Classic Lebkuchen Spice Bars
Lebkuchen captures the heart of German holiday baking—warm spices, a touch of sweetness, and a cozy, festive aroma. These bars transform the classic flavors of gingerbread into an easy, sliceable dessert. Imagine cinnamon, cloves, and citrus filling your kitchen, finished with a bright lemon glaze that adds a gentle zing. Perfect for sharing at parties, gifting to friends, or enjoying alongside a cup of tea or coffee, these bars are a simple way to celebrate the season.
Spiced German-Style Lebkuchen Bars
Ingredients
For the Bars
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2½ cups (315 g) |
| Baking powder | 1½ tsp |
| Baking soda | ¼ tsp |
| Ground cinnamon | 2 tsp |
| Ground ginger | 1 tsp |
| Ground cloves | ½ tsp |
| Ground allspice | ½ tsp |
| Salt | ¼ tsp |
| Unsalted butter, softened | ½ cup (115 g) |
| Dark brown sugar, packed | ¾ cup (150 g) |
| Molasses (light or dark) | ½ cup (170 g) |
| Eggs, room temperature | 2 large |
| Orange zest | 1 tbsp |
| Candied citrus peel (or raisins/cranberries) | ½ cup |
| Chopped blanched almonds or walnuts | 1 cup (120 g) |
For the Glaze (Optional)
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Powdered sugar, sifted | 1½ cups (180 g) |
| Fresh lemon juice or milk | 2–3 tbsp |
| Optional: Lemon zest | A pinch for extra brightness |
Tips & Notes
- Candied peel is traditional; if skipping it, soak raisins in orange juice for 10 minutes.
- Avoid blackstrap molasses—milder varieties give a smoother flavor.
- These bars taste best after a day, allowing spices to mellow and the texture to soften.
Instructions
Step 1: Prep Oven & Pan
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch pan and line it with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, allspice, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream Butter & Sugar
Beat softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add molasses, eggs, and orange zest, mixing until smooth.
Step 4: Combine & Fold
Gradually stir in the dry ingredients until just combined. Fold in candied peel (or fruit) and nuts.
Step 5: Bake
Spread batter evenly in the prepared pan. Bake 25–30 minutes, until edges are firm and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely.
Step 6: Glaze (Optional)
Whisk powdered sugar with lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle over cooled bars and allow 15–20 minutes to set before slicing.
Serving & Storage
- Flavors deepen if allowed to sit 24 hours.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
- Freeze unglazed bars for up to 2 months; thaw and add glaze before serving.
- For gifts, wrap slices in parchment, tie with twine, and place in a decorative tin.
