Best Donut Recipes for National Donut Day!

The first Friday in June is National Donut Day!

This celebration came about in honor of the “Donut Lassies,” a group of Salvation Army volunteers during WWI. These incredible women went to the active war zone that was France to support American troops. They not only served thousands of fresh, hot desserts to hungry soldiers, they did it while wearing helmets and carrying revolvers, sometimes under enemy fire. (If anyone ever tells you that you “can’t” do something, imagine frying donuts while hearing bombs explode, and then decide for yourself what you can or can’t do!)

These days, donut shops and chains often give out free or discounted donuts – search for your town to find out what’s available. But if you want to go the extra mile and honor the Donut Lassies by flouring up your own kitchen? I called on my blogger friends for their best donut recipes, and we have got some treats for you! We don’t discriminate — fried or baked, cake or yeast, or even not technically a donut, we love them all!

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Best Donut Recipes for National Donut Day!

Strawberry Cake Donuts from The Beard and the Baker

These are delicious cake donuts, made with baking powder — no yeast! The strawberry gives them this beautiful pink tinge.

Maple Bacon Cream Baked Donuts from Bear & Bug Eats!

These are a recent addition to this space! The maple glaze gives them a “genuine donut” taste, and the maple-bacon whipped cream filling is DIVINE.

Beignets from A Day in the Life on the Farm!

Beignets, the classic New Orleans “donut”! If you’ve never had beignets, run-don’t-walk to this recipe! They’re very simple — fried dough tossed in powdered sugar, perfect comfort food. Enjoy with chicory coffee for the real New Orleans experience!

Baked Cinnamon Apple Doughnuts from Jonesin’ for Taste!

A healthier baked treat, great for a breakfast treat or for a yummy dessert!

Brown Sugar Toffee Donuts with Brown Sugar Glaze from Kelly Lynn’s Sweets & Treats!

A one-bowl, no-frying recipe! The toffee just takes these over the top!

Pumpkin Spice Glazed Donuts from Blogghetti!

Calling all my pumpkin spice lovers! Look, cliches are cliches because they have a basis in fact, and the fact is that pumpkin + warm spices = delicious. In fact, I have one last can of pumpkin in the pantry…

Cranberry Pecan Doughnuts from Kate’s Recipe Box!

These would be perfect for a decadent, filling breakfast, especially around the holidays! Glaze stripes stop them short of too-sweet.

Old Fashioned Doughnuts from Jolene’s Recipe Journal!

A recipe that includes buttermilk and sour cream! And of course, a perfect, classic chocolate glaze. If it ain’t broke, don’t you dare fix it.

Galaxy Donuts from Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks!

How gorgeous are these?? I love the look of galaxy icing, and apparently it’s actually pretty easy! It’s on my list to try for myself!

Apple Fritters from Savory Moments!

Okay, fritters are not technically donuts, but they are fried and they are delicious and I love them. They’re also extremely simple, so they’re a great option when you don’t have a lot of time.

Bomboloni from The Baking Fairy!

Bomboloni are “Italian donuts,” filled with pastry cream and dusted with sugar. This version is filled with chantilly cream, which still rich in taste and texture but also lighter and fluffy!

Strawberry Lemonade Donuts from Strawberry Blondie Kitchen!

These are so pretty! These would be great at a summer party, or at those baby showers that I keep getting invites for.

Apple Cider Donuts with Maple Frosting, also from Strawberry Blondie Kitchen!

Also on the maple train, but with more of a fall feel. I can’t wait to try these when the weather cools off!

New Orleans Style Beignets from Karen’s Kitchen Stories!

If you’ve ever had one beignet, then you’ve probably had two or five beignets. You really can’t stop after just one.

Mini Apple Pies with Donut Crumb Topping from Sprinkles & Sprouts!

Lastly, this is what you do if you have leftover donuts! (Stop laughing, I’ve heard it’s possible.) Just crush up your stale sweets, and use them to top…more sweets! I don’t see a problem with this.

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Thanks for joining us for this crazy fun roundup! We hope you enjoy these, no matter what day of the year it is!