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Doughnuts are a popular and beloved pastry made from sweet, fried dough, often shaped as a ring or a filled ball, and adorned with various toppings, glazes, or fillings. The origins of doughnuts trace back through centuries and across cultures, from ancient Native American settlements to the Dutch immigrants in America, each contributing to the doughnut's development. Learning about their history not only sheds light on the ancient traditions of different societies but also highlights the ingenuity and creativity involved in transforming a simple fried dough into an iconic and diverse pastry.
The Early History and Origins of Doughnuts
Fried dough has been a part of culinary traditions worldwide for centuries. Evidence of fried dough consumption can be traced back to ancient Native American settlements, while sweetened fried dough was enjoyed by the Romans and Greeks in antiquity. The doughnut's historical origins are often attributed to Dutch immigrants who arrived in 17th- and 18th-century New York, then known as New Netherland.
These immigrants made fried dough balls known as "olie koeken" or "olykoeks," which translates to "oil cakes." The word "donut" is believed to have Dutch roots, coming from the word "oily cakes" or "dough knots" (oliekoeken or oliekoecken). Dutch settlers brought their tradition of frying balls of sweet dough to America in the 17th century. These early American donuts were often made with nuts or fruit inside.
These early treats closely resembled modern-day doughnuts but lacked the iconic ring shape. Instead, they were filled with fruits and nuts in the centre to ensure even cooking, addressing the issue of the dough in the centre cooking more slowly than the outer portions. Doughnuts, with their Dutch and European roots, were brought to America by early settlers.
It was in the United States that these fried dough treats truly found their identity. In the 19th century, Elizabeth Gregory, the mother of a New England ship captain, is believed to have created the iconic doughnut hole by removing the centre of the dough to ensure even cooking. The term "doughnut" gained popularity during this time as well.
Wartime Association of Doughnuts
The most iconic association of doughnuts with war dates back to World War I and World War II, when the Salvation Army and Red Cross volunteers set up "doughnut huts" near the front lines, where they served freshly fried doughnuts to troops. These simple but heartfelt gestures provided soldiers with a taste of home and a momentary escape from the harsh realities of war, boosting their spirits and offering a sense of comfort.
The term "Donut Dollies" affectionately referred to the women who volunteered to serve these treats, and the image of a soldier enjoying a doughnut and a cup of coffee has become an enduring symbol of wartime solidarity. Doughnuts became an integral part of the wartime experience, showcasing the power of a small indulgence to bring moments of joy and normalcy during challenging times.
The first doughnut machines were invented in the late 19th century, making the production of donuts faster and more consistent. The history of doughnut machines is a testament to innovation in the world of baking. These machines were first introduced in the late 19th century, revolutionising the production of doughnuts. While there were earlier manual methods for creating these sweet treats, it was Adolph Levitt who is often credited with inventing the first automatic doughnut machine in the 1920s.
This innovation streamlined the doughnut-making process, enabling faster and more consistent production. The machine's design allowed for the efficient frying and shaping of doughnuts, giving them their characteristic ring shape. This breakthrough marked a significant milestone in the commercialization and accessibility of doughnuts, ultimately contributing to their widespread popularity and the emergence of doughnut shops and bakeries across the United States and beyond. Today, doughnut machines continue to play a pivotal role in satisfying the world's love for these delectable treats.
From the 1920s to the present day, the commercialization of doughnuts has been a remarkable journey. The introduction of Adolph Levitt's automatic doughnut machine in the 1920s marked a pivotal moment, making doughnut production faster and more consistent. This innovation led to the proliferation of doughnut shops and chains across the United States. In the mid-20th century, iconic brands like Dunkin' Donuts and Krispy Kreme emerged, further popularising doughnuts nationwide. Some of the classic doughnuts that have become bestsellers through the years are:
The Glazed Doughnut
The glazed doughnut is an undisputed classic in the world of pastries, renowned for its simple yet irresistible charm. This iconic doughnut boasts a perfectly round or ring-shaped silhouette, with its surface glistening with a luscious, translucent glaze. The magic of the glazed doughnut lies in its blend of textures and flavours; beneath that smooth, sugary exterior lies a tender, fluffy dough that practically melts in your mouth.
With a hint of sweetness that isn't overpowering, it's the quintessential treat to savour alongside a cup of coffee or as a delightful snack any time of day. Loved for its timeless appeal and universal popularity, the glazed doughnut continues to be a symbol of indulgence and comfort in the world of baked goods.
Custard-Filled and Jelly-Filled Doughnuts
Custard-filled and jelly-filled doughnuts are two delectable variations that bring a burst of flavour and creaminess to the beloved classic. Custard-filled doughnuts feature a soft, pillowy exterior that envelops a velvety and lusciously smooth custard filling, which can vary in flavours like vanilla, chocolate, or even fruit-infused custards. On the other hand, jelly-filled doughnuts, also known as jam doughnuts, boast a tender dough shell that hides a sweet and fruity surprise, typically in the form of vibrant fruit jam or jelly.
These doughnuts provide a delightful contrast between the soft, doughy exterior and the flavourful, gooey interior, making them a favourite among those seeking a satisfying blend of textures and tastes in a single delectable bite. Whether you prefer the creamy richness of custard or the fruity sweetness of jelly, these filled doughnuts are sure to satisfy your cravings for a delightful and indulgent treat.
Chocolate Frosted Doughnuts
Chocolate-frosted doughnuts are a decadent delight that elevates the classic doughnut to a whole new level of indulgence. These heavenly creations start with a base of a soft, fluffy doughnut, often featuring a simple ring or round shape. What makes them truly special is the generous coating of velvety, rich chocolate that enrobes every inch of the doughnut's surface.
Whether it's a glossy dark chocolate, a creamy milk chocolate, or even a white chocolate glaze, the combination of the tender dough and the luscious chocolate shell creates a harmonious union of textures and flavours. Chocolate-covered doughnuts have rightfully earned their place as a beloved favourite among dessert enthusiasts, offering a moment of pure indulgence with every bite.
It's worthy to note that the classic doughnut, with its irresistible combination of deep-fried dough and sweet glaze, has long been a beloved treat worldwide. It was this very love for donuts that spurred pastry chef Dominique Ansel to create the cronut—a groundbreaking fusion of a croissant's flaky, buttery layers and the sweet, round shape of a doughnut. This inventive dessert took the world by storm when it was introduced in 2013, igniting a trend that showcased the immense potential for dessert innovation.
The success of the cronut paved the way for a wave of hybrid desserts, from duffins (donut-muffin hybrids) to cruffins (croissant-muffin hybrids) and beyond. Doughnuts, with their timeless appeal, continue to inspire chefs and bakers to push the boundaries of creativity in the world of sweets, resulting in delightful and unexpected flavour combinations that captivate our taste buds.
