Description
Lebkuchen Bars are a delightful, spiced German treat featuring warm cinnamon, ginger, and orange flavors combined into a moist, tender bar. Sweetened with honey and brown sugar, these bars are topped with a lightly spiced orange-ginger icing, making them perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy anytime snacking.
Ingredients
Scale
Bars
- 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 extract
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
Icing
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the honey mixture: In a medium saucepan, combine brown sugar, honey, granulated sugar, and unsalted butter. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugars dissolve and the mixture just begins to simmer. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Sift dry ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and ground ginger to ensure an even distribution of spices.
- Combine wet ingredients: Once the honey mixture has cooled, whisk in the egg, fresh orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract. Then fold in the sliced almonds gently to keep their texture intact.
- Mix dough: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined to avoid overworking the dough and ensure tenderness.
- Chill dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface to prevent drying, and refrigerate for 6 to 8 hours or overnight to develop flavors and firm up the dough.
- Prepare for baking: When ready to bake, take the dough out and let it rest at room temperature for 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
- Shape and bake: Transfer the sticky dough into the prepared baking dish. Use a greased spatula to press it evenly into the pan. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Make icing: While bars are baking, mix powdered sugar, orange juice, freshly grated ginger, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth and lump-free.
- Ice the bars: Remove bars from the oven and let them cool for 5 to 10 minutes. Spread the icing evenly over the warm bars to create a flavorful glaze.
- Cool and serve: Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature so the icing sets properly before slicing into squares. Store in an airtight container and enjoy within a few days for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Chilling the dough is essential to let flavors meld and to achieve the right texture.
- Allow bars to cool completely before slicing to prevent the icing from smearing.
- Use fresh orange juice and zest to brighten the flavor significantly.
- Sliced almonds add crunch; you can substitute with chopped nuts if preferred.
- These bars improve in flavor if allowed to rest a day after baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes plus 6-8 hours chilling
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German
Keywords: Lebkuchen Bars, German Spice Bars, Holiday Dessert, Cinnamon Bars, Ginger Bars, Honey Bars, Orange Icing Bars, Christmas Treats
