Lebkuchen Bars
Introduction
Lebkuchen Bars are a delicious twist on traditional German Lebkuchen cookies, transformed into soft,
chewy dessert bars. Packed with warm spices, honey, nuts, and a hint of citrus, these bars capture all
the festive flavors of Christmas baking—without the fuss of rolling and cutting cookies. Perfect for
holiday trays, gifting, or a cozy treat with coffee or tea.
Ingredients
- 1 cup honey
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 orange or lemon
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup finely chopped almonds or hazelnuts
- Optional topping: powdered sugar, chocolate glaze, or almond slices
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking pan with parchment paper.
-
In a saucepan over low heat, melt the butter, honey, and brown sugar together.
Stir until smooth, then remove from heat and allow to cool slightly. - Whisk in the eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract and citrus zest.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and all spices.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Stir in the chopped nuts.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
-
Bake for 22–28 minutes, or until the top is set and a toothpick inserted
into the center comes out mostly clean. - Allow to cool completely before slicing into bars. Add toppings if desired.
Description
Lebkuchen Bars are soft, dense, and warmly spiced, offering a deep honey sweetness and nutty texture.
Bright citrus zest balances the rich flavors, while the aromatic spices bring a cozy holiday aroma.
These bars improve with time, making them ideal for preparing ahead of festive gatherings.
Tips
- Let the batter rest for 30 minutes before baking for deeper flavor.
- Use dark honey for a richer, more traditional taste.
- Add candied orange peel or raisins for an authentic German touch.
- A chocolate glaze adds an indulgent finish.
Corrections
- Too dry: Reduce baking time and measure flour correctly.
- Too dense: Make sure baking powder and baking soda are fresh.
- Mild flavor: Increase spice quantities slightly for a bolder taste.
Enjoy
Slice, serve, and enjoy the cozy magic of Lebkuchen Bars. Perfect with coffee, tea, or hot cocoa,
these festive treats store well and taste even better after a day or two.
