Welcome to our series sharing Food Holidays: September 13th, 2022. Did you know today is National Cream-Filled Doughnut Day? David is off this morning and Charlie has been asking for Doughnuts so I think I will send David to get us some. I will pass on Cream-Filled Doughnuts. I know Charlie will pass as well. While I could see David having a Cream-Filled Doughnut. Would you like to join David in a cup of Coffee and a Cream-Filled Doughnut?
National Cream-Filled Doughnut Day
HISTORY OF NATIONAL CREAM FILLED DONUT DAY
The Donut as we know it came about around the Seventeenth Century in New Amsterdam but did not yet take their current ring shape. During this time, balls of baked Dough were eaten in Europe, and sometimes these balls were filled with Jam. Dutch Colonists of New Amsterdam had what they called “Olykoeks,” which translated to “Oily Cakes.” The name doesn’t sound appetizing, they were a customary treat for the Dutch.
In the middle of the Nineteenth Century, the ship captain Hansen Gregory and his mother Elizabeth Gregory made a wicked deep-fried Dough and used the spice cargo of Nutmeg, Cinnamon, used Lemon Rinds as ingredients, and stored these Pastries for long voyages. It was believed that Elizabeth Gregory Pastries helped fight Scurvy and the cold and Elizabeth Gregory put Hazelnuts or Walnuts in the center of the Dough, calling them Donuts. In 1847, Hansen is said to be the one responsible for the round Donut with the hole in the middle.
While the person responsible for first injecting Cream inside of the Donuts isn’t known, this culinary decision blossomed in the middle of the Nineteenth Century. Molded desserts and Charlottes were eaten during this time and Apple, and other Fruits that were put inside desserts were replaced with Cream instead. Some have attributed this to the French Chef Careme, and his idea started a Cream trend as more people experimented with Pastries.
Today, there is a wide assortment of Creams used in Donuts and many baked good stores centered on Donuts specifically. Donuts have become a customary part of our eating habits, consuming Donuts for breakfast or on the go. It’s customary for people to bring Donuts in to work to place coworkers in a good mood. The Donut company Krispy Kreme even has “Cream” in its name, proving that Cream and Donuts go hand in hand.
HOW TO CELEBRATE NATIONAL CREAM FILLED DONUT DAY
- The best way to celebrate National Cream-Filled Donut Day is by having your favorite Cream-filled Donuts. There are plenty to choose from including Boston Cream, Strawberry Cream, and more. Try out various flavors and see if you can’t find one you’ll fall in love with.
- While most people enjoy Donuts, they’re not usually the focal point of an occasion. Let them take the spotlight and put together a spread of interestingly flavored Donuts for all of your friends to enjoy. If someone isn’t a fan of the Cream, be sure to include the ring-shaped Donuts as a substitute with an array of toppings like Fudge or Sprinkles to choose from.
- A surefire way to ensure that you’ll love your Cream-filled Donut is by creating one yourself. You’ll need Dry Yeast, Whole Milk, All-Purpose Flour, Granulated Sugar, Kosher Salt, Eggs, Unsalted Butter, and your favorite flavor of Cream.
5 INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT NATIONAL CREAM FILLED DONUT DAY
- The excess of leftover Dough can be made into Donut Holes and filled with Cream.
- Jelly-filled Donuts are one of the most popular flavors of Donuts.
- Krispy Kreme has 25 flavors of Donuts ranging from the classics to Chocolate Cake and Crullers.
- Washington Irving’s gothic story “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” has one of the earliest literary mentions of Donuts.
- Despite having “Donut” in its name, Dunkin’ Donuts Coffee is popular in its own right.
WHY PEOPLE LOVE NATIONAL CREAM FILLED DONUT DAY
- The Donuts that are traditionally referenced in media and in real life are the ring-sized Donuts and Cream-filled Donuts are often forgotten about. On National Cream-Filled Donut Day, they can finally have their time to shine.
- It’s surprising how many flavors of Cream there are to try out and that alone makes Cream-filled Donuts worthy of respect.
- The best part of this holiday is that participating Donut Shops have special promotions for Cream-filled Donuts, inviting you to have your favorite or try something new.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
