National Donut Day

National Doughnut Day History

National Donut Day is celebrated annually to honor the treat that has become an iconic symbol in the world of confectionery: donuts. This observance is celebrated by baking and consuming donuts, as well as enjoying various discounts and promotions from donut shops across the country. Initially created by The Salvation Army in 1938, this celebration aims to recognize the organization’s female volunteers or “Donut Lassies,” who served donuts to soldiers during World War I.

While the origins of National Donut Day are firmly rooted in American military history, donuts have since gained popularity in the UK. The versatility and accessibility of the donut makes them a beloved treat for people from all walks of life. The United Kingdom also has a thriving donut industry, with specialty donut shops and bakers creating variations on the classic sugar-coated ring donut.

In the United Kingdom, National Donut Day is observed on the first Friday in June. It is celebrated by various donut shops, cafes, and bakeries across the country, who offer discounts and promotions to their customers on this day. Some establishments may even offer limited edition flavors or styles of donuts to mark the occasion, making National Donut Day an anticipated event for donut lovers everywhere.

National Donut Day facts

• The word "donut" is an American English variant of "doughnut." The shortened form became popularized by the Dunkin' Donuts chain in the mid-20th century.
• The largest donut ever made was created in 1998 in Utica, New York, USA. It weighed approximately 1.7 tons (3,739 pounds or 1,690 kilograms) and measured 16 feet (4.88 meters) in diameter.
• The origin of the donut shape is credited to a New England ship captain named Hanson Gregory, who in the mid-19th century reportedly removed the dough's center to ensure even cooking.
• One of the earliest known recipes for a doughnut-like treat in the UK is the "Hertfordshire nut," which appears in an 1803 cookbook called "The English Art of Cookery."
• Doughnuts in the UK often have a more bread-like texture than their American counterparts, which tend to be fluffier and lighter. This is due to the difference in recipes and ingredients used.

In the News and Trending in the UK for National Donut Day

Top things to do in the UK for National Donut Day

• Visit your local doughnut store for specials and promotions to celebrate National Doughnut Day. Many doughnut stores offer free doughnuts or specials.
• Try to make your own doughnuts with your favorite toppings, or try new blends of sweet and savory toppings. Some interesting twists include maple bacon doughnut, smoked salmon doughnut and grilled cheese doughnuts!
• Celebrare National Donut Day by preparing one of these donut recipes popular in the UK. Here are our top picks:
  1. Jam Donuts: Classic sugar-coated donuts filled with strawberry or raspberry jam.
  2. Lemon Curd Donuts: Donuts filled with tangy lemon curd and dusted with powdered sugar.
  3. Cronuts: A croissant-donut pastry, featuring layers of flaky dough and filled with cream or other sweet fillings.
• Visit your local Krispy Kreme or Dunkin' Donuts, as bakeries often have special offers or giveaways for National Donut Day in the UK.