National Donut Doughnut Day

Young woman holding a colorful donut with a joyful expression, wearing a retro-inspired outfit, bright backdrop with confetti.. — National donut doughnut day illustration

Ah, National Donut Doughnut Day – a day that celebrates those circular pastries of pure bliss. It’s a day where we can indulge in these sweet treats guilt-free (okay, maybe with just a smidge of guilt), and revel in the delightful flavors and textures that donuts doughnuts have to offer. So grab your favorite sprinkled, glazed, or jelly-filled confection and join us as we dive into the delectable history of National Donut Doughnut Day!

When is Donut Doughnut Day?

It's national donut doughnut day on the 7th November.

A Hole Lot of History

Get ready for a journey through time, my friend, as we uncover the origins of National Donut Doughnut Day. This glorious holiday dates all the way back to World War I, when the Salvation Army wanted to lift the spirits of weary soldiers on the frontlines. They set up shop near the trenches and began frying up batches of donuts doughnuts to serve as a tasty morale booster. These delicious pastries became an instant hit, providing a small taste of home in a tumultuous time.

Fast forward to 1938, and National Donut Doughnut Day was officially established by the Salvation Army in Chicago. It was a way to honor the women who had served donuts doughnuts to soldiers during the war and to raise funds for programs that supported those in need. Since then, this sugary celebration has become a beloved tradition that brings joy to countless donut doughnut enthusiasts every year.

A World of Donuts Doughnuts

Donuts Doughnuts are more than just a sweet treat – they’re a global phenomenon! While the classic glazed donut doughnut may be the most familiar to many of us, different countries have their own unique takes on this delectable delight.

Take the beignet from France, for example. These fluffy, deep-fried squares of dough are generously coated in powdered sugar, creating a heavenly sugar rush with every bite. Or how about the churro from Spain? These long, crispy sticks of fried dough are often enjoyed with a cup of hot chocolate, making for a perfect indulgent pairing.

Now, let’s talk about the beloved Canadian creation – the Timbit. These bite-sized donut doughnut holes from Tim Hortons are a staple in the Great White North, and they come in a variety of flavors that will make your taste buds dance with joy.

Donut Doughnut Day Celebrations

On National Donut Doughnut Day, people all over the world come together to celebrate these doughy delights. Bakeries offer special promotions, discounts, and even free donuts doughnuts to spread the joy. It’s a day where we can forget about calories and macronutrients and simply savor the moment.

One popular tradition is the creation of the donut doughnut tower. Imagine a towering stack of donuts doughnuts, tempting you to take a bite out of each sugary layer. It’s a sight to behold, and a challenge for those with a sweet tooth.

Did You Know?

Did you know that the Guinness World Record for the largest box of donuts doughnuts was set in Romania? In 2013, a dazzling display of 1,200 donuts doughnuts took the title, weighing in at a whopping 676 kilograms (1,490 pounds). That’s enough to satisfy even the most insatiable donut doughnut craving!

History behind the term 'Donut Doughnut'

1809

The Origin of the Term

The term 'donut' is believed to have originated in 1809 when Washington Irving mentioned a fried cake in his book 'A History of New York'. This fried cake was described as 'balls of sweetened dough, fried in hog's fat' and was referred to as 'doughnuts.' Irving's use of the term introduced it to a wider audience and is often considered the first known written mention of the term.

1847

Spelling Variation: 'Doughnut'

In 1847, the spelling of 'doughnut' as a single word started to gain popularity. This spelling variation was likely influenced by the pronunciation of the word, emphasizing the 'nut' sound at the end. While both 'donut' and 'doughnut' have been used interchangeably throughout history, 'doughnut' is considered the more traditional and formal spelling, while 'donut' has become the more common variant over time.

1920s

The Rise of the Donut Shops

During the 1920s, the popularity of donuts skyrocketed with the rise of dedicated donut shops. One of the key figures in popularizing donuts was Adolph Levitt, an entrepreneur who invented the first automated donut machine in 1920. This invention allowed for mass production of donuts, making them more accessible to the general public. Donut shops became a social gathering spot, offering a variety of donut flavors and shapes, further fueling the donut craze.

1938

National Donut Day

National Donut Day, celebrated on the first Friday of June each year, has its origins in the Great Depression. The Salvation Army created the holiday in 1938 to honor the women known as 'Donut Lassies' who served doughnuts to soldiers during World War I. Today, National Donut Day is still observed as a way to celebrate the doughnut's history and to raise funds for charity.

1950s

The Donut Renaissance

In the 1950s, the donut experienced a renaissance as the symbol of American culture and consumerism. Donut chains like Dunkin' Donuts and Krispy Kreme started to dominate the market, offering a wide variety of donut flavors and fillings. Donuts became a staple treat for breakfast, and coffee became closely associated with enjoying a donut. The donut had firmly solidified its position as a beloved American food.