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Lebkuchen Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 101 reviews

Lebkuchen Bars are a delightful, spiced gingerbread treat featuring warm honey, cinnamon, and ginger flavors with a subtle hint of orange. These bars are soft and chewy, topped with a sweet orange-ginger glaze that perfectly complements the aromatic spices and optional crunchy almonds and candied orange peel. Perfect for holiday celebrations or cozy afternoons.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Bars

  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 Tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 Tablespoons orange juice
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest (finely grated)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup sliced unblanched almonds (optional)
  • 1/3 cup finely chopped candied orange peel (optional)

For the Glaze

  • 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
  • 2 Tablespoons orange juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare Honey and Sugar Mixture: In a large saucepan over medium-low heat, combine honey, dark brown sugar, granulated sugar, and unsalted butter. Stir continuously until the butter is melted and the sugars have fully dissolved.
  2. Cool Mixture: Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the mixture to cool for 15 minutes to avoid cooking the egg in the next step.
  3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and ground ginger to evenly distribute the spices and leavening.
  4. Combine Wet Ingredients with Honey Mixture: Once the honey mixture has cooled, add the egg, orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract. If using, incorporate the sliced almonds and chopped candied orange peel. Stir gently to blend all ingredients.
  5. Add Dry Ingredients to Wet: Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and stir until a sticky dough forms, ensuring all components are well incorporated.
  6. Chill Dough: Cover the dough closely with plastic wrap, placing one sheet directly on the surface, then refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight to let flavors meld and firm the dough.
  7. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour a 9×9-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
  8. Bring Dough to Room Temperature: Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator and allow it to warm to room temperature for about 30 minutes, making it easier to spread.
  9. Shape Dough: Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the surface for uniform baking.
  10. Bake Bars: Bake for 20-30 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center which should come out clean when fully baked.
  11. Prepare Glaze: While the bars bake, whisk together confectioners’ sugar, orange juice, freshly grated ginger, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth and free of lumps.
  12. Glaze Bars: Remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack. Immediately brush or spread the glaze evenly over the warm bars to allow good absorption and a shiny finish.
  13. Cool and Set: Let the bars cool completely in the pan so the glaze can set firmly.
  14. Store: Once cool, cut into bars. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 month. The flavor improves after resting 1-2 weeks.

Notes

  • For best flavor, allow the bars to rest for 1-2 weeks before consuming, as the spices and orange flavors deepen.
  • Optional almonds and candied orange peel add texture and extra bursts of flavor, but can be omitted if preferred.
  • Ensure the honey mixture is cooled before adding the egg to prevent scrambling.
  • Glaze is best applied while the bars are warm to absorb well and create a smooth finish.
  • These bars keep well at room temperature; refrigeration is not necessary.

Keywords: Lebkuchen, Lebkuchen bars, gingerbread bars, Christmas dessert, spiced bars, honey bars, German dessert, orange glaze

Find it online: https://amayaharis.com/lebkuchen-bars-recipe/