Today is National Donut Day!
My first job was at an ice cream parlor- My second job was at a donut shop. Thus began my lifelong passion for ice cream and donuts!
Naples Florida has no shortage of great bakeries, and there are several establishments that specifically specialize in donuts. My personal favorites are: Airport Donuts, Peace Love & Little Donuts, and Duck Donuts. There’s something undeniably joyful about biting into a fresh donut—whether it’s glazed, frosted, filled with jam, or dusted with sugar. But behind this sweet treat lies a fascinating story that stretches across continents, cultures, and centuries.
Ancient Beginnings: Fried Dough Around the World
The idea of frying dough is ancient and nearly universal. Civilizations from Ancient Rome to China have long enjoyed some variation of fried pastries. Roman cooks, for example, made “globuli,” small balls of dough, made with ricotta cheese, fried in fat and dipped in honey then rolled in poppy seeds. YUM! Similar treats existed in medieval Arabic cuisine, often seasoned with sugar, nuts, or syrup. These early fried doughs were not yet donuts as we know them, but they laid the groundwork for what was to come.
Dutch Influence: Olykoeks in the New World
The modern donut has deep roots in Dutch-American culture. Dutch settlers brought their recipe for “olykoeks,” also known as “oil cakes,” to the New World in the 17th century. These were dense, sweetened balls of dough fried in lard. Because the dough balls often didn’t cook evenly in the center, some bakers began filling the middle with nuts or fruit. I’m thinking this may have been the beginning of calling this fried treat a “Dough-Nut!
History of the hole? A Sea Captain’s Invention?
One popular legend attributes the invention of the donut hole to Hanson Gregory, an American ship captain from Maine. In 1847, frustrated with the undercooked centers of traditional donuts, Gregory supposedly used a tin pepper box to punch a hole in the middle, allowing the dough to cook more evenly. Whether or not this tale is true, by the late 19th century, ring-shaped donuts had become the norm in America.
World War I & the Salvation Army “Doughnut Lassies”
Donuts gained heroic status during World War I when female Salvation Army volunteers, known as “Doughnut Lassies,” served them to American soldiers on the front lines in France. The donuts were fried in soldiers’ helmets over open fires, offering a comforting taste of home. This not only boosted troop morale but also secured the donut’s place in American culture.
The Rise of the Donut Shop
In the 20th century, donuts became an everyday treat thanks to automation and mass production. In 1920, Russian immigrant Adolph Levitt invented the first automated donut machine, which he used to sell hot donuts in New York City. His success helped popularize donuts across the country. By the 1950s, iconic chains like Dunkin’ Donuts (founded in 1950) began to shape the modern donut landscape. These shops offered a wide variety of flavors and styles, often paired with coffee, cementing the donut’s role in American breakfast culture.
Modern Day Donuts
Today, donuts are more diverse and creative than ever. Artisanal donut shops push the boundaries with flavors like lavender honey, sriracha maple bacon, or matcha pistachio. Vegan and gluten-free options have made donuts more inclusive, while social media has turned them into visual (and viral) art. But donuts aren’t just an American passion. From Poland’s custard filled pączki to Japan’s mochi donuts, fried dough has gone global! No matter where you are in the world, there’s a good chance you’ll find a local twist on this universal treat, and we are happy that the demand to good donuts has not been overlooked in our beautiful Naples.
The donut has come a long way from its ancient roots and Dutch colonial origins. It has sailed across oceans, gone to war, embraced innovation, and captured hearts across cultures. Whether you prefer yours filled with jelly, topped with sprinkles, or just plain and warm, every donut is a bite-sized piece of culinary history. So next time you enjoy one, remember: you’re not just eating a sweet snack—you’re tasting centuries of tradition and creativity.
My personal fave is a good old fashioned apple cider cake donut, warm with a scoop of chocolate ice cream!
Do you have a favorite donut memory or flavor? Let me know: Blogger@NaplesREalEstate.com
Thanks and make it a sweet day! 
The Naples Real Estate Blogger
