These warmly spiced, soft gingerbread-style bars are packed with honey, almonds, and citrus—just like the traditional German holiday treat. They get even better after a day or two, so they’re perfect for make-ahead baking!
Ingredients
Bars
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 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
How to Make Lebkuchen Bars
Note: The dough must chill for 6–8 hours, so plan ahead!
- Heat the honey mixture:
In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, honey, granulated sugar, and butter. Warm over medium heat just until it begins to simmer. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then remove from heat and let cool. - Mix the dry ingredients:
In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and ginger. Set aside. - Combine:
Once the honey mixture has cooled, whisk in the egg, orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla. Stir in the sliced almonds.
Add this wet mixture to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. - Chill:
Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the dough to prevent drying. Refrigerate for 6–8 hours or overnight. - Prepare to bake:
Bring the dough to room temperature for 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment, lightly greasing it. - Bake:
Spread the sticky dough evenly into the pan using a greased spatula.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. - Make the icing:
While the bars bake, whisk together powdered sugar, orange juice, ginger, and vanilla until smooth. - Ice and cool:
Let the bars cool for 5–10 minutes, then spread the icing over the top.
Cool completely and allow the icing to fully set before slicing. - Store:
Keep the bars in an airtight container at room temperature.
They taste even better after a couple of days!
