Lebkuchen Bars are a cozy, spiced German holiday treat — soft, moist, and filled with warm flavors like honey, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. These bars taste like Christmas in every bite. They’re easier than traditional Lebkuchen cookies because everything bakes in one pan, then gets topped with a sweet glaze that soaks into the warm cake-like base. Perfect for gifting, snacking, or filling a holiday dessert tray.
Ingredients
For the Bars
- 1 cup honey
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon cloves
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup chopped almonds or hazelnuts (optional)
- ½ cup candied orange peel, chopped (optional but traditional)
For the Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk or orange juice
- ½ teaspoon vanilla
Instructions
1. Make the Batter
In a saucepan, melt the honey, brown sugar, and butter over low heat until smooth. Let cool slightly. Whisk in eggs and vanilla.
In a bowl, combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Stir the dry ingredients into the honey mixture until a smooth batter forms. Fold in nuts and candied orange peel if using.
2. Bake the Bars
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 or 9×9 pan with parchment. Pour batter into the pan and spread evenly. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the top is set and a toothpick comes out clean.
3. Glaze While Warm
Whisk powdered sugar, milk (or orange juice), and vanilla into a smooth glaze. Pour over the warm bars so it sinks in and creates a soft, shiny finish.
4. Cool & Slice
Let cool completely before cutting into squares or bars.
Serving & Storage
These bars taste even better the next day as the spices deepen. Store in an airtight container for up to one week.
Enjoy !!!
