Christmas Spice Cake (Germany)

Recipe Overview 🍽️

History of the Recipe ✍️

Lebkuchen, or Christmas spice cake, has deep roots in Germany, particularly in the Nuremberg region, known for its spiced cookies. Originally consumed during religious celebrations, this cake has evolved into a holiday staple, especially popular at German Christmas markets. It is most commonly found in the southern parts of Germany, made in various forms from cakes to heart-shaped or star-shaped cookies.

Ingredients 🛒

listed in the order of use in the procedure:

• 250 g of flour
• 100 g of brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons of ground ginger
• 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon of ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon of baking soda
• 150 g of liquid honey
• 1 egg
• 50 g of melted butter
• 100 g of chopped almonds (optional)
• 1 tablespoon of milk
• 200 g of dark chocolate (for glazing, optional)

Steps (How to Make ) 🥣

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, spices (ginger, cinnamon, cloves), and baking soda.
3. Add the liquids: Add the honey, egg, and melted butter. Mix until smooth dough forms. If you want a crunchier texture, you can add the chopped almonds at this stage.
4. Let the dough rest: Cover the dough and refrigerate it for 15 to 20 minutes to make it easier to handle.
5. Shape the cake: Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface and cut shapes with cookie cutters, or roll it into a round or rectangular cake.
6. Baking: Place the dough shapes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
7. Glazing (optional): Melt the chocolate in a double boiler and glaze the cake or cookies once they have cooled.
8. Cooling: Allow the cake to cool before serving.

Chef Tips 👨‍🍳

• For an even softer texture, add a small amount of applesauce or plain yogurt to the dough.
• Decorate the cake with candied fruits or chopped hazelnuts for a festive look.
• If you prefer a stronger honey flavor, you can add more honey to the dough.

Possible Variations 🎭

• Lebkuchen as cookies: Turn this recipe into cookies by cutting the dough into small shapes with cookie cutters before baking.
• Iced Lebkuchen: After baking, glaze the cakes with icing made from powdered sugar mixed with a bit of lemon juice for a sweeter version.
• Add dried fruits: Raisins, nuts, or chopped hazelnuts can be added to the dough for a more fruity and crunchy taste.

Bake Time 🔥

Baking takes abou t15 to 20 minutes at 180°C (350°F).

How to Store 🥡

Food and Drink Pairings 🥂

The Christmas spice cake pairs perfectly with a cup of black tea. It is also delicious when served with a warm milk-based drink like a cinnamon latte.

Presentation Suggestion 🍽️

Serve the cake in thick slices or small bite-sized pieces, decorated with powdered sugar or chopped hazelnuts. For a more festive presentation, you can decorate it with colorful ribbons or a garnish made from dried fruits.

Why It’s Healthy 💚

This cake is an excellent source of spices, which not only enhance flavor but also offer antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Honey, used instead of refined sugar, has antibacterial and soothing benefits.