Where to find deals and freebies on National Donut Day in Louisville

Lucas Aulbach | Courier Journal

Show Caption Hide Caption The origin of National Donut Day While many establishments give away free treats this morning it is important to note the origin of this delicious doughnut day.

As far as made-up holidays go, National Doughnut Day — National Donut Day to some — is up there with the best of them.

Most of us don’t need an excuse to swing by the bakery in the morning and grab one or two or a baker’s dozen of the tasty treats, which have negative nutritional value but are still a great way to start the day. But if you're looking for one, Friday is a great chance to give thanks for doughnuts and the joy they bring to our mornings (and afternoons… and evenings… OK, basically all hours).

There actually is history behind the occasion, if you can believe it. The festivity, which takes place annually on the first Friday in June, was established in 1938 to honor the Salvation Army Donut Lassies — women who served doughnuts to soldiers during World War I. The Salvation Army of Louisville will recognize the holiday by serving the pastries to veterans from 10 a.m. to noon Friday at the Robley Rex V.A. Center, 800 Zorn Ave.

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Pastry shops and other restaurants around the city are gearing up to get in on the action, too. Several places around Louisville are offering special deals or discounts Friday to honor the time-honored tradition, which probably ranks somewhere between Columbus Day and Thanksgiving on the scale of important holidays.

Here's a list of local spots that are celebrating the occasion. Know of any others? Shoot us an email and we'll update this story.

North Lime Coffee & Donuts

The new pastry shop, which opened in February at 1228 S 7th St. in Old Louisville, is appropriately recognizing the holiday with cake. Celebration cake doughnuts, which have sprinkles inside, will be available Friday for 75 cents a pop. Customers who make a purchase will also get North Lime coupons for the future.

Sugar & Spice Donut Shop

This Fern Creek restaurant, at 5613 Bardstown Road, will give away glazed chocolate doughnuts at $5.25 per dozen Friday along with assorted dozens at $7.50.

Dunkin' Donuts

You knew Dunkin' would get in on this. Swing by any of Louisville's several Dunkin' Donuts locations and get a free doughnut with the purchase of a beverage.

Krispy Kreme

Krispy Kreme doughnut shops around the country are also taking this thing pretty seriously. Eateries around the country – including those in Louisville, according to the company's website — are offering each customer one free doughnut of their choice, with no purchase necessary.

Walmart

It's less of a restaurant and more of a grocery store, but Walmart is a solid bet if you're looking for free doughnuts. Customers can get one free glazed doughnut at all stores nationally on Friday, and the company expects to give out 1.2 million across the country over the course of the day.

Papa John's

Not exactly one we thought would make this list, but hey, we're all for it. Papa John's Pizza apparently sells doughnut holes, and will also give out free orders to customers who order a pizza online on Friday. The doughnut holes are topped with cinnamon and a 10-piece order will run you $4.99 on a normal day — if you're feeling, um, let's say "courageous," this may be your best chance to give them a shot.

More deals: Locally owned businesses and smaller chains also may have deals Friday. One of the easiest ways to find out is to check social media channels.

Lucas Aulbach: 502-582-4649; laulbach@courierjournal.com; Twitter: @LucasAulbachCJ. Support strong local journalism (and whatever this is) by subscribing today: www.courier-journal.com/lucasa.

Feeling even more adventurous? Check out a couple of classic doughnut recipes from Courier Journal archives below that you can make at home.

Wiltshire Pantry recipe for Huber’s apple cider doughnuts

Makes about 12 to 14 doughnuts plus doughnut holes

2 cups Huber’s apple cider

Apple filling

2 ounces butter

1 ½ Granny Smith apple, peeled and diced into roughly ½-inch cubes

⅓ cup brown sugar

1 large pinch ground cinnamon

Cinnamon/Sugar, for tossing doughnuts in after frying

Doughnut dough

3 ½ cups all-purpose flour

½ cup whole wheat flour

2/3 cup packed brown sugar

2 teaspoons baking powder

¾ teaspoon kosher salt

½ teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon cinnamon

¼ teaspoon each ground cardamom, nutmeg and allspice

2 large eggs

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

3 ounces butter, melted and cooled

Canola oil

In a small saucepan, bring cider to a rapid boil; cook over high heat until reduced by half, about 12 minutes. Cool completely.

For the apple filling: In a small saucepan, melt the butter. Add the apples, brown sugar and pinch of cinnamon. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring constantly until the liquid reduces to a semi-thick syrup and the apples are al dente tender. Set aside to cool.

For the doughnut dough: Whisk together flours, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, baking soda and spices. Add apple mixture and mix until fully blended. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, vanilla, melted butter and cooled cider; stir into dry ingredients just until moistened (dough will be sticky). Refrigerate, covered, overnight.

On a floured surface, roll dough to ½-inch thickness. Cut with a floured 3 ½-inch cutter. Use a roughly 1-inch round cutter to punch out doughnut holes.

Fry doughnuts in canola oil at 350 degrees, a few at a time, until golden brown, two to three minutes on each side. Fry doughnut holes, a few at a time, until golden brown and cooked through, about three to four minutes on each side. Stick a butter knife through the middle of the doughnuts. If done it will come out clean. Drain on paper towels; cool slightly. Toss in cinnamon/sugar or while doughnuts are hot.

Tea Station Chinese Bistro Deep-Fried Sugar Donuts

Makes 12 to 15

2 tablespoons warm water

1 package dry yeast

½ cup sugar

1 egg, at room temperature

3 tablespoons melted butter, divided

1 cup warm milk

3 ½ cups unbleached flour

½ teaspoon salt

Vegetable oil

In a medium-sized bowl, pour water over yeast. Stir; add sugar, mixing well. Let stand 15 minutes. Stir in egg, two tablespoons of butter, milk, flour and salt. Mix until dough becomes elastic. Lightly brush additional butter over the top dough. Cover with waxed paper. Drape tea towel over bowl; keep in a warm place for two hours. Refrigerate overnight if time allows.

Punch down dough while it’s in the bowl. Turn out onto a heavily-floured board. Divide in half. Roll to ½-inch thick. Cut with a floured donut cutter. Place donuts, about an inch apart, on well-buttered waxed paper on a cookie sheet. Repeat with remaining dough. Place the cookie sheet, covered with a tea towel, in a warm place until donuts double in size, about one hour.

In a large pan, heat four inches of vegetable oil until it reaches 365 degrees on a deep-fry thermometer. Regulating heat to keep it steady, with a spatula, gently place donuts into the hot oil. Turn once; fry until golden. Drain on paper towels.