Chocolate Lebkuchen(Christmas Chocolate Bars)
Decadent chocolate Lebkuchen bars infused with warm spices, honey, and candied fruits, perfect for festive occasions and satisfying chocolate and spice lovers alike.
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups packed brown sugar
- 6 eggs ⓘ
- 4 oz. unsweetened chocolate ⓘ
- 3 cups all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cloves ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 cup honey or molasses ⓘ
- 2 1/2 cups mixed citron, candied lemon, orange, pineapple, and nuts, chopped ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Sift the brown sugar.
- Beat eggs until light and fluffy, then gradually add the sugar, beating well to blend.
- Grate the unsweetened chocolate and add to the egg mixture.
- Combine all-purpose flour, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, baking soda, and salt; sift together.
- Alternately add the sifted dry ingredients and honey or molasses to the egg mixture, mixing well after each addition.
- Fold in the chopped candied citron, lemon, orange, pineapple, nuts, and blanched almonds.
- Spread the dough evenly into two greased 9 x 13-inch pans.
- Bake for about 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool completely.
- Ice with chocolate icing or melted chocolate chips.
- Decorate with blanched almonds and cut into bars before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using dark chocolate instead of unsweetened chocolate. If you prefer a less sweet option, reduce the brown sugar slightly. To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Ensure all your spices are fresh for the best flavor, especially the cinnamon and cloves.
Serving Suggestions
Serve chocolate lebkuchen bars with a cup of hot cocoa or spiced tea for a delightful treat. They can be enjoyed plain or topped with chocolate icing and blanched almonds. For a festive touch, serve alongside a fruit sauce, such as the Fruit Sauce For Pineapple And Banana Salad, to balance the sweetness.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover chocolate lebkuchen in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the bars by wrapping them in plastic wrap and placing them in an airtight container. Thaw at room temperature before serving or warm them slightly in the microwave for a few seconds.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chocolate Lebkuchen(Christmas Chocolate Bars) contains roughly 211 calories, with 2g protein, 44g carbohydrates, and 3g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of nuts in the recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the mixed nuts with your favorite nuts like walnuts or pecans. Just make sure to chop them finely and adjust the quantity to maintain the texture of the batter.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To make this chocolate lebkuchen recipe vegan, substitute the eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water or commercial egg replacers. Use a plant-based honey alternative or maple syrup in place of honey or molasses.
What can I do if my dough is too thick?
If your dough seems too thick, add a tablespoon of milk or a plant-based milk alternative to loosen it up. This will help achieve the right consistency for spreading in the pans.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).