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Lebkuchen Spice Mix (Lebkuchengewurz)

This authentic Lebkuchen spice mix, or Lebkuchengewürz, is the essential pantry staple for anyone looking to master traditional German festive baking. While shop-bought versions can sometimes lack depth, creating your own blend allows the warm, pungent notes of cinnamon, cloves, and mace to shine through. This vegan-friendly mixture captures the nostalgic aroma of European Christmas markets, providing a sophisticated balance of sweet and savoury heat that is far superior to standard mixed spice.

Perfect for flavouring biscuits, honey cakes, or even a seasonal morning porridge, this versatile blend is remarkably easy to assemble. By using high-quality ground spices and storing the mixture in an airtight glass jar, you can preserve the volatile oils and keep the fragrance potent for months. It makes a thoughtful homemade gift for keen bakers or a wonderful way to prep your kitchen for the winter holiday season.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Lebkuchen Spice Mix (Lebkuchengewurz)

  • 5 tablespoons /30g ground cinnamon

  • 1 1/2 tablespoons ground cloves

  • 1 teaspoon ground allspice

  • 1 teaspoon ground cardamom

  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger

  • 1 teaspoon ground mace

  • 3/4 teaspoons ground aniseed

Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and mix well to combine. Store in a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. Kept in a dark, cool place, the mix will stay fresh for 1 year.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 28 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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