National Dount Day

A joyful young girl with a beaming smile, holding a colorful donut in a sunny park.. — National dount day illustration

Ah, National Donut Day, a truly glorious celebration of all things sugary, fried, and sprinkled! Prepare to loosen your belt buckle and indulge in the divine deliciousness that is the donut. Get ready for a journey through the history of this delectable treat and discover why it has become a beloved national day.

When is Dount Day?

It's national dount day on the 5th June.

The Origins of National Donut Day

Would you believe me if I told you that National Donut Day has a historical backstory? Well, my friend, it's true! This delightful day actually dates back to the days of World War I. The Salvation Army, bless their philanthropic hearts, wanted to find a way to raise much-needed funds and boost morale for our brave soldiers. So, what better way to do that than with donuts?

During the war, Salvation Army volunteers would fry up thousands of donuts and hand them out to the soldiers on the front lines. These tasty treats provided a comforting taste of home and quickly became a symbol of hope and happiness amidst the chaos of war.

Fast forward to 1938 when the Salvation Army created National Donut Day as a way to honor the women who served donuts to soldiers during the war. Since then, it has become a tradition to celebrate this mouthwatering day each year on the first Friday of June.

The Donut Craze Takes the Internet by Storm

Now, let's talk about the internet's obsession with donuts. I mean, who could resist those perfectly round circles of fried dough, generously coated in glaze and sprinkles? It's not just the taste that has captured hearts (and stomachs), but also the visually stunning nature of these treats. Just take a scroll through your Instagram feed and you're bound to come across a plethora of drool-worthy donut pictures that will make your cravings go into overdrive!

Bloggers and foodies alike have taken it upon themselves to create the most decadent and imaginative donut creations. From cronuts (a heavenly combination of croissants and donuts) to donut ice cream sandwiches, there seems to be no limit to what can be done with these doughy delights.

But let's not forget the classics! The original glazed donut will forever hold a special place in our hearts (and taste buds). Whether you're a fan of the simple glazed delight or a lover of Boston creams or jelly-filled delights, there's a donut out there for everyone.

Did You Know?

Did you know that the largest donut ever made weighed a whopping 1.7 tons? That's equivalent to the weight of two small elephants! This colossal confection was created in 1993 in Utica, New York. I can only imagine the number of sprinkles it took to decorate that behemoth!

History behind the term 'Dount'

1847

Birth of the term 'dount'

The term 'dount' was first used in 1847 by Washington Irving in his satirical novel 'A History of New York'. Irving used the term to describe a fried cake with a hole in the middle, resembling the doughnuts we know today. The term 'dount' is believed to be a contraction of the phrase 'dough-nut', as it is made from dough and has a nut-like shape.

1847

The birth of the term 'doughnut'

The term 'doughnut' first appeared in the English language in 1847. It was derived from the Dutch word 'oliekoek' which means 'oil cake'. The term was used to describe a fried cake made from a sweet dough mixture, typically shaped into a ring or a ball, and then deep-fried until golden brown.

1809

The Birth of the Modern Donut

In 1809, a New York City woman named Elizabeth Gregory created a new type of fried dough by adding nutmeg, cinnamon, and lemon rind to the dough. She then filled the center with hazelnuts or walnuts. These pastries were not fully cooked in the center, but they were an early precursor to the modern donut.

1847

The Donut Gets Its Name

The word 'donut' first appeared in writing in Washington Irving's book 'A History of New York' in 1847. Irving described 'balls of sweetened dough, fried in hog's fat' which he referred to as 'doughnuts'. The term 'doughnut' gradually evolved into 'donut' over time.

1920

The spelling change to 'donut'

In the early 20th century, the term 'dount' underwent a spelling change, transforming into 'donut'. The change is often attributed to the influential cookbook author, Fannie Farmer, who used the term 'donut' in her renowned cookbook 'The Boston Cooking-School Cook Book' published in 1920. The shortened spelling quickly gained popularity and became the more commonly used term.

1920

Simplified to 'donut'

In the 1920s, the term 'doughnut' went through a simplification. The shortened form 'donut' emerged and gained popularity, likely due to its easier pronunciation and spelling. This simplified term became widely used and started appearing in advertisements, menus, and eventually, in everyday language.

1920

The Donut Goes Mainstream

During World War I, female volunteers known as 'Donut Dollies' made and served donuts to American soldiers. This boosted the popularity of donuts and led to soldiers referring to the treats as 'donuts'. Following the war, donut shops started to appear across the United States, solidifying the donut's place in American culture.

1938

The introduction of the 'Dunkin' Donuts' brand

In 1938, a coffee and donut shop named 'Open Kettle' was opened by William Rosenberg in Quincy, Massachusetts. In 1950, Rosenberg renamed the shop 'Dunkin' Donuts' to reflect the popularity of the practice of dunking donuts in coffee. 'Dunkin' Donuts' became a successful brand and played a significant role in popularizing the term 'donut' as the preferred spelling.

1938

The creation of the donut machine

The year 1938 marked a significant milestone in the history of donuts. A man named Adolph Levitt invented the donut machine, revolutionizing the donut-making process. This automated machine allowed for mass production of donuts, making them more accessible to the general public. Levitt's invention quickly led to an increase in donut shops and their popularity.

1993

National Donut Day

National Donut Day, celebrated on the first Friday of June, was established in 1938 by The Salvation Army to honor the 'donut lassies', female volunteers who provided donuts and other comforts to soldiers during World War I. The holiday became an annual tradition and helped further cement the cultural significance of donuts, contributing to their widespread popularity.

1950

The rise of donut chains

In the 1950s, donuts experienced a surge in popularity, thanks to the emergence of donut chains. Chains like Dunkin' Donuts and Krispy Kreme started to proliferate, offering a wide variety of donut flavors and styles. The convenience and affordability of these chains contributed to the widespread love for donuts across the United States and beyond.

1937

The Innovations Keep Rolling In

In 1937, the first modern donut-making machine was invented by an engineer named Russell C. Wendell. This automated machine allowed for mass production of donuts, making them more accessible and affordable. The machine also popularized the ring shape of donuts, leading to the iconic donut shape we know today.

1950s

The Rise of National Donut Day

National Donut Day, celebrated on the first Friday of June, was established in the 1950s by The Salvation Army as a way to honor the 'Donut Dollies' who served soldiers during World War I. Today, National Donut Day is not only a celebration of this beloved pastry but also an opportunity for donut shops to give back to their communities.

21st century

The global donut craze

In the 21st century, donuts have gone through a renaissance, with an explosion of creative and artisanal donut shops across the globe. Unique flavors, extravagant toppings, and intricate designs have taken the humble donut to new heights of popularity. Social media platforms, such as Instagram, have played a significant role in the donut craze by showcasing beautifully crafted and visually appealing donuts, further fueling their cultural impact.

2003

National Donut Day

In 2003, National Donut Day was established to honor the Salvation Army's Donut Lassies, a group of female volunteers who provided donuts and coffee to soldiers during World War I. This delicious holiday is celebrated on the first Friday of June each year, and it has become an opportunity for donut lovers to indulge in their favorite treat and celebrate the rich history of donuts.