The first Friday in June is celebrated around the world as Donut Day. But what is the significance behind this historical day? Beginning in 1917, approximately 250 Salvation Army volunteers provided assistance during World War I to American soldiers in battle on the front lines in France. Two Salvation Army officers, Ensign Margaret Sheldon and Adjutant Helen Purviance had an idea to comfort soldiers with good home cooking, using their limited ingredients to fry up in helmets delicious donuts for the boys.

Nicknamed ‘Doughnut Lassies’ and ‘Doughnut Girls’, these women served countless treats to grateful soldiers, traversing through the trenches to bring the men donuts and coffee. They also made history by introducing this tasty new treat to the United States when the ‘Doughboys’ returned from war.

The Salvation Army celebrated the first National Doughnut Day in 1938 in the city of Chicago as a way to honour Salvation Army ‘doughnut lassies’ from World War I. They began the day as a way to raise funds and bring awareness to the Army’s social service programs during the Great Depression. The donut has become synonymous with The Salvation Army’s social services and continues to be a comfort food served by The Salvation Army to those in need during times of disaster. The celebration of this day still continues to be celebrated more than 80 years later to help raise awareness for The Salvation Army and to honour the service of veterans and volunteers alike. So what better way to celebrate than with some yummy donuts you bake yourself.

Who says you can’t have your donut and eat it too? This International Donut Day, we’re proving that you can enjoy a sweet treat that’s just as indulgent without the gluten, dairy, or refined sugar. Whether you’re navigating allergies, eating clean, or just love a healthy bake, these baked vanilla cinnamon donuts are soft, fluffy, and full of flavour — no fryer needed.

Made with nourishing ingredients and naturally sweetened, they’re the perfect balance of cosy comfort and feel-good food. So grab your donut pan and celebrate the sweetest day of the year the wholesome way!

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Healthy Baked Donuts (GF, DF, RSF)

Makes: 6–8 standard-size donuts
Prep time: 10 mins | Cook time: 12–15 mins

Ingredients:

• 1 cup almond flour

• 1/4 cup coconut flour

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 1/2 tsp baking soda

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• Pinch of sea salt

• 2 large eggs

• 1/4 cup maple syrup (or honey)

• 1/3 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any plant milk)

• 2 tbsp melted coconut oil

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

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🍩 Optional Cinnamon “Sugar” Coating:

• 2 tbsp coconut sugar

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• 1 tsp melted coconut oil (to help it stick)

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C and lightly grease a donut pan.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together all dry ingredients (almond flour, coconut flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, salt).

3. In another bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients (eggs, maple syrup, almond milk, melted coconut oil, vanilla).

4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and mix until just combined. The batter will be thick.

5. Spoon or pipe the batter evenly into the donut pan.

6. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.

7. Allow to cool for a few minutes in the pan, then gently transfer to a rack.

8. For the optional coating, brush lightly with coconut oil and roll in cinnamon coconut sugar mixture while still warm.

🧡 Tips:

• Want to make them chocolate? Add 2 tbsp cacao powder and a handful of dairy-free choc chips.

• No donut pan? Use a muffin tin with a ball of aluminium foil in the centre — they’ll still taste amazing

• Feel free to decorate them any way you like!

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Happy International Donut Day!