Few things in life are as simple and satisfying as biting into a warm, freshly glazed ring donut. With its perfectly golden crust and pillowy soft centre, the ring donut has become a timeless treat that’s beloved across the globe. But behind that delightful bite lies a rich history and some surprisingly fun facts. So, grab a cuppa, sit back, and dive into these 10 tasty facts about the classic ring donut.
1. A Sweet Origin Story
The origins of the ring donut are a bit of a mystery, with multiple stories competing for the crown. One of the most popular tales credits American sea captain Hanson Gregory with inventing the hole-in-the-middle version in the mid-19th century. Gregory reportedly used a tin pepper box to punch a hole in the dough to help it fry more evenly. Others say donuts evolved from Dutch settlers’ “olykoeks” (literally, “oil cakes”), which were sweet, fried dough balls.
Fun Fact: The hole in the centre isn’t just for aesthetics—it helps the dough cook evenly, preventing a raw, doughy middle.
2. The Science of the Perfect Ring
Creating the perfect ring donut is both an art and a science. From mixing the dough to frying at the precise temperature, every step matters. Yeast doughs give us those light, airy donuts, while cake doughnuts (spelled with the American “doughnut”, which you can learn more about here) are denser and more crumbly. When frying, the oil must be just the right temperature—typically around 180°C—to achieve that golden exterior and soft, melt-in-your-mouth interior.
Fun Fact: Over-fry your donuts, and they’ll absorb too much oil, leading to greasy bites. Fry them at too low a temperature, and they won’t have the crispy outside we all love.
3. Donuts and National Holidays
If you’re a donut lover, you probably know about National Donut Day. Celebrated on the first Friday of June, this sugary holiday began in the US during World War I. The Salvation Army “Donut Lassies” would serve donuts to soldiers on the front lines, and the tradition stuck. Today, many donut shops around the world celebrate by offering free or discounted treats.
Fun Fact: On National Donut Day, millions of donuts are consumed worldwide, making it one of the most indulgent foodie celebrations of the year.
4. Global Variations of the Donut
While the ring donut might be a global favourite, other countries have their own versions of fried dough. In Spain, churros are a popular street snack, often dipped in thick hot chocolate. Italians enjoy bomboloni, which are stuffed with cream or jam. In Poland, paczki are jelly-filled delights enjoyed during Carnival season.
Fun Fact: Despite all these variations, the classic ring donut remains one of the most recognisable shapes, symbolising the simple pleasure of fried dough.
5. The Rise of Gourmet Donuts
Move over plain glazed—gourmet donuts are having a moment. Artisanal donut shops are popping up everywhere, offering creative flavours like matcha, maple bacon, and even boozy concoctions. Toppings range from classic sprinkles to edible gold leaf, turning a humble donut into a gourmet experience.
Fun Fact: One of the world’s most expensive donuts was created by a New York bakery, priced at £1,000. It was covered in 24-carat gold and filled with Cristal champagne jelly.
6. Donuts and Pop Culture
Donuts have cemented their place in pop culture. From Homer Simpson’s iconic pink-frosted snack to the stereotype of police officers with a coffee and donut in hand, these treats are everywhere in film and TV. In fact, “The Simpsons” made the pink-frosted donut with sprinkles a global icon.
Fun Fact: Famous donut lovers include singer Harry Styles and actor Robert Downey Jr. Both have been spotted indulging in their sweet tooth for this fried favourite!
7. The Nutritional Reality (Guilty Pleasure Alert!)
We all know donuts aren’t exactly health food, but just how guilty should you feel? A typical glazed ring donut contains about 200–300 calories. While it’s definitely a treat, it’s perfectly fine in moderation. Plus, you’re getting a little joy along with the sugar!
Fun Fact: The calorie count skyrockets with filled or gourmet donuts, sometimes pushing past 500 calories for just one decadent bite.
8. Donut Competitions and Record-Breakers
From giant donuts to speed-eating contests, donuts are at the heart of many quirky competitions. In 2014, a bakery in Texas created the world’s largest donut, which weighed over 1.7 tonnes! Competitive eating challenges also feature donuts, with contestants devouring dozens in just minutes.
Fun Fact: The record for the most donuts eaten in 3 minutes is 9, set by professional eater Yasir Salem in 2017.
9. DIY Donut Fun: Make Your Own
Why not try your hand at making ring donuts at home? With just a few simple ingredients—flour, sugar, yeast, and milk—you can whip up your own batch of delicious donuts. Once fried, customise them with glazes, sprinkles, or fillings of your choice.
Fun Fact: Making donuts at home is a fun family activity, and you can experiment with endless flavour combinations. Ever tried a lavender glaze or chai-spiced sugar coating?
10. The Future of Donuts: What’s Next?
The donut world continues to evolve, with more options catering to modern dietary preferences. Vegan and gluten-free donuts are becoming more common, and plant-based ingredients are sneaking into the mix. Expect to see even more innovative flavours, healthier alternatives, and creative toppings in the coming years.
Fun Fact: Some donut shops are experimenting with savoury flavours, like cheese and herbs, as a twist on the traditional sweet treat.
From its humble origins to its place in pop culture, the ring donut has remained a beloved treat for generations. Whether you prefer yours plain, glazed, or filled with gourmet toppings, there’s no denying the irresistible appeal of this simple yet iconic confection. So, next time you take a bite, remember you’re enjoying a piece of sweet history.
What’s your favourite donut flavour? Share your thoughts and any fun donut-related stories in the comments below, and don’t forget to treat yourself to a donut today—you deserve a bite of bliss!