Salvation Army's Famous Donut Recipe

Jun 5, 2019

The Salvation Army is known for many things. But, did you know that we are credited with popularizing the donut in America? We even have a famous donut recipe.

During World War I, Salvation Army workers served coffee and donuts to soldiers. Rations were poor so the idea was conceived as a means of bringing the soldiers cheer and comfort. Try out our recipe for yourself using the instructions below.

The Salvation Army Donut Lassie Recipe

Yield: 4 doz. donuts

  • 2 large eggs

  • 5 cups flour

  • 2 cups sugar

  • 5 teaspoons baking powder

  • 1/4 tablespoon salt

  • 1 3/4 cup milk

  • 1 tub lard

Directions

  1. Combine all ingredients (except for lard) to make dough.
  2. Thoroughly knead dough, roll smooth, and cut into rings that are less than 1/4 inch thick. (When finding items to cut out donut circles, be creative! Salvation Army Donut Lassies used whatever they could find, from baking powder cans to coffee percolator tubes.)
  3. Drop the rings into the lard, making sure the fat is hot enough to brown the donuts gradually. Turn the donuts slowly several times.
  4. When browned, remove donuts and allow excess fat to drip off.
  5. Dust with powdered sugar. Let cool and enjoy.

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