National Cream-Filled Donut Day

The story

The doughnut, originating with Dutch settlers in the 19th century, has a history dating back to 1808 when the term ”doughnut“ was first recorded. These fried pastries come in two main types: ring doughnuts and the celebrated filled doughnuts. Filled doughnuts, featuring injected fillings like cream, fruit preserves, or custard, have become a cherished variation.

Cream-filled doughnuts boast a diverse array of flavors, from classics like vanilla and chocolate to exotic choices like Nutella, espresso, and fluffernutter cream. The Boston cream doughnut, filled with vanilla custard and glazed with chocolate icing, holds the title of Massachusetts's official doughnut since 2003. National Cream-Filled Doughnut Day invites enthusiasts to explore the diverse world of cream-filled delights at local bakeries.

Popular choices include Boston Cream, Bavarian Cream, Lemon Cream, and Fluffernutter Cream, offering a variety to suit different tastes. The evolution of cream-filled doughnuts is intertwined with the broader history of traditional donuts. Dutch colonists brought ”olykoeks“ or oily cakes to New Amsterdam (now New York City) in the 17th century, laying the foundation for donuts.

The first recorded donut recipe appeared in a cookbook in 1803, marking the beginning of their journey. The distinctive ring shape of donuts, as recognized today, emerged in the mid-19th century when ship captain Hanson Gregory punched a hole in the traditionally dense donut, ensuring thorough cooking and creating the light, fluffy texture we associate with these pastries. The evolution continued as Elizabeth Gregory, inspired by her son's innovation, filled the center with a delightful mixture of hazelnuts or walnuts, establishing the groundwork for cream-filled donuts.