Skip to content

Top Navigation

Midwest Living Midwest Living
  • Travel
  • Food
  • Home
  • Garden
  • Holidays
  • Videos
  • current issue
  • Sweepstakes
  • Road Rally
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Newsletters
  • Email Preferences
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Win Your Dream Getaway!
  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • Magazine Issues
  • Destinations
Login
Subscribe
Pin FB

Explore Midwest Living

Midwest Living Midwest Living
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 11 Extraordinary Outdoor Travel Experiences to Try This Year

      11 Extraordinary Outdoor Travel Experiences to Try This Year

      Have you ever slept in a treehouse? Paddled by moonlight? Seen the Milky Way? We challenge you to try one of these activities. Read More
    • Meet Five Midwest Cake Creators (and Try Their Recipes)

      Meet Five Midwest Cake Creators (and Try Their Recipes)

      One has conquered the world of plant-based baking. Another runs a microbakery from her home. Two own businesses with their spouses. And the fifth is a James Beard finalist chef. The common thread? Absolutely delicious cakes. Read More
    • The No-Fail Relish Tray Recipe is Here

      The No-Fail Relish Tray Recipe is Here

      For many Midwesterners, holiday feasting kicks off with a relish tray. We dare not mess with an icon—at least, not too much. Read More
  • Travel

    Travel

    See All Travel
    Des Moines' Hottest Food Neighborhoods You Need to Know About

    Des Moines' Hottest Food Neighborhoods You Need to Know About

    Korean egg sandwiches, Australian baked goods,Southeast Asian bing bing wraps—here’s an in-the-know guide to eating your way through this culinary capital.
    • Weekend Getaways
    • Family Travel
    • Around the Region
    • Beyond the Region
    • Illinois
    • Indiana
    • Iowa
    • Kansas
    • Michigan
    • Minnesota
    • Missouri
    • Nebraska
    • North Dakota
    • Ohio
    • South Dakota
    • Wisconsin
    • Free Travel Info
  • Food

    Food

    See All Food
    The Delicate, Spongy Basic Crepe Recipe You Can Master at Home—Plus 4 Ways to Upgrade It

    The Delicate, Spongy Basic Crepe Recipe You Can Master at Home—Plus 4 Ways to Upgrade It

    With encouragement from the owner of a Kansas City, Missouri, creperie, you’ll perfect these delicate pancakes in no time.
    • Comfort Foods
    • Desserts & Baking
    • Breakfast
    • Quick & Easy
    • Chicken
    • Soups & Stews
    • Midwest Favorites
    • Fruits & Vegetables
    • Fish
    • Grilling
  • Home

    Home

    See All Home
    Boost Your Home's Curb Appeal With These Ideas from a Minneapolis Makeover

    Boost Your Home's Curb Appeal With These Ideas from a Minneapolis Makeover

    With fresh paint and a terraced slope, a Minneapolis stucco goes from mousy to magnetic.
    • Quick Decorating
    • Featured Homes
    • Organizing & Storage
    • Outdoor Living
    • Seasonal Decorating
    • Room Decorating
  • Garden

    Garden

    See All Garden
    How to Plant a Rain Garden

    How to Plant a Rain Garden

    Turn a wet trouble spot into a lush and Earth-friendly oasis by capturing the rain.
    • Container Gardens
    • Flowers
    • Featured Gardens
    • Midwest Gardening Calendar
    • Garden Ideas & Inspiration
  • Holidays

    Holidays

    See All Holidays
    Brighten Your Front Door with This Colorful Easter Egg Wreath

    Brighten Your Front Door with This Colorful Easter Egg Wreath

    For this do-it-yourself spring wreath, we bundled inexpensive paper-mache eggs in fuzzy, vibrant yarn.
    • Easter
    • July 4th
    • Thanksgiving
    • Halloween
    • Christmas
    • Valentine's Day
  • Videos

    Videos

    See All Videos
    Chef Jorge Guzmán's Step-by-Step Guide to Making Tamales

    Chef Jorge Guzmán's Step-by-Step Guide to Making Tamales

    Tamales are a project, but many hands—even tiny ones—make lighter work.
    • Brighten Your Front Door with This Colorful Easter Egg Wreath
    • These DIY Orange Beeswax Candles Will Make Your Home Smell Amazing
    • Ring in the New Year with This Glam Star Garland
    • How to Make a Modern Fruit Cake Box
    • An Eye-Catching Oval Treat Box You Can Make
    • Make a Colorful Paper Raffia Wreath to Welcome Fall
    • How to Make a Dried Floral Arrangement
    • How to Make an Easy Pina Colada
    • How to Make an Amazing Pavlova
    • How to Make Pumpkin-Spice Icebox Cake
    • How to Make an All-Butter Pie Crust
    • DIY Pistachio Wheat Stalks for Fall Decorating
  • current issue

    current issue

    See All current issue
    About Us

    About Us

    • March/April 2022 Issue
    • January/February 2022 Issue
    • November/December 2021 Issue
    • September/October 2021 Issue
    • July/August 2021 Issue
    • May/June 2021 Issue
    • Summer 2022 Issue
    • Fall 2022 Issue
    • Winter 2022 Issue
  • Sweepstakes
  • Road Rally
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Newsletters
  • Email Preferences
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Win Your Dream Getaway!
  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • Magazine Issues
  • Destinations
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Midwest Living
  2. Food
  3. Seasonal & Holiday
  4. Heavenly Homemade Food Gifts

Heavenly Homemade Food Gifts

By Midwest Living editors Updated November 14, 2022
Skip gallery slides
Pin
chocolate gift cake in gold box
Credit: Carson Downing

Cakes, snack mixes, food gifts in a jar, cinnamon pretzels, fudge, candy and more—the season's best recipes are the ones that double as gifts, especially when you pair them with clever packaging ideas.

Start Slideshow

1 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Chocolate Gift Cakes

chocolate gift cake in gold box
Credit: Carson Downing
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

These 6-inch chocolate cakes are topped with a swoop of silky frosting. The recipe (which makes three cakes) comes from Minneapolis blogger Sarah Kieffer's cookbook, Baking for the Holidays.

Related: 5 Sweet Holiday Food Gifts to Make This Season

1 of 28

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Snowflake Mix

Snowflake Mix
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Salty meets sweet as cereal, pretzels and peanuts get a coating of melted white baking pieces. Package this gift from the kitchen in boxes that resemble takeout containers.

2 of 28

3 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Caramel Candies

caramel candies in little treat bags
Credit: Carson Downing
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Soft, chewy homemade caramels are the bee's knees. For a twist on the classic, try Sarah Kieffer's orange, espresso and salted variations. Extra credit if you package them in our darling crepe paper treat bags!

Related: Delectable Christmas Candies and Treats

3 of 28

Advertisement

4 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Vanilla Bean Sables

vanilla bean sables in oval boxes
Credit: Carson Downing
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Simple. Elegant. Buttery. These vanilla bean cookies are the perfect slice-and-bake treat, and you can make them four ways. 

Related: Christmas Cookie Recipes to Treasure

4 of 28

5 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Triple Chocolate Peppermint Bark

triple chocolate peppermint bark
Credit: Carson Downing
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Trust us: This festive and easy peppermint bark recipe is so much better than store-bought versions. Break it into bite-size pieces or cut it into six larger "candy bars" and wrap them up for gifting. 

5 of 28

6 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Slow Cooker Dulce de Leche

Slow Cooker Dulce de Leche
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Dulce de leche is lusciously thick Latin American caramel that's traditionally made by boiling an unopened can of sweetened condensed milk. Our slow-cooker method allows you to monitor the caramel's color, plus the end result is an instant gift.

6 of 28

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Gift in a Jar: Chocolate-Nut Cookies

Gift in a jar: Chocolate-Nut Cookies
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Layers of flour, brown sugar, coconut, chocolate pieces and peanuts appeal to the baker who receives this gift in a jar. Include a cookie scoop for an added touch. See recipe below and also get printable recipe labels and instructions 

7 of 28

8 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Modern Fruit Cakes

modern fruit cakes in decorated boxes
Credit: Carson Downing
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Even if you're not a fan of fruit cake, Sarah Kieffer's modern take may convert you. These super-moist cakes are encassed in chocolate and star elegant flavors like tarte cherries, orange zest, candied citruis peel, colorful chopped and dried fruit. Package them up in our DIY modern fruit cake boxes before gifting.

8 of 28

9 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Toffee Blondies in a Jar

Toffee Blondies in a Jar
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This easy-to-assemble holiday gift tastes so good that you'll want to keep some extra for yourself. Layer dry ingredients in a glass or clear plastic container, tie on a holiday ribbon, and give along with a pretty kitchen towel.

9 of 28

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Candied Citrus Peels

Candied Citrus Peels
Credit: Carson Downing
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Here's a clever use for peels from the fruit you've juiced: make candied citrus peels. Sarah Kieffer's trick is to boil and re-boil the peels several times in fresh water to remove their bitterness. 

Related: How to Make a Modern Fruit Cake Box

10 of 28

11 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Candy Cane Snack Mix

Candy Cane Snack Mix
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

What's better than sweet and salty? Sweet, salty and pepperminty! This easy-as-could-be snack mix is fantastic for holiday gifts.

11 of 28

12 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Cinnamon pretzels

Cinnamon Pretzels
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Sugary cinnamon meets salty pretzels in this super-easy, gift-worthy snack mix. Package them in a pretty, airtight container.

12 of 28

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Chocolate bark

Chocolate bark candy

Short on time? Make chocolate bark for gifts—or for your family. After melting and spreading the chocolate, it's just top, top and away!

Related: 9 Fun Ways to Top Chocolate Bark Candy

13 of 28

14 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Sweet greeting

Sweet greeting

When you want to give more than a card, but less than a gift, slip a cookie or two in a plastic treat bag (available at crafts stores) with a solid-color piece of scrapbooking paper. Fold contrasting paper over the opening, punch two holes, then tie with ribbon.

14 of 28

15 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Christmas Mice

Christmas Mice
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

These adorable treats will be an especially popular gift for families with kids. Give in a small box nestled in holiday-colored chocolate candies. See recipe at link or tap to see our how-to Christmas mice video.

15 of 28

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Chili Pecans

Chili Pecans
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

A coating of spicy and sweet turns toasted pecans into a holiday food that makes a great food gift or party snack. Make these ahead of time to give out at the holidays-just store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 1 month.

16 of 28

17 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Scandinavian treats

Scandinavian treats
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Make a Scandinavian brownie with a Scandinavian straw ornament for an easy food gift or cookie exchange treat!

Purchase inexpensive straw ornaments from sources such as Minneapolis-based Ingebretsen's. Bake brownies in an 8-inch pan and cut into 9 squares. Wrap each square like a present in cellophane wrapping paper (we bought ours at Walmart). Attach strips of red ribbon using glue dots, then add ornaments using glue dots. 

17 of 28

18 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Gift in a Jar: Spicy Three-Bean Soup

Assemble it: Spicy Three-Bean Soup
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Our Spicy Three-Bean Soup makes dinner in a jar, the perfect present for busy people. Give along with a bag of corn chips or tortilla chips.

Get our recipe above and download a PDF of printable recipe labels and instructions here.

18 of 28

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Fruit and Nut Granola

Fruit and Nut Granola
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Abilene's Victorian Inn in Kansas created this granola for guests. Eat it with milk or layered in a parfait with yogurt and fruit. This makes a great food gift at the holidays; it can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 5 days, or placed in freezer bags and frozen for up to 2 months.

19 of 28

20 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

White Chocolate Christmas Fudge

ite Chocolate Christmas Fudge
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Fudge in any flavor makes a classic holiday gift, but our white fudge dotted with dried cranberries and pistachios looks especially festive.

Related: 10 Fabulous Fudge Recipes

20 of 28

21 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Winter Orange Pomegranate Iced Tea

Winter Pomegranate Tea
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Make a gift-giving splash with this quick and easy tea, which takes just 10 minutes to prepare. Tie a ribbon around a keepsake bottle with the recipe attached.

21 of 28

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Gift in a Jar: Fudgy Snack Cake

Assemble it: Fudgy Snack Cake
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This easy cake-in-a-jar is both quick to assemble and easy to bake. Candy pieces and chopped nuts add a tasty topping to this moist, easy cake-no frosting necessary! Get the recipe at our link above and download a PDF of printable recipe labels and instructions.

22 of 28

23 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Roasted Nut Snack

Roasted Nut Snack
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Give party nuts a holiday twist by roasting them with one of four flavors: Cocoa-Sugared Mix, Curry-Spiced Mix, Barbecue-Seasoned Mix and Asian Five-Spiced Mix. Find frosted-plastic boxes at crafts or scrapbooking stores to make the nuts easy to give away in single servings.

23 of 28

24 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Gift in a Jar: Cranberry-Bran Muffins

Assemble it: Cranberry-Bran Muffins
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This gift in a jar has stripes of flour, whole bran cereal, apple pie spice, almonds, brown sugar and cranberries. Seal the streusel topping in a small sturdy plastic bag and enclose at the top of the jar. The jars/gifts keep at room temperature for up to a month. Get the recipe above and download a free PDF of printable recipe labels and instructions.

24 of 28

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

25 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Santa's Delight Peppermint Bark

Santa's Delight Peppermint Bark
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This super-easy Christmas treat uses just two ingredients: candy coating and either crushed candy canes or crushed round peppermint candies. 

25 of 28

26 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Sweet Bread Loaves

Food Gifts miniature sweet bread loaves
Credit: Quentin Bacon

Gifts of homemade holiday treats, including fresh-baked quickbreads, look striking in pretty packaging. Fold colorful cardstock to create easy containers. Accent with ribbons and tie on a meaningful message. To make mini-loaf bread packaging as shown, download a free package template. 

Related: 20 Sweet Quick Bread Loaves

26 of 28

27 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Gift in a Jar: Fruit and Nuts Oatmeal

Assemble it: Fruit and Nuts Oatmeal
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Toasting the oatmeal before layering is worth the effort for added nutty flavor. Give with a small jar of honey.

Click the link above for the recipe and find a PDF here of printable recipe labels and instructions.

27 of 28

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

28 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Gift in a Jar: Blueberry-Ginger Hotcakes

Assemble it: Blueberry-Ginger Hotcakes
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Add a bottle of real maple syrup when you give this layered pancake mix in a jar. The hotcakes are more flavor-packed than traditional pancakes.

Click above for the recipe and click or tap here to download a free PDF of printable recipe labels and instructions.

28 of 28

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Midwest Living editors

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 28 Chocolate Gift Cakes
    2 of 28 Snowflake Mix
    3 of 28 Caramel Candies
    4 of 28 Vanilla Bean Sables
    5 of 28 Triple Chocolate Peppermint Bark
    6 of 28 Slow Cooker Dulce de Leche
    7 of 28 Gift in a Jar: Chocolate-Nut Cookies
    8 of 28 Modern Fruit Cakes
    9 of 28 Toffee Blondies in a Jar
    10 of 28 Candied Citrus Peels
    11 of 28 Candy Cane Snack Mix
    12 of 28 Cinnamon pretzels
    13 of 28 Chocolate bark
    14 of 28 Sweet greeting
    15 of 28 Christmas Mice
    16 of 28 Chili Pecans
    17 of 28 Scandinavian treats
    18 of 28 Gift in a Jar: Spicy Three-Bean Soup
    19 of 28 Fruit and Nut Granola
    20 of 28 White Chocolate Christmas Fudge
    21 of 28 Winter Orange Pomegranate Iced Tea
    22 of 28 Gift in a Jar: Fudgy Snack Cake
    23 of 28 Roasted Nut Snack
    24 of 28 Gift in a Jar: Cranberry-Bran Muffins
    25 of 28 Santa's Delight Peppermint Bark
    26 of 28 Sweet Bread Loaves
    27 of 28 Gift in a Jar: Fruit and Nuts Oatmeal
    28 of 28 Gift in a Jar: Blueberry-Ginger Hotcakes

    Share & More

    Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
    Midwest Living

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • Contact Us
    • Help
    • Free Newsletters this link opens in a new tab
    • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
    • Customer Service this link opens in a new tab
    • Renew this link opens in a new tab
    • Advertise this link opens in a new tab
    • Affiliate Program
    • Free Travel Info this link opens in a new tab
    • Special Promotions this link opens in a new tab
    • Sweepstakes this link opens in a new tab
    • Video
    • Home Advisor this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Sign Up
    MeredithMidwest Living is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2023 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Midwest Living. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.midwestliving.com

    Sign in

    View image

    Heavenly Homemade Food Gifts
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.