Lebkuchen Bars (Easy German Christmas Spice Bars)

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Lebkuchen Bars (Easy German Christmas Spice Bars)










 Lebkuchen Bars bring all the warm, spiced flavor of traditional German Lebkuchen into an easy-to-slice bar form. Soft, fragrant, and lightly sweet, these bars are perfect for the holidays, cookie trays, and cozy winter afternoons.

Unlike classic Lebkuchen, this version is simpler, quicker, and more approachable, while still delivering that unmistakable German Christmas taste.

Why Lebkuchen Bars Are So Popular

✔ Classic German holiday flavors
✔ Easier than traditional Lebkuchen
✔ Perfect for gifting and cookie platters
✔ Stores well and freezes beautifully
✔ Great seasonal RPM potential

What Is Lebkuchen?

Lebkuchen is a traditional German spiced cake or cookie, often compared to gingerbread. It typically includes warm spices, honey, nuts, and citrus, and is especially popular during Advent and Christmas markets.

These bars capture that same flavor in a more modern, convenient format.

Ingredients

Bars

  • 1 cup honey

  • ½ cup brown sugar

  • ½ cup butter

  • 1 large egg

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 tsp baking soda

  • 2 tsp Lebkuchen spice mix (or gingerbread spice)

  • 1 tsp cinnamon

  • ½ tsp cloves

  • ½ tsp nutmeg

  • ½ cup ground almonds or hazelnuts

  • Zest of 1 orange

Optional Glaze

  • 1 cup powdered sugar

  • 2–3 tbsp milk or orange juice

How to Make Lebkuchen Bars

1. Prepare the Batter

In a saucepan, gently heat honey, brown sugar, and butter until melted.
Let cool slightly, then whisk in the egg.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, combine flour, baking soda, spices, nuts, and orange zest.

3. Combine

Stir wet ingredients into dry until just combined.

4. Bake

Spread batter evenly in a lined baking pan.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes, until set.

Glaze (Optional)

Mix powdered sugar with milk or orange juice until smooth.
Spread over warm bars for a classic finish.

Cooling & Slicing

  • Allow to cool completely

  • Slice into bars or squares

  • Flavor improves after 24 hours

Storage

  • Room temperature: up to 5 days

  • Refrigerator: up to 2 weeks

  • Freezer: up to 3 months

Tips for Authentic Flavor

  • Use honey, not syrup

  • Don’t overbake—Lebkuchen should stay soft

  • Orange zest is essential

  • Bars taste better the next day

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