Donuts: America’s Favourite Street Food

Donuts, also known as doughnuts, have a spcial place in American street food culture in the heart. These sweet delicacies, either perfectly fried or baked, come in so many shapes, sizes, and flavors that they are quite impossible to resist for any person at any age. From very traditional glazed to innovative maple bacon and matcha green tea creations. Doughnuts are much more than a simple sweet pastry, they speak to indulgence and comfort.

How Donuts Became Famous Street Food Across the USA?

This fondness of Americans for this street food began with the donuts way back in the early 19th century. Their origin traces back to the Dutch, who brought along with them to America a recipe for olykoeks, literally meaning “oily cakes.” These very basic creations, like simple rings of fried dough, became the first donuts. It made its way to the United States and was further developed.

The modern donut became popular in the 1930s when Adolf Levitt introduced the first automated donut machine. This invention made the price very affordable, and soon enough, the donut became available to all people, reaching almost every shop and food truck across the nation.

It provided the convenience of ease and sweet appeal that made the dessert a staple in American cuisine, perfect for a quick breakfast or sweet snack on the go.

Also Read: 8 Unhealthy Hotel Breakfast: Unhealthy Complementary Foods

National Donuts Day: A Sweet Celebration

National Donuts Day is celebrated on the first Friday in June to pay homage to Salvation Army’s “Doughnut Lassies,” who used to treat soldiers with donuts during World War I. It is celebrated by their service and the happy vibes donuts get into many lives worldwide.

Across the USA, many donut shops offer free donuts and other events to create this day of indulgence and community spirit.

Variations of Donuts in the USA and Around the World

In the USA:

• Glazed Donuts: The quintessential American donut, glazed with a sweet, shiny icing.
• Jelly-Filled Donuts: A classic treat filled with fruit preserves or jelly, offering a burst of flavour in every bite.
• Boston Cream Donuts: Filled with creamy custard and topped with chocolate icing, a delightful combination of flavours.
• Cake Donuts: It made with a thicker batter, which have a denser texture and are often sprinkled with sugar or glazed.

Around the World:

• Cronuts (France): A hybrid of a croissant and a donut, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
• Sufganiyot (Israel): Jelly-filled donuts traditionally eaten during Hanukkah.
• Korean Hotteok: Sweet pancakes filled with brown sugar, honey, and chopped peanuts, often served warm.
• Mexican Churros: Fried dough pastries coated in cinnamon sugar, often served with a chocolate dipping sauce.

Best and Easy Homemade Recipe for Fluffy Donuts

Required Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup warm milk (110°F)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• Oil for frying

Best Homemade Donuts Recipe Step by Step:

1. Activate the Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon sugar. Let it rest for about 5 minutes until frothy.
2. Mix the Dough: Now mix the remaining sugar, salt, eggs, melted butter, and flour with the yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough: Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth. Put the dough into a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
4. Shape the Donuts: Roll out dough to 1/2-inch thickness. Cut it using a donut cutter or two round cutters. Rest them again for 30 more minutes.
5. Fry: Heat the oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 375°F. Use a cookie scoop or by spoonfuls, drop the dough into the hot oil a few at a time. Fry 1-2 minutes per side or until golden brown and drain on paper towels.
6. Glaze or topping: Dip the warm donuts in your preferred glaze or dust with powdered sugar. Enjoy! 😋😋😋🍩

Making Donuts Gluten-Free and Healthier

Follow all the recipe as i describe above, but substitute all with gluten-free flour.

Deep fry and glaze as usual, or use healthier toppings like dark chocolate drizzle or a dusting of coconut sugar.

Healthier Options:

• Use Whole Grain Flour: Substitute part of the all-purpose flour with whole grain flour to increase its fiber content.
• Less Sugar: Replace sugar content in glaze with honey or maple syrup.
• Bake rather than Deep Frying: For a healthy one, bake these doughnuts in a preheated oven at 375°F for 10 to 12 minutes until golden brown.

Total Nutritional Facts of Donuts

Nutritional Information (per standard donut, approximately 60g):

FAQs

How do I store homemade donuts?

Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Freeze them in a sealed bag for up to 1 month for longer storage.

Can you make donuts without a donut cutter?

Yes! Use a round cookie cutter or even a clean empty can to cut out donut shapes. Or you can shape the dough into balls to just make donut holes.

Are donuts vegan?

Yes. Just replace the egg with flaxseed meal or applesauce, and use non-dairy milk and butter .

How do I make doughnuts healthier without ruining the flavor?

Mix in whole grain flour, less sugar, and bake instead of deep-frying. You could also try healthier toppings, like yoghurt or fresh fruit.