Fasnacht (also spelled fastnacht, faschnacht, fosnot, fosnaught, fausnaught) is a fried doughnut of German origin in Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine, served traditionally in the days of Carnival and Fastnacht or on Shrove Tuesday, the day before Lent starts.

Fasnachts were made as a way to empty the pantry of lard, sugar, fat, and butter, which were traditionally fasted from during Lent.

[1][2][3] In parts of Maryland, the treats are called Kinklings,[4][5] or "Kuechles" (not to be confused with kichel) and are only sold in bakeries on Shrove Tuesday.

The term is synonymous with the Carnival season which is called Fasnacht in southern Germany, Switzerland, Alsace and Austria.

Although usually written "Fastnacht", there are many local spoken varieties: Fasnacht, Fassenacht, Fasnet, Fauschnaut, etc.