Description
Lebkuchen Bars are a soft, chewy, and aromatic version of traditional German Lebkuchen. They capture all the holiday flavors you love—warm spices, honey, citrus, and nuts—without the extra work of rolling or cutting dough. These bars bake beautifully in one pan and taste even better after resting for a day or two, making them perfect for gifting or holiday gatherings.
Introduction
Lebkuchen has been a Christmas tradition in Germany for centuries. These bars are a simpler take on the classic recipe while still offering the same deep, warm flavors and festive aroma. They’re moist, fragrant, lightly spicy, and enriched with honey, nuts, and candied citrus peel. The chocolate glaze adds the final elegant touch, but you can also use a classic sugar glaze if you prefer. Easy, reliable, and delicious—these bars will become a holiday favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Full of authentic German holiday flavors
Stays moist, chewy, and delicious for days
Perfect make-ahead treat that tastes better over time
Less work than traditional Lebkuchen cookies
Great for gifting, parties, or cozy winter evenings
Ingredients
For the Bars
½ cup (170g) honey
½ cup (110g) packed light or dark brown sugar
½ cup (115g) unsalted butter
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon almond extract (optional but traditional)
2½ cups (300g) all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons Lebkuchengewürz (German gingerbread spice mix)
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup (120g) finely ground hazelnuts or almonds
⅓ cup (50g) finely chopped candied orange or lemon peel
⅓ cup (40g) finely chopped hazelnuts or almonds
For the Chocolate Glaze (Optional but recommended)
4 oz (115g) semi-sweet or dark chocolate, chopped
1 tablespoon (15g) butter or coconut oil
For the Sugar Glaze (Classic Alternative)
1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
1–2 tablespoons lemon juice or milk
Instructions (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving extra on the sides for easy lifting.
Step 2: Prepare the Wet Mixture
In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the honey, brown sugar, and butter together until smooth. Do not boil.
Remove from heat and let cool for 10–15 minutes.
Whisk in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla and almond extract.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, Lebkuchengewürz, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Stir in the finely ground nuts.
Step 4: Make the Dough
Pour the warm honey mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until combined.
Fold in the candied citrus peel and chopped nuts. The mixture will be thick and sticky.
Step 5: Bake
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Use wet fingers or a damp spatula to smooth the surface.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
Let the bars cool completely in the pan.
Step 6: Glaze the Bars
For the chocolate glaze, melt the chocolate with the butter until smooth, then spread over the cooled bars.
For the sugar glaze, whisk powdered sugar with lemon juice or milk until smooth, then drizzle evenly.
Step 7: Cut and Store
Lift the cooled slab out of the pan using the parchment overhang and cut into squares or rectangles.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature. For best flavor, let the bars rest for 1–2 days.
They keep well for up to 2 weeks and freeze beautifully.
Variations
Brush the bars with a thin layer of warm apricot jam before adding chocolate for an authentic German finish.
Add a pinch of nutmeg, coriander, or ginger for deeper spice flavor.
Replace half the nuts with finely chopped almonds for extra texture.
Tips for Best Results
Use mild honey so the spices shine through.
Do not overbake—these bars should stay soft and tender.
Letting them rest improves flavor dramatically.
Chop citrus peel very finely so it blends evenly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with coffee, tea, mulled wine, or hot chocolate.
Pack them in gift boxes for a holiday treat.
Enjoy them as a dessert, snack, or festive breakfast bite.
FAQs
Can I make my own Lebkuchen spice?
Yes. Mix cinnamon, cloves, allspice, cardamom, ginger, and nutmeg.
Can I skip the candied peel?
It’s traditional and adds flavor, but you may replace it with dried fruit.
Can I freeze Lebkuchen bars?
Absolutely. Freeze up to 3 months and thaw at room temperature.
Conclusion
Lebkuchen Bars bring the warm, cozy spirit of a German Christmas into your kitchen with minimal effort. They’re soft, spiced, aromatic, and perfect for anyone who loves holiday baking. Make them ahead, share them with loved ones, and enjoy a timeless seasonal treat.