Lebkuchen Bars

Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 20-25 mins | Total Time: 40 mins | Servings: 16 bars

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Ingredients

For the Lebkuchen Bars:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• ½ cup almond flour (or finely ground almonds)

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1 teaspoon ground ginger

• ½ teaspoon ground cloves

• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

• ¼ teaspoon ground allspice

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ½ cup honey

• ½ cup brown sugar, packed

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 large egg

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ½ teaspoon lemon zest (optional, but traditional)

For the Glaze (Optional but Recommended):

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 2-3 tablespoons lemon juice (or water)

• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

For Decoration (Optional):

• Sliced almonds

• Chopped candied citrus peel

• Crushed walnuts

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Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 or 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on two sides for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, allspice, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter, Honey, and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, honey, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).

Step 4: Add Egg and Flavorings

Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and lemon zest (if using) until well combined.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. The dough will be thick and sticky — that’s normal for Lebkuchen.

Step 6: Spread in Pan

Transfer the dough to the prepared pan. Using a spatula or wet fingers (dip them in water to prevent sticking), spread the dough evenly into the pan. It will be a thin layer — about ½ to ¾ inch thick.

Step 7: Bake

Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 8: Cool

Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Do not try to glaze while warm — the glaze will melt and run off.

Step 9: Make the Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth. The glaze should be thick but pourable. Add more powdered sugar to thicken or more liquid to thin.

Step 10: Glaze and Decorate

Pour the glaze over the cooled bars and spread evenly with a spatula or the back of a spoon. Immediately sprinkle with sliced almonds, candied citrus peel, or crushed walnuts if desired.

Let the glaze set for 15-20 minutes before cutting into 16 bars.