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Lebkuchen Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 136 reviews

Lebkuchen Bars are a delightful spiced treat inspired by traditional German gingerbread. These bars feature a rich mixture of honey, brown sugar, warm spices like cinnamon and ginger, and fresh orange zest, crowned with a tangy orange-ginger icing. Perfect for holiday snacking or gifting, the bars offer a chewy yet tender texture with a lovely almond crunch and a luscious glaze.

Ingredients

Scale

Bar Ingredients

  • 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 Ingredients

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons orange juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Honey Mixture: In a medium saucepan, combine brown sugar, honey, granulated sugar, and unsalted butter. Heat over medium flame and bring the mixture just to a simmer, stirring frequently until the sugars fully dissolve. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
  2. Sift Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and ground ginger to ensure an even distribution of spices.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: Once the honey mixture has cooled to room temperature, whisk in the egg, fresh orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract. Fold in the sliced almonds gently.
  4. Mix the Dough: Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with dry ingredients and stir until just combined, being careful not to over-mix.
  5. Chill the Dough: Cover the dough tightly with plastic wrap, pressing the wrap directly onto the surface to prevent drying. Refrigerate for 6 to 8 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld and dough to firm up.
  6. Preheat and Prepare Pan: When ready to bake, remove the dough from refrigerator and let it rest at room temperature for 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper and lightly grease the paper.
  7. Shape the Bars: Transfer the sticky dough into the prepared baking dish. Use a greased spatula to evenly press the dough into a flat, uniform layer.
  8. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  9. Prepare the Icing: While the bars are baking, combine powdered sugar, orange juice, freshly grated ginger, and vanilla extract in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth and free of lumps.
  10. Ice and Cool: Remove bars from the oven and let cool for 5 to 10 minutes. Spread the prepared icing evenly over the warm bars.
  11. Final Cooling: Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature so the icing sets before slicing into squares.
  12. Storage: Store the cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature. They develop the best flavor and texture after resting for a few days.

Notes

  • Be sure to chill the dough for at least 6 hours or overnight to enhance flavor and improve texture.
  • If you prefer a less sticky dough, chilling is essential and do not skip this step.
  • The icing can be adjusted in consistency by adding a little more orange juice for a thinner glaze or more powdered sugar for a thicker topping.
  • For a nut-free version, omit the sliced almonds or substitute with a seed like pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
  • Use fresh ginger and orange zest for the best aroma and flavor intensity in the icing.
  • Bars can be stored at room temperature for up to one week or frozen for longer storage.

Keywords: Lebkuchen bars, German gingerbread, spiced honey bars, holiday dessert, cinnamon ginger bars, orange zest icing

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