Lebkuchen (German Gingerbread Bars)

Ingredients

Base

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (80g) almond meal
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200g) brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup (170g) honey
• ¼ cup (60g) milk
• Zest of 1 orange

Glaze

• 1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar
• 20g melted butter
• 20 ml dark rum

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C fan).
2. Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
3. In a bowl, whisk together flour, almond meal, baking powder, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
4. In another large bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar together until fluffy.
5. Add the egg and continue to beat until well combined.
6. Mix the honey, milk, and orange zest into the butter mixture.
7. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
8. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
9. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. While the Lebkuchen is baking, whisk together powdered sugar, melted butter, and dark rum. Add 1 teaspoon warm water if needed.
11. Let the Lebkuchen cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then drizzle the glaze over the top and spread to form a smooth layer.
12. Allow it to cool completely before cutting into squares to serve.