Delicious Nürnberger Lebkuchen Recipe for You!
Are you ready to indulge in a festive treat that is vegan and fat-free? Look no further than this delicious Nürnberger Lebkuchen recipe. Originated from the German city of Nuremberg, these gingerbread cookies are a holiday favorite and a beloved part of German culture.
But fear not, because with this recipe, you can enjoy the traditional taste of lebkuchen without worrying about animal ingredients or excess fat. This recipe is perfect for vegans, health-conscious individuals, and anyone looking for a guilt-free way to enjoy some classic holiday cookies.
The best part about this recipe is that it stays true to the flavors and texture of classic Nürnberger Lebkuchen. You won’t even notice that it’s free from animal products or oil. So why not try making these delicious cookies today? They’re sure to put you in the holiday spirit and impress your friends and family.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
As a vegan chef, I’m constantly searching for ways to make classic and beloved dishes animal-free. That’s why I’m so excited to introduce you to my Nürnberger Lebkuchen recipe—vegan and fat-free, it’s the perfect guiltless Christmas treat!
Lebkuchen cookies are traditionally German sweets that consist of flavorful spice and nut-filled gingerbread. Typically loaded with butter, eggs, and honey or molasses, these delicious treats have been difficult for vegans to enjoy in the past. But with my recipe, you can indulge in all the holiday sweetness without any animal ingredients or refined sugars.
Not only is this recipe vegan-friendly, but it’s also gluten-free! I use a combination of ground almonds and hazelnuts instead of flour for a richer consistency. The ground nuts also give the cookies more protein and healthy fats than traditional gingerbread cookies.
Perhaps the best feature of my Nürnberger Lebkuchen recipe is that it’s entirely fat-free. Instead of using oil or butter, I rely on unsweetened applesauce to add moisture to the batter. This means you can feel great about indulging in one (or more!) of these cookies without worrying about taking in unnecessary extra calories.
Overall, this vegan Nürnberger Lebkuchen recipe is an outstanding choice if you’re looking for a delicious Christmas snack that aligns with your dietary restrictions. Whether you’re vegan, gluten-free or just on the hunt for healthier holiday treats, this recipe is sure to win over your heart (and stomach!)
Ingredient List
Before diving into the preparation of these vegan and fat-free Nürnberger Lebkuchen, let’s take a look at the essential components that make up this delightful dessert. The following ingredient list can be adjusted according to your personal preferences, but this is the traditional recipe from Germany with an excellent vegan twist.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups of ground nuts (hazelnuts, almonds, or both)
- 1 cup of brown sugar
- 3/4 cup of applesauce
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- 3/4 cups of flour (gluten-free if preferred)
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cloves
- 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
- Zest from one lemon
- A pinch of salt
- Decorations: Oblaten (round wafers used as a base) and powdered sugar for dusting
This list may seem intimidating as it features some exotic ingredients such as Oblaten, which might be harder to find at the grocery store. Do not worry, you can easily purchase them online or in specialty stores. The rest should be easier to gather and should not pose a challenge for those familiar with German cuisine.
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Prepare the Oblaten
Before starting, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Meanwhile, place the oblaten on a baking tray and set aside.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine 4 cups ground hazelnuts and 3/4 cup ground almonds. Add 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves and 1 teaspoon baking soda. Mix until well combined.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
To the bowl of dry ingredients, add 1 cup applesauce, 1 cup brown sugar, and 1/4 cup water. Mix until all ingredients are incorporated.
Step 4: Flavoring the Dough
Add 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 tablespoon honey, and grated lemon rind of one lemon to the mixture. Continue mixing until thoroughly combined.
Step 5: Shaping and Baking the Cookies
Using a cookie dough scoop or spoon, portion out dough balls onto each oblate on the baking tray. The dough will be sticky but don’t worry, that’s normal. Be sure to leave at least an inch between each ball to allow for spreading.
Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown. After they’re done baking, remove from oven and let them cool for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once they’ve cooled, dust with powdered sugar for an added touch of sweetness. Serve and enjoy your homemade Nürnberger Lebkuchen – vegan and fat-free!
Substitutions and Variations
While this recipe is already vegan and fat-free, there are still a few substitutions and variations you can make to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
For a gluten-free version, you can swap the all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour. You may need to adjust the amount of liquid used in the recipe, so be sure to add it gradually and only as much as needed.
If you prefer sweeter cookies, you can use powdered sugar instead of brown sugar for a smoother and finer texture. Alternatively, if you want to cut down on refined sugar, you can use coconut sugar or maple syrup instead of brown sugar.
For a more pronounced spicy flavor, you can increase the amount of ground nutmeg and cloves in the recipe. You can also add a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom for an extra kick.
If you’re a fan of chocolate, you can dip the cookies in melted dark chocolate or sprinkle them with cocoa powder before serving. This will give your cookies a decadent twist and make them even more irresistible.
Lastly, if you want to experiment with different shapes and sizes, you can use cookie cutters or shape the dough into balls or logs. This will give your cookies a unique look and make them stand out on any platter.
Whatever substitutions or variations you choose to make, remember that this recipe is versatile and adaptable, so feel free to get creative!
Serving and Pairing
Nürnberger Lebkuchen cookies are a perfect sweet treat to indulge in during the holiday season. These vegan and fat-free cookies feature a delectable blend of spices such as cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and cloves, coupled with the refreshing citrus taste of lemon rind and juice.
Serving these cookies is easy – they are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a holiday party, or like to keep them around as a snack. I recommend serving them with hot cocoa or coffee, which provides the perfect balance of sweetness and warmth on a chilly winter day. For a fancier approach, you can sprinkle powdered sugar on top of your cookies for an extra touch of sweetness.
Pairing options for Nürnberger Lebkuchen are endless. The hazelnut and almond flavor profile makes it the perfect base for pairing with rich desserts such as dark chocolate truffles or even fruit tarts. Additionally, spiced rum or eggnog is a great beverage choice if you’re looking to add a boozy twist to your holiday celebration.
Regardless of how you pair and serve these vegan and fat-free Nürnberger Lebkuchen cookies, they will undoubtedly add a delicious dimension to your table spread.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
When it comes to making Nürnberger Lebkuchen, you’ll be pleased to know that these vegan and fat-free cookies are incredibly versatile when it comes to making them ahead of time, storing them, and reheating them. Whether you want to whip up a big batch of these treats for a holiday party or simply want to have some on hand throughout the week, the following tips will ensure that your lebkuchen look and taste their best:
Make-Ahead: One of the things we love about this recipe is that you can make a big batch of cookies well in advance of any event or occasion. To do so, you’ll want to prepare the dough as directed in the recipe instructions. Once prepared, roll out your dough and cut your cookies into your desired shape before baking them off in the oven. Once done baking, you can let your lebkuchen cool completely before storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
Storing: Proper storage is key if you want your lebkuchen to maintain their signature soft and chewy texture. For best results, we recommend storing your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also layer your cookies with parchment paper or wax paper to prevent sticking.
Reheating: If you’re craving warm, freshly baked cookies but don’t have time (or energy) to bake a new batch, reheating your previously baked lebkuchen is easy as pie. Simply pop them into a preheated oven set at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes until they’re warm and fragrant. You can also reheat individual portions of lebkuchen in the microwave using the defrost setting for about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
In summary, preparing Nürnberger Lebkuchen ahead of time and storing them properly is simple with just a little bit of attention and care. Whether you’re planning for a special occasion or simply want tasty treats on hand, these vegan and fat-free lebkuchen are sure to delight anyone lucky enough to enjoy them.
Tips for Perfect Results
Nürnberger Lebkuchen, a traditional German Christmas dessert, is made using a variety of spices and nuts, and it is a delicacy that vegans can also indulge in! However, making vegan lebkuchen cookies can be tricky, especially if you are looking to keep them both gluten-free and fat-free. Here we present some tips to help you perfect your recipe and create the best batch of Nürnberger Lebkuchen ever.
First Tip: Measure Carefully
If you’re making a recipe for the first time, or if you’re generally not familiar with metric measurements, then measuring out ingredients properly is crucial. Invest in a digital kitchen scale, which is an essential tool when it comes to measuring out dry ingredients like flour and nuts. Make sure to measure each ingredient precisely according to the recipe’s directions.
Second Tip: Use Top-Quality Ingredients
Using top-quality ingredients can enhance the flavor and texture of your vegan Nürnberger Lebkuchen. Be sure to buy high-quality brown sugar, hazelnuts, almonds, cinnamon, lemon rind, ground nutmeg, and cloves as per the measurements mentioned in the recipe.
Third Tip: Grind Your Own Spices
While pre-ground spices are convenient to use, fresh grinding results in tastier treats since it releases more flavors and aromas from the spices. Grinding fresh cinnamon sticks and nutmeg will make them taste fresher than store-bought ones.
Fourth Tip: Mix Dry Ingredients Well
Ensure every dry ingredient is well-combined before incorporating any wet ingredients into your mixture as we do not want any moisture lumping up.
Fifth Tip: Do Not Skip Oblaten or Oblaten Substitute
Oblaten are wafer sheets traditionally used in making Nürnberger Lebkuchen cookies; they help ensure even heat distribution while baking by providing insulation. You can also use rice papers as oblaten substitutes are sometimes hard to find; they work equally well!
Using these tips will help you make perfect Nürnberger Lebkuchen cookies that are suitable for vegans while staying gluten-free and oil-free. So follow them all correctly, enjoy your baking session and indulge in the delightful taste of these gingerbread cookies!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the vegan and fat-free Nürnberger Lebkuchen recipe is a must-try for anyone looking for a nutritious and delicious treat this holiday season. This recipe is ideal for individuals with dietary restrictions, as it is gluten-free, oil-free, and refined sugar-free. Moreover, it features high-quality ingredients that are animal-product free, making it suitable for vegans.
By incorporating healthy ingredients such as applesauce, hazelnuts and almonds, cinnamon, lemon juice and rind, nutmeg, cloves and ginger into your diet, you can boost your health while satisfying your sweet tooth. Our low-fat recipe ensures that you indulge in this German classic without adding undesired pounds.
With this simple-to-follow recipe guide using Wicklein Gluten-Free Vegan Oblaten Lebkuchen and Feinste Nürnberger Elisen Lebkuchen Vegan from Germany to create a sweet sensation of Gingerbread & Chocolate dipped Lebkuchen or simple powdered sugar decorated bites. You will have an array of cookies that are perfect for sharing or gifting.
Try out the vegan Nürnberger Lebkuchen recipe today and delight in its tantalizing aroma, flavorsome taste, and impressive nutritional profile. You won’t regret exploring this delicious and healthy dessert option that honors the tradition of lebkuchen or gingerbread-inspired treats during the holidays.
Nürnberger Lebkuchen - Vegan and Fat Free! Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup honey
- 1/4 cup applesauce
- 1 teaspoon lemon rind, grated
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 3/4 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- slivered almonds, for decoration (optional)
GLAZE
- 1 cup sugar (optional)
- 1/2 cup water (optional)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (optional)
Instructions
- Mix honey, sugar, eggbeater, lemon juice and rind. Blend dry ingredients separately.
- Stir the wet into the dry. Chill overnight.
- When ready to cook, heat the oven to 400 degrees.
- Roll out a small amount of dough at a time to a 1/4 " thick log. Cut into 2" rounds.
- Place each cookie round on a nonstick cookie sheet, and place a slivered almond in the center if desired.
- Bake about 12 minutes, or until set.
- Immediately brush with glazing icing, if desired:
- boil sugar and water until the first indication of a 'thread' appears as it thickens (around 230 degrees).
- Remove from heat and stir in the powdered sugar. Bush this lightly over the cookies (when the icing gets sugary, reheat slightly, adding a little water until clear again).
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Jolo is a talented chef and food blogger with a passion for vegan and Caribbean flavors. From savory vegetarian dishes to tropical smoothies, Jolo’s Kitchen has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for meat-free meals or creative Caribbean recipes, Jolo’s Kitchen is the perfect place for you.