Lebkuchen Bars
Lebkuchen is a classic German Christmas cookie known for its warm spices, honey-sweetened dough, and soft texture. With a little twist, these Lebkuchen Bars bring all those traditional flavors into an easy, sliceable version. If you’ve ever enjoyed the gingerbread-style treats sold at German holiday markets, this recipe captures that same festive flavor in a simple bar form. The ingredients stay true to the original roots: plenty of cinnamon and ginger, bright citrus, and almonds for that signature nutty bite.
The base of these bars starts with a warm honey mixture, which gives them their depth and sweetness. Combined with the spices, orange zest, and vanilla, the dough then chills to allow the flavors to fully develop, like traditional Lebkuchen recipes that rely on resting time for richness. Once pressed into a baking dish and baked, the bars come out soft, fragrant, and y chewy, just like the German cookies that inspired them.
A simple icing made with orange juice, powdered sugar, and freshly grated ginger adds a bright finish that complements the warm spices beautifully. Spread it over the bars while they’re still warm so it lightly melts into the top before setting into a smooth glaze. It’s just the right touch to balance the honey and spice notes underneath.
After cooling and slicing, these bars become a standout addition to any holiday dessert lineup. They travel well, store easily, and offer a nostalgic nod to traditional German baking. Whether you’re gifting them, serving them at a gathering, or enjoying one with a cup of coffee, these Lebkuchen Bars bring the classic Christmas flavor!
Lebkuchen Bars
Yield(s): Serves 10
20m prep time
25m cook time
6h inactive
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 1 teaspoon fresh orange zest
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
Icing
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
Preparation
- Note: dough will need to chill for 6-8 hours. Plan ahead!
- In a medium sized saucepan, combine brown sugar, honey, granulated sugar, and butter. Bring mixture just to a simmer over medium heat, stir until sugar is fully dissolved, then remove from heat.
- In a large bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and ginger.
- Once honey mixture has cooled, add egg, orange juice, zest, vanilla, to the cooled honey then fold in almonds. Spoon mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Cover dough with plastic wrap directly on the surface of the dough (to prevent drying) and refrigerate for 6-8 hours or overnight.
- When ready to bake, allow dough to rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper, then lightly grease.
- Transfer dough to the prepared baking dish and use a greased spatula to press into a flat layer (dough will be sticky).
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.
- As bars bake, prepare the icing. Mix all icing ingredients in a small bowl until no lumps remain.
- Cool baked bars for 5-10 minutes, then spread icing over the top.
- Allow bars to fully cool at room temperature and icing to set before slicing.
- Store cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature. They’re best enjoy a few days after baking!
