Lebkuchen: the authentic German honey cake recipe

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350F/160C/gas mark Line a 15x10x1-in. baking pan with parchment paper.

Step 2

In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy.

Step 3

Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in molasses, buttermilk and extract. In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, allspice, cardamom and cloves and gradually add to creamed mixture and beat well. Stir in walnuts.

Step 4

Place raisins, dates, lemon peel, coconut, orange peel and pineapple in a food processor; pulse until chopped.

Step 5

Stir into batter.

Step 6

Press down into prepared pan.

Step 7

Bake 25-28 minutes or until lightly browned.

Step 8

For glaze, in a small saucepan, bring sugar and water to a boil and simmer for 1 minute. Remove from heat; whisk in confectioners' sugar. Spread over warm bars.

Step 9

Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

Step 10

Cut into slices when completely cold.