Part 7/9:
Doughnuts in Difficult Times: World War I
Doughnuts also played a unique role during wartime. In WWI, American soldiers were greeted with sweet fried dough treats made by the “doughnut lassies.” This initiative not only provided comfort for troops on the front lines but also etched doughnuts into the American consciousness.
The Modern Dawn of Doughnuts
The doughnut entered a new era when automatic doughnut machines were introduced in the 1920s, significantly increasing production. Adolf Levitt’s machine revolutionized doughnut making, making it easy to serve the growing demand. No longer limited to homemade recipes, doughnuts became a widespread fixture in bakeries and cafes across America.