Don’t throw that Christmas wrapping paper in the trash just yet. Used wrapping paper may not be worth much, but the smoothed out pieces can be perfect for re-gifting. One item that may be the most popular re-gift out there is the fruit cake, thus the reason National Fruit Cake Day is celebrated two days after Christmas. (The entire month of December, not surprisingly, also is National Fruit Cake Month.)

According to PunchBowl.com 38% of people say they re-gift fruit cakes if received as a holiday gift. So, if that many people are trying to rid themselves of the cake, why are they still so popular? PunchBowl.com says that Ancient Egyptians buried their loved ones with fruit cakes because they believed they were essential to the journey to the afterlife.

Crusaders ate fruit cakes during their campaigns because they could withstand the long journey without spoiling and were full of nutritious items like dried fruits and nuts. In the middle ages recipes started to expand and included more spices and honey, ideas that lasted to modern day.

If your bakery does not offer honey-filled fruit cakes as part of its lineup, you can get started on building a formula using these resources.

Monastery Fruit Cake
An old-fashioned fruit cake recipe made with honey, fruit, nuts and with a brandy-laced batter.

Mini Honey Fruit Cakes
Mini individual cakes, ideal for party snacks, and made with honey, apricot jam and cherries or cranberries.

Pineapple Fruit Cake with Honey
Combine honey, sugar, butter, pineapple juice and apricot for a warm holiday delight.

Have a question about formulating bakery and snack foods with honey? Email us at info@bakingwithhoney.com.