Lebkuchen Bars – A Soft, Spiced Taste of German Holiday Tradition

Few baked treats capture the warmth of the holiday season quite like Lebkuchen Bars. Inspired by the classic German gingerbread known as Lebkuchen, these bars transform the traditional round cookies into a simple, sliceable dessert that’s rich with honey, nuts, and fragrant spices. They’re chewy yet tender, deeply aromatic, and topped with a delicate glaze that adds just the right sweetness.

Unlike crisp gingerbread cookies, Lebkuchen bars are soft and slightly cakey, with a nutty texture and a bold spice profile. Best of all, they’re easier to prepare than traditional shaped cookies — no rolling or cutting required.

Let’s walk through how to make them step by step.

What Makes Lebkuchen Bars Special?

Lebkuchen originated in Germany centuries ago and is especially popular during Christmas markets. Traditional versions often contain honey, almonds, candied citrus peel, and warming spices like cinnamon and cloves.

Lebkuchen bars keep those beloved flavors but simplify the process:

• Press the dough into a pan
• Bake
• Glaze
• Slice into squares or rectangles

The result? A bakery-worthy treat that tastes even better the next day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup finely ground almonds (or almond flour)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder (optional, for depth)
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

• ¾ cup honey
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)

Optional Add-Ins

• ½ cup finely chopped candied orange peel
• ¼ cup finely chopped candied lemon peel
• ½ cup chopped hazelnuts

For the Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 tablespoons milk or lemon juice

Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides. This makes it easier to lift the bars out later.

Lightly grease the parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together:

• Flour
• Ground almonds
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Cocoa powder
• All spices
• Salt

Whisk thoroughly to evenly distribute the spices. This ensures every bite is aromatic and balanced.

Step 3: Heat the Honey Mixture

In a saucepan over low heat, combine:

• Honey
• Brown sugar
• Butter

Stir gently until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves. Do not boil — just warm enough to blend smoothly.

Remove from heat and let cool slightly (about 5 minutes).

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