National Doughnut Or Donut Day

A happy young person enjoying a glazed doughnut, wearing a retro-inspired outfit, in a vibrant bakery filled with colorful doughnuts.. — National doughnut or donut day illustration

Ah, National Doughnut Day, a delightful occasion that brings a sprinkle of joy to our lives! This sugar-coated celebration has a fascinating history and a delicious present. So grab your favorite pastry and let's dive into the deep-fried world of doughnuts!

When is Doughnut Or Donut Day?

It's national doughnut or donut day on the 5th June.

A Glazed Journey: The Origins of National Doughnut Day

Like a warm, freshly-made doughnut, National Doughnut Day has a rich and satisfying history. It all began during World War I when the 'Salvation Army Doughnut Girls' would serve doughnuts to the American soldiers on the front lines. These sweet treats provided comfort and a taste of home during challenging times.

The popularity of doughnuts continued to rise, and in 1938, the Salvation Army declared the first Friday of June as National Doughnut Day as a way to raise funds for those in need. Since then, doughnut lovers across the nation have eagerly awaited this delectable day.

The Sweet Tradition Continues: Celebrating National Doughnut Day Today

Today, National Doughnut Day is a true feast for the senses. People from all walks of life come together to indulge in this delightful pastry, whether it's a classic glazed variety or an innovative creation with surprising fillings and toppings.

Marked by special deals, free doughnut promotions, and community events, this sugary celebration brings loved ones closer while satisfying their sweet tooth cravings. With each bite, we honor the history and the heartwarming tradition behind this beloved national day. So grab a box of doughnuts and spread the happiness!

History behind the term 'Doughnut Or Donut'

1803

Invention of the term 'doughnut'

The term 'doughnut' first appeared around 1803. It is believed to have been coined by an American, Hanson Crockett Gregory, who was a sailor. Legend has it that Gregory didn't like the texture of the raw center of traditional deep-fried pastries, so to solve this problem, he decided to remove the center, creating what we now know as the doughnut. The term 'doughnut' was used to describe the new creation due to its shape and the fact that it was made from dough.

1809

The Genesis of the Fritter

The history of the doughnut dates back to 1809 when an American writer Washington Irving mentioned 'doughnuts' in his book The History of New York. However, these early doughnuts were not ring-shaped like the ones we know today. Instead, they were round balls of dough, similar to fritters, fried in oil.

1809

The Birth of the 'Dough Nut'

The term 'doughnut' is believed to have originated in the United States in 1809. It is attributed to Washington Irving, the famous American author, who mentioned 'doughnuts' in his satirical history book 'A History of New-York from the Beginning of the World to the End of the Dutch Dynasty.' However, the exact reason for this term is still uncertain.

1809

The Birth of the Term 'Doughnut'

The term 'doughnut' was first recorded in Washington Irving's satirical work 'A History of New York.' In this book, Irving spoke of 'doughnuts' as small pieces of fried dough, likening them to the treats Dutch settlers used to make.

1809

The Fried Cake

The term 'doughnut' originated around this time, but it was spelled as 'dough-nut'. It referred to a type of fried cake made from dough and was first mentioned in Washington Irving's book 'A History of New York'.

1803

The Birth of the Term 'Doughnut'

The term 'doughnut' first appeared in Washington Irving's book 'A History of New York' in 1803. Irving used the term to describe small, sweet cakes fried in pork fat, which were known as 'doughnuts' due to their doughy and nut-like shape.

1847

The Birth of the Donut

The term 'donut' originated in the United States in the mid-19th century. A woman named Elizabeth Gregory from New England made small, sweet cakes with a hole in the middle using a tin pepper pot. Legend has it that she created the hole to ensure the cakes cooked evenly. Her son, Captain Hanson Gregory, claimed to have invented the ring-shaped doughnut we know today in 1847 when he stuck a cinnamon stick through the middle of his mother's cakes to prevent them from turning soggy at sea.

1829

Shortened Name

In 1829, the term 'doughnut' was shortened to 'donut' when it appeared in a recipe in 'The Boston Cooking-School Cookbook'. This new spelling gained popularity over the years.

1847

Hansen Gregory's Innovative Creation

In 1847, a sailor named Hansen Gregory created the iconic ring-shaped doughnut we are familiar with today. The story goes that Gregory wanted a more practical and evenly cooked doughnut, so he punched a hole in the center of the dough using the ship's tin pepper box. This innovation allowed the dough to cook more evenly and created the classic shape we know and love.

1847

The Emergence of 'Donut'

The alternative spelling 'donut' first appeared in a cookbook published in 1847 by an American author named Elizabeth Gregory. Her cookbook, 'The New England Cookery,' contained a recipe for 'dow nuts' which were round cakes with a hole in the center. It is speculated that 'dow nuts' eventually evolved into the more commonly used term 'donut'.

1847

Hanson Gregory's Ingenious Idea

Hanson Gregory, an American ship captain, claimed to have created the modern doughnut shape. Dissatisfied with the doughy centers of the treats, he decided to use a tin pepper can to remove the center. This innovation allowed the doughnuts to cook more evenly, giving rise to the classic ring shape we know today.

1840

Donut gains popularity

The term 'doughnut' gradually evolved into the shorter and more colloquial term 'donut' around the 1840s. The shift in spelling is often attributed to a man named Elizabeth Gregory. She was the mother of a ship captain who would make deep-fried pastries for her son's voyages. To make it easier for him to eat aboard the ship, she began shaping the dough into a ring, which became very popular. As the term 'doughnut' spread, the shortened version 'donut' eventually gained widespread usage.

1931

The Rise of the 'Donut'

The term 'donut' gained significant popularity in 1931 when the 'Donut Corporation of America' was founded. This corporation was established to promote and standardize the production of donuts across the United States. Their goal was to create a consistent product and establish a recognizable brand, leading to the widespread use of the term 'donut' in American culture.

1847

Ring-Shaped Donut

Hanson Gregory, a 16-year-old sailor from Maine, claimed to have invented the ring-shaped donut in 1847. He punched a hole in the center of the dough to ensure that the donut would cook evenly and have a consistent shape.

1920s

The Rise of the 'Donut'

During the 1920s, the term 'donut' started gaining popularity as an abbreviated version of 'doughnut.' The spelling change was likely influenced by a desire for simplicity and efficiency. The shortened version quickly made its way into popular usage.

1920

The Commercialization of Doughnuts

During the 1920s, doughnuts became increasingly popular and began to be produced on a larger scale. The first doughnut machines were introduced, making mass production possible. Famous doughnut shops like Dunkin' Donuts and Krispy Kreme emerged during this time, fueling the commercialization and widespread availability of doughnuts.

1931

Dunkin' Donuts introduces the donut

In 1931, a man named William Rosenberg opened the first Dunkin' Donuts shop in Quincy, Massachusetts. This marked the introduction of the donut as a popular sweet treat. Rosenberg saw the potential in selling donuts alongside coffee and created a successful chain of stores specializing in these delectable pastries. Dunkin' Donuts played a significant role in popularizing and cementing the term 'donut' in American culture.

1920s

The Donut Spreads Across America

During the 1920s, doughnuts gained popularity across the United States. They were commonly sold in bakeries, fairs, and circuses. The Salvation Army is particularly credited for popularizing doughnuts by serving them to soldiers during World War I. The volunteers, known as 'doughnut girls,' provided countless doughnuts to boost morale and provide comfort to the soldiers.

1930s

The Advent of 'Donut'

In the 1930s, the term 'donut' started gaining popularity as an abbreviation of 'doughnut.' It is believed that the shortened spelling emerged due to advertising constraints and the desire for a simpler and catchier name. The shortened version quickly caught on and became widely used, coexisting with the original term 'doughnut.'

1950s

The Simplification to 'Donut'

During the 1950s, the simplified spelling 'donut' began to be widely adopted. This change was partly influenced by the rise of commercialization and branding efforts within the donut industry. The shorter spelling made it easier for companies to create eye-catching logos and advertisements. While 'doughnut' is still considered the correct spelling, 'donut' has become the more commonly used term in everyday language.

1930s

Enter the Doughnut Chains

The 1930s saw the rise of doughnut chains that introduced mass production and standardized recipes, making doughnuts more accessible to the general public. One such chain was Krispy Kreme, which started in 1937. Their signature glazed doughnuts quickly became a favorite among customers.

1920s

American Donut Culture

Donuts gained significant popularity in the United States in the 1920s when the Salvation Army provided donuts to American soldiers during World War I. This act of kindness helped establish donuts as a symbol of American culture.

1940s

Donut gains international recognition

During World War II, American soldiers were introduced to donuts through the Salvation Army, who served them to boost morale and provide comfort. The soldiers loved these sweet treats, and as they returned home, they brought the donut's popularity with them. This led to the worldwide recognition and adoption of the term 'donut' as a universally understood name for this delicious pastry.

1937

The National Doughnut Dunking Contest

In 1937, the Salvation Army held the National Doughnut Dunking Contest to help raise awareness and funds for those struggling during the Great Depression. This event further solidified the connection between doughnuts and American culture, establishing them as a beloved treat across the nation.

1933

National Donut Day

National Donut Day was established in 1933 by the Salvation Army to honor the women who served donuts to soldiers during World War I. This day is now celebrated on the first Friday of June each year.

1950s

The Donut Shop Boom

During the 1950s, donut shops began to flourish across the United States. Entrepreneurs recognized the profitability of these sweet treats, and chains such as Dunkin' Donuts and Krispy Kreme rapidly gained popularity. These establishments became staples in American communities, serving fresh donuts to eager customers.

1950s

The Donut Gets a Makeover

In the 1950s, the donut took on a more colorful and creative form. Bakeries started experimenting with various toppings, fillings, and shapes. The era of the jelly-filled, cream-filled, and frosted donuts began, captivating the taste buds and imagination of donut lovers.

Present

Donut's enduring appeal and varieties

Today, donuts are a beloved and iconic treat enjoyed worldwide. They come in various shapes, flavors, and decorations, with countless creative variations. From classic glazed donuts to gourmet artisanal creations, donuts have become a symbol of indulgence and comfort. The term 'donut' has firmly established itself in the English language, embraced by people of all ages and cultural backgrounds.

World War I & II

Doughnuts for a Cause

During both World Wars, doughnuts played a significant role in raising the morale of soldiers. The Salvation Army's Doughnut Girls, who volunteered at military canteens, provided fresh doughnuts as a comforting treat for soldiers on the front lines. This association with wartime support and comfort solidified the cultural significance of doughnuts in American history.

1980s

National Doughnut Day

National Doughnut Day was established by the Salvation Army in the 1930s, but it gained renewed attention in the 1980s. This annual holiday, celebrated on the first Friday of June, honors the historical significance of doughnuts and the Salvation Army's contribution. It also serves as a delightful opportunity for people to indulge in these delightful treats.

2003

National Donut Day

In 2003, the first Friday of June was officially designated as National Donut Day in the United States to honor the 'doughnut girls' who served soldiers during World War I. This tradition continues to celebrate the deliciousness of donuts and their historical significance.

1950s

Mass Production and Innovation

In the 1950s, donuts became more accessible through mass production and new innovations such as the introduction of the donut-making machine. This led to the rise of popular donut chains and the availability of a wide variety of flavors and styles.

Did you know?

Did you know that the largest doughnut ever made weighed a whopping 1.7 tons? It was crafted in 1993 in Utica, New York. That's one doughnut you definitely can't dunk in your coffee!