The warm, sugar-coated crust of a doughnut never disappoints. This simple treat is a staple breakfast and snack. But did you know that the beloved munchie has roots in America’s immigrant past and even in the World War? Check out this definitive article to learn the obscure history of doughnuts facts that have been buried under the dough. 

What is a doughnut, anyway?

Like any great food, the concept of frying dough in oil is not specific to any country or region. In Ancient Rome, cooks used to prepare pastry strips and cover them in sweet or savory toppings. Meanwhile, locals would dip fried pastries into sugary syrups in the Middle East.

However, it was the Dutch pastry olykoeks that shaped the history of doughnuts in America. Known as “oily cakes,” these pastries are fried in lard and served with sweet flavors such as sugar. Dutch settlers in New York introduced the treat to the local palette, where eating it became a well-loved pastime for many. 

Over time, the tradition of eating the confection spread to Dutch tea parties and other gatherings, where the treat earned a name for itself. 

According to the Smithsonian Magazine, a certain Elizabeth Gregory aboard a New England ship made fried dough and tossed walnuts in the center, where it might not cook all the way through. Hence, the name doughnut was born.

Meanwhile, Gregory’s son, Hanson, claimed credit for creating the iconic ring shape. However, accounts on how exactly he thought of transforming the dough vary. Some accounts say that he stuck the dough in the steering wheel, while others mentioned he used a tin can to produce a small hole at the center. Whatever the case, doughnuts became a crowd favorite quickly. 

More than fried bread

The history of doughnuts also proves that the pastry is more than a piece of bread. Its heritage traces back cultures from the century of progress to the plight of military men during the First World War.

Millions of American infantrymen in the war, nicknamed doughboys, felt homesick in French land. To alleviate this, volunteer women served doughnuts to the men, boosting morale and giving them a familiar taste of home.

When the men came back from the war, they carried the cravings of doughnuts with them. 

By the 20s, doughnuts became a staple food. Alex Levitt, a Russian-born pastry maker, invented the very first donut machine. He sold doughnuts near theater establishments, and his invention and treats became an instant hit with the locals. While the doughnuts were delicious, the production process quickly became the star of the show. 

Levitt’s invention went on to make him a whopping $25 million a year. And as his invention grew more and more refined, so did his doughnuts. In the 1934 World’s Fair in Chicago, the doughnuts were hailed as the “food hit of the Century of Progress.” 

The modern doughnut

The history of doughnuts remains a timeless story of innovation and the mix of culture – basically the Great American story. That might explain why doughnuts are a quintessential American bite today. Large chain stores like Krispy Kreme and Dunkin’ Donuts dominate mainstream consumption of the sweet treat. But this hasn’t stopped pop-up specialty stores from making donuts with special flavors and bright new colors. 

It’s not surprising to see different types of doughnuts being sold at stores now. Doughnut rings, doughnut bites, round doughnuts, even doughnut hybrids like cronuts are all the rage.

At a time full of trends, it’s comforting to think that doughnuts were once the great food invention of the century. The next time you pass by a doughnut shop, remember that these sweet treats are anything but ordinary.

For other stories, read more here at Owner’s Mag!