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Swiss Basler Läckerli Honey Spice Bar

A comforting and fragrant honey spice bar with warm spices and nuts, perfect for holidays and make-ahead baking.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 17 minutes
Total Time 13 hours 12 minutes
Servings: 16 squares
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: European, Swiss
Calories: 142
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Dry Ingredients
  • 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour Use gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Wet Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup honey Choose a flavor you enjoy.
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons kirschwasser (cherry brandy) Replace with orange juice for a non-alcoholic version.
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Spices
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Fruits and Nuts
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped candied orange peel
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped unsweetened dried cherries or cranberries Optional, use golden raisins for a sweeter fruit note.
  • 1/3 cup finely chopped blanched almonds
  • 1/3 cup finely chopped skinned hazelnuts Substitute with walnuts or pecans if needed.
  • 1 teaspoon fresh orange zest Use lemon zest for a different citrus finish.
Glaze
  • 6 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 2 teaspoons kirschwasser
  • 1 teaspoon water

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides.
  2. Whisk together flour, salt, and baking soda in a bowl, then set aside.
Mixing
  1. In a saucepan over medium-low heat, warm honey, sugar, and spices for about 5 minutes until smooth. Do not boil.
  2. Remove from heat and stir in kirschwasser and vanilla, then add orange peel, optional dried fruit, nuts, and zest.
  3. Add the flour mixture and stir until a stiff dough forms.
Chilling
  1. Press the dough into the prepared pan and cover with foil. Refrigerate for at least 12 hours.
Baking
  1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Let the pan sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.
  2. Bake for 15 to 17 minutes until golden and just set. Cool for 5 minutes before glazing.
Glazing and Serving
  1. Whisk glaze ingredients together and spread over the top of the bars. Cut into 16 squares after 5 minutes.

Notes

These bars improve in flavor after resting. Store in an airtight container, and let rest a couple of days for best results.