A Sweet Legacy Through the Ages
The earliest known ancestor of the doughnut dates back to Roman times, when simple flour-and-milk dough, known as globuli—was fried and drizzled with honey and poppy seeds. Over centuries, this humble treat travelled across borders, adapting to local ingredients and techniques, becoming a staple in festive traditions worldwide.
In 17th-century Vienna, pastry chef Caecilia Krapfen reimagined the Roman globuli into a carnival delicacy: airy dough filled with apricot marmalade and dusted with powdered sugar. Known today as Faschingskrapfen, these Viennese doughnuts remain a beloved treat during carnival season.
Doughnuts Around the World
Every culture has its own interpretation of the doughnut:
- 🇵🇱 Poland – Pączki, pillowy and often filled with jam
- 🇮🇹 Italy – Zeppole, chiacchiere, cenci, or sfrappole, in varied shapes
- 🇫🇷 France – Beignets, with a delicate crispness
- 🇪🇸 Spain & Latin America – Churros, extruded and served with hot chocolate
- 🇩🇪 Germany – Krapfen in the south, Berliner elsewhere
- 🇲🇾 Malaysia – Kaya balls, filled with coconut jam
- 🇺🇸 United States – Ring-shaped doughnuts, iconic and celebrated with their own holiday: National Donut Day, observed on the first Friday of Jun
Keys to Perfect Doughnuts
Key factors for flawless doughnuts include:
- High-quality flour with 11–13% protein for ideal texture
- Expertarom’s premium fillings and creams, offering endless possibilities for innovation
- Attractive coatings with vibrant colours and textures to elevate visual appeal
- Proper fermentation at 32–35°C for uniform rising
- Precise frying temperature between 175–200°C for a golden, crisp exterior without excess oil
Doughnuts Today: Anytime, Anywhere
Thanks to modern techniques and carefully selected ingredients, doughnuts can now be enjoyed fresh throughout the day. With the right frying fats and formulations, they remain soft and flavorful without the unpleasant aftertaste of recrystallized oils.
So next time you bite into a doughnut, remember its fascinating journey through time—and the incredible diversity of recipes that have shaped this small but mighty culinary joy.
We hope you enjoyed this sweet voyage into the world of doughnuts. Stay tuned to our blog for more delicious stories and inspiring recipes.
