National Glazed Doughnut Day

Person holding a glazed doughnut with icing dripping, wearing a chef's hat, colorful bakery background.. — National glazed doughnut day illustration

Good morning doughnut lovers! Get ready to sink your teeth into a sweet, sugary delight because today is National Glazed Doughnut Day! This delightful occasion celebrates the iconic treat that has made mouths water and waistlines expand for generations. So put on your stretchy pants and grab a cup of coffee, because we're about to dive headfirst into the delicious history of glazed doughnuts!

When is Glazed Doughnut Day?

It's national glazed doughnut day on the 12th January.

The Glazed Doughnut: A Sweet History

Whether you call them doughnuts, donuts, or 'toroids of pure joy,' there's no denying that these sugary confections have become an integral part of our gastronomic culture. And the glazed doughnut, with its shiny exterior and melt-in-your-mouth texture, reigns supreme as the kingpin of doughnut-dom.

The Birth of Glazed Goodness

Legend has it that the glazed doughnut was first created by an ingenious Dutch baker in the 17th century. Seeking a way to preserve the freshness of his doughnuts, he came up with the idea of dipping them in a sweet, sugary glaze that would act as a protective coating. Genius, right?

A Hole-y Union

It wasn't until the late 19th century that the doughnuts we know and love today truly took shape. It was during this time that a ship captain's mother was making fried cakes, and to prevent an undercooked center, she decided to remove the dough from the center, creating the iconic 'hole in the middle.' And just like that, the modern doughnut, complete with its signature ring shape, was born.

Glazed Doughnuts Take the Spotlight

The 20th century saw the rise of doughnut shops and bakeries across the globe. And amongst the vast array of flavors and fillings, the classic glazed doughnut emerged as a timeless favorite. Its simplicity, coupled with its delectable sweetness, made it a hit with doughnut aficionados of all ages.

A Day to Savor

Fast forward to the present day, and we find ourselves celebrating National Glazed Doughnut Day. It's a day to indulge in the heavenly combination of fluffy dough and a sugary glaze that tantalizes taste buds like no other. So whether you prefer your glazed doughnut with a cup of coffee, a glass of milk, or simply by itself, take a moment to savor this ultimate treat.

History behind the term 'Glazed Doughnut'

1665

The first recorded mention

The term 'glazed doughnut' is believed to have originated in 1665 when a cookbook called 'The Whole Duty of a Woman' was published in London, England. In this cookbook, a recipe for a 'glazed nutmeg cake' was featured, which is considered to be one of the earliest references to a glazed doughnut-like pastry.

1809

The arrival in America

The term 'glazed doughnut' reached America in 1809 when Washington Irving mentioned 'fried cakes in a delicious brown gravy' in his satirical work, 'A History of New York.' Although not explicitly referred to as 'glazed doughnuts,' this mention suggests the early presence and popularity of a similar treat.

1847

The emergence of the Olykoek

In 1847, an early precursor to the modern doughnut called the 'olykoek' gained popularity in America. 'Olykoek' loosely translates to 'oil cake' in Dutch and these doughnuts were fried in pork fat and often coated with a sticky sugar glaze. This development marked a significant step towards the creation of the glazed doughnut we know today.

1920s

The birth of the modern glazed doughnut

During the 1920s, doughnut machines were invented, revolutionizing the production of doughnuts. The machines made it easier to create consistent round doughnuts with a perfect texture. This innovation, coupled with the increasing popularity of doughnuts, set the stage for the widespread adoption of the glazed doughnut as a staple sweet treat.

1930s

The golden age of doughnut shops

The 1930s witnessed the rise of doughnut shops across America, often referred to as 'doughnuteries,' allowing the glazed doughnut to firmly establish itself as a beloved delicacy. These dedicated establishments offered a variety of doughnut flavors, including the iconic glazed option.

1950s

Krispy Kreme and the glazed doughnut empire

In the 1950s, Krispy Kreme, the famous doughnut chain, rose to prominence and played an instrumental role in popularizing the glazed doughnut worldwide. Krispy Kreme's signature Original Glazed doughnut became a sensation due to its light texture, melt-in-your-mouth sweetness, and the irresistible appeal of its freshly glazed golden exterior.

Did you know?

Did you know that the largest glazed doughnut ever made weighed a whopping 3,739 pounds? That's like having an entire bakery on your plate! It was created in Utica, New York, in 1993, and measured a massive 16 feet in diameter. Talk about a doughnut that takes the cake (or is it doughnut?)!