Indulge your taste buds with the delightful flavors of Lebkuchen (Spice Bars), a traditional German treat that combines aromatic spices, almonds, and a luscious almond glaze. 🇩🇪✨ Perfect for dessert or a sweet snack, these bars are a wholesome delight that brings a touch of European warmth to your kitchen. Let’s embark on this culinary journey and create a batch of these heavenly spice bars!
🕒 Total Time: 15 minutes
🍽️ Recipe Category: Bar Cookie
👨🍳 Servings: 12 | Yield: 4 dozen bars
Ingredients:
- 1 tsp cinnamon 🍂
- 1 tsp allspice 🌰
- 1/4 tsp clove 🔥
- 1/2 tsp salt 🧂
- 2 1/4 cups flour 🍚
- 1/2 tsp baking powder 🍰
- Rind of 1 lemon 🍋
- 2 eggs 🥚
- 1 cup sugar 🍬
- 1/2 cup honey 🍯
- 1/2 cup milk 🥛
- 1 cup almonds, chopped 🌰
- 3/4 cup confectioners’ sugar 🍚
- 3/4 tsp almond extract 🌰
- 1/2 cup rum 🍹
- 1-2 tbsp water 💧
Instructions:
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Prepare the Spice Mix:
- In a bowl, combine cinnamon, allspice, clove, salt, flour, and baking powder. Embrace the aroma as the spices come together in harmony.
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Add the Almonds and Lemon Zest:
- Stir in the chopped almonds and the zest of one lemon, infusing the mix with nutty goodness and a citrusy zing.
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Beat Eggs and Sugar:
- In a separate bowl, beat eggs and sugar until a ribbon forms when the beater is lifted. This step ensures a light and airy texture.
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Incorporate Honey and Milk:
- Gently stir in the honey and milk, creating a sweet and moist foundation for our Lebkuchen bars.
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Gradually Mix in the Flour Mixture:
- Gradually incorporate the spiced flour mixture into the wet ingredients, beating until the batter becomes irresistibly smooth.
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Spread in the Pan:
- Spread the aromatic batter in an 11 X 17-inch jelly roll pan, generously greased and floured, ready to transform into a golden delight.
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Bake to Perfection:
- Bake at 400 degrees F for 12 to 15 minutes, allowing the cake to rise and set until a heavenly aroma fills your kitchen.
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Almond Glaze Magic:
- While the cake is warm, transfer it onto a wire rack and prepare the almond glaze. Mix confectioners’ sugar, almond extract, rum, and 1 to 2 tbsp of water, beating until smooth and luscious.
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Spread the Glaze:
- Spread the warm cake generously with the almond glaze, letting it seep into every corner for a burst of sweetness.
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Cut Into Bars:
- Cut the cake into charming 1 X 2 1/2-inch bars while it’s still warm, creating bite-sized pieces of indulgence.
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Preserve the Spice:
- These spice bars have a lasting charm! If not glazed, they can be stored for 6 to 8 weeks in a sealed container, making them a delightful treat for weeks to come.
✨ Garnish with Joy:
Elevate your Lebkuchen experience by garnishing each bar with a sprinkle of confectioners’ sugar or additional chopped almonds. Let your creativity flow!
Dive into the world of Lebkuchen (Spice Bars) and savor the rich heritage of German baking. Whether shared with loved ones or enjoyed as a personal delight, these bars are a testament to the joy that comes from creating something truly special in your kitchen. 🌟🍪🎉
