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German Gingerbread Squares on holiday silver platter.
Jana Rae

German Gingerbread Squares (Lebkuchen with Marzipan)

German Gingerbread Squares with spiced cake layers and marzipan filling. A festive holiday treat, also known as traditional German Lebkuchen.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 16 squares
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: German
Calories: 240
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Gingerbread Layers
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • ½ tsp ground cloves
  • ½ tsp nutmeg
  • ½ tsp ginger
  • ½ cup unsalted butter softened
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • ½ cup honey or molasses
  • 2 large eggs
Marzipan Filling
  • 7 oz 200 g marzipan or almond paste
  • 2 tbsp powdered sugar
  • 1 egg white optional, softens marzipan
Glaze & Decoration
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 –3 tbsp milk or water
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Whole almonds optional

Method
 

  1. Mix flour, baking powder, soda, salt, and spices. Cream butter, sugar, honey, and eggs. Combine to make dough. Chill 30 minutes.
  2. Roll half the dough into a greased 9x13-inch pan. Spread marzipan mixture over top. Cover with remaining dough.
  3. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30–35 minutes, until golden. Cool slightly.
  4. Spread glaze over warm squares. Top with almonds if desired. Cool fully before slicing.

Notes

Recipe Notes

  • Flavor deepens after 1–2 days in an airtight tin.
  • Traditional in Germany during Advent and Christmas.
  • Freezes well up to 2 months.