Lebkuchen

Recipe by Susan Reid
60 Reviews 4.5 out of 5 stars

These spicy gingerbread-like bars, native to Nuremberg, Germany, are traditional holiday fare in that country. They contain no fat other than that in the egg but are decadent nonetheless, with their hard sugar glaze and nippy bite of crystallized ginger (substituted for the more typical citron). They keep very well too, especially when a piece of apple (or a marshmallow) is tucked into their airtight container to soften them. They're a perfect accompaniment to hot tea after a blustery afternoon of scouring the shops for just-right presents.

Prep
25 mins
Bake
20 to 22 mins
Total
13 hrs 2 mins
Yield
54 bars
Lebkuchen

Instructions

Prevent your screen from going dark as you follow along.

  1. One day ahead: Bring the honey and brown sugar to a boil in a medium saucepan, stirring occasionally. Remove the mixture from the heat and cool until lukewarm.

  2. In a large bowl, beat together the cooled honey mixture, the egg, and the lemon and orange peel or oil.

  3. Add the flour, baking soda, almonds, spices, and ground mini diced ginger, and stir until well combined. The dough will be on the stiff side, but also very sticky. Cover the bowl and refrigerate it overnight.

  4. The next day: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease and line a 9" x 13" pan with parchment. The parchment will ease removing the bars in one complete piece.

  5. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a 9" x 13" rectangle. Carefully transfer the dough rectangle to the prepared pan, either by wrapping it around the rolling pin and then unfolding it into the pan, or using a giant spatula. Don't press hard on the edges, or these areas will be dense and tough.

  6. Bake the bars for 20 to 22 minutes, or until a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean.

  7. While the bars are baking, prepare the glaze. Stir the brandy or apple juice into the confectioners' sugar and mix until smooth. Transfer the baked bars to a cooling rack and immediately brush on the glaze with a pastry brush; let the glaze soak into the bars somewhat before applying another layer.

  8. Let cool completely before cutting into 1" x 2" bars.

  9. Store the bars in an airtight container with a slice of apple (for its softening powers). If you make the lebkuchen 2 to 3 days ahead of time, they'll taste even better. They'll last for several weeks.

Tips from our Bakers

  • If you're a fan of candied peel and citron, you can replace the grated lemon and orange peel with 1 cup diced, candied peel.
  • To save on dishes, pulse the mini diced ginger and blanched almonds in the food processor together.

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