Lebkuchen bars take everything people love about traditional German Lebkuchen—warm spices, honeyed sweetness, and soft cake-like texture—and transform it into an easy, sliceable dessert. Instead of shaping individual cookies, the batter is baked in a pan and cut into bars, making this recipe perfect for busy bakers, holiday trays, and gift boxes.
These bars are rich without being heavy, gently spiced rather than overpowering, and even better after a day or two when the flavors have fully developed. If gingerbread and spice cake had a delicious middle ground, Lebkuchen bars would be it.
What Makes Lebkuchen Special
Lebkuchen is often compared to gingerbread, but it’s softer, more aromatic, and traditionally made with honey, nuts, and warming spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. The flavor is deep and comforting, with a subtle citrus note that brightens every bite.
In bar form, Lebkuchen becomes easier to bake and serve while keeping its signature moist texture and festive aroma.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe makes one 9×13-inch pan.
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¾ cup honey
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½ cup brown sugar
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½ cup unsalted butter
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2 large eggs
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon baking powder
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½ teaspoon baking soda
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2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
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½ teaspoon ground cloves
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½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
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½ teaspoon ground ginger
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¼ teaspoon salt
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½ cup finely chopped almonds or hazelnuts
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Zest of 1 orange or lemon (optional but recommended)
Optional topping:
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Powdered sugar glaze or melted chocolate
How to Make Lebkuchen Bars
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