioned a treat called 'doughnuts' in his book 'A History of New York.' However, the term was not widely used at the time, and the treat was primarily known as 'olykoeks' or 'oil cakes.'

1847

Hanson Gregory's Invention

In the year 1847, a 16-year-old sailor named Hanson Gregory introduced a culinary innovation that would revolutionize the pastry world forever. While aboard a ship, he came up with the idea of punching a hole in the center of a fried cake to ensure it cooked evenly and became easier to digest. This was the birth of the modern-day doughnut.

1847

The Invention

Hanson Gregory, an American sailor, claimed to have invented the modern donut. He cleverly created a hole in the center of the dough to ensure it cooked evenly. This innovation prevented the undercooked center and excessively browned outside that was common in traditional fried cakes. Thus, the donut with a hole was born.

1847-1865

Donut Spreads Across America

During the mid-19th century, donuts gained popularity in America among the working class. They were relished primarily as a simple and inexpensive treat. Donut peddlers, known as 'doughnut wagons,' began traveling to various areas, selling freshly fried donuts to eager customers.

1847

Hanson Crockett Gregory Invents the Ring-shaped Doughnut

In 1847, a 16-year-old ship captain's apprentice named Hanson Crockett Gregory made a significant contribution to the history of doughnuts. Fed up with the greasiness and undercooked centers of traditional olykoeks, he came up with a clever solution. Using the lid of a spice container, he cut a hole in the center of the dough. This innovation helped the dough cook more evenly and reduced its oil absorption. Gregory's ring-shaped doughnut quickly gained popularity, and it became the precursor to the modern doughnut we know today.

1809

Origin of the Term 'Doughnut'

The term 'doughnut' first appeared in Washington Irving's satirical novel 'A History of New York' published in 1809. Though Irving popularized the term, the exact origin of the word is uncertain. Some say it was derived from the Dutch word 'oliekoek' which means 'oil cake', while others believe it may be related to the English word 'dough' and the nut-like shape of the treat.

1917

Donuts for the troops

Donuts became an integral part of American pop culture during World War I. Salvation Army volunteers, known as the 'Donut Lassies,' started serving donuts to soldiers. The act of bringing them a taste of home quickly caught on and became a symbol of comfort and support for the troops.

1920

National Doughnut Day

In 1920, Salvation Army volunteers known as 'Doughnut Dollies' provided doughnuts to American soldiers during World War I. These delicious treats boosted morale and became a symbol of comfort and home. To commemorate their efforts, the Salvation Army established National Doughnut Day, which is celebrated on the first Friday of June each year.

1920s

Donut vs. Doughnut: The Different Spellings

In the 1920s, the spelling of the term 'doughnut' underwent a change due to the rise of advertising and commercialization. As companies sought to create eye-catching signage, the shorter and simpler spelling 'donut' gained popularity. The simplified spelling was embraced by various businesses and eventually became widely accepted. However, both 'doughnut' and 'donut' are still used today, with 'donut' being the more common form in North America.

1938

The Birth of National Donut Day

National Donut Day, celebrated on the first Friday of June, traces its roots back to 1938. The day was established by The Salvation Army to honor the 'Donut Lassies,' female volunteers who provided doughnuts to soldiers during World War I. These women played a crucial role in boosting morale and offering support on the front lines. Today, National Donut Day serves not only as a celebration of this beloved treat, but also as a reminder of the historical significance and charitable efforts associated with doughnuts.

1938

The Doughnut Industry Expands

As doughnuts gained popularity, the first doughnut machine was invented in 1938 by a man named Adolph Levitt. This automated machine allowed for the mass production of doughnuts, making them more readily available to the public. The industry continued to grow, with chains like Dunkin' Donuts and Krispy Kreme becoming household names in the following decades.

1938

The Dunkin' Donuts Era

In 1938, William Rosenberg opened the first Dunkin' Donuts in Quincy, Massachusetts, offering both coffee and donuts. This marked the beginning of a significant shift in the donut industry, with the emergence of large-scale chains.

21st Century

Doughnuts Become a Global Sensation

In recent years, doughnuts have experienced a worldwide resurgence in popularity. From gourmet shops offering creative flavor combinations to viral social media trends, doughnuts have become a culinary sensation. In fact, artisanal doughnut shops have emerged around the globe, attracting food enthusiasts eager to indulge in these delightful treats. With their ability to be both nostalgic and innovative, doughnuts continue to captivate taste buds and inspire creativity in the world of pastries.

1950s

Donuts and Advertising

The 1950s witnessed the rise of donut advertising, making the sweet treat even more desirable. Companies like Krispy Kreme and Dunkin' Donuts used creative marketing campaigns, including catchy jingles and iconic mascots, to establish themselves as household names and attract customers.

2003

The World's Largest Doughnut

In the year 2003, a Canadian town called Utica made history by creating the world's largest doughnut. Measuring an impressive 16 feet and 2 inches in diameter, this giant pastry weighed a whopping 3.5 tons. It showcased the enduring love for doughnuts and the incredible feats people are willing to undertake to celebrate these beloved treats.

1994

National Donut Day

National Donut Day, celebrated annually on the first Friday of June, was established by The Salvation Army in 1938. It honors the donut lassies who served soldiers during World War I and continues to celebrate the beloved donut's cultural significance.

Did you know?

Did you know that the world's largest doughnut weighed an astonishing 1.7 tons? That's equivalent to about 33,840 regular-sized doughnuts! It was created in Utica, New York in 1993. Imagine the amount of glaze and sprinkles needed to cover that gigantic doughnut!