How to Make Lebkuchen Gewürz (the Ultimate German Christmas Spice Blend)! by Chef Gigi

Spices Holidays
6 years ago

How to Make Lebkuchen Gewürz (the Ultimate German Christmas Spice Blend)!

Not sure what Lebkuchen Gewürz is? It’s a gingerbread spice blend with an exceptionally beautiful depth and complexity of flavor. And it’s an essential ingredient for a variety of German baked goods during the Christmas season, most notably Lebkuchen. I use this blend in all my pumpkin and apple pie recipes, especially in my gingerbread recipes. Sprinkle it on pumpkin coffees, spiked whipped creams, sweet potatoes and fruit cakes!

You’ll need:

  • 2 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon 
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground green cardamom
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground star anise
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground mace
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Here’s how you make it:

  1. Combine all spices.
  2. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Use within one week. Yields 4 tablespoons. 

Want to use whole spices and grind yourself? Here's how to convert them:

  • cinnamon – 1 3-inch stick = 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • allspice – 6 whole allspice berries = 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon ground
  • coriander – 1 teaspoon coriander seeds = 1 1/4 teaspoon ground
  • green cardamom – approximately 12 pods, dehusked = 1 teaspoon ground
  • ginger – 1 tablespoon fresh ginger root = 1/4 teaspoon ground
  • star anise – 1 whole star anise = 1/2 teaspoon ground
  • mace – 1/4 ounce of whole mace = 1 tablespoon ground
  • nutmeg – 1 nutmeg = 2 teaspoons ground
Spicely Organic Cardamom Decorticated Powdered
Spicely Organic Cardamom Decorticated Powdered $15
Cardamom, a part of the ginger family, has a distinct aroma and flavor.
Cinnamon Sticks
Cinnamon Sticks $6
Quality and freshness guaranteed!
Spicy World Whole Allspice
Spicy World Whole Allspice $10
A 1-pound bag of premium quality whole allspice berries.
Star Anise
Star Anise $8
A warm-sweet seasoning that imparts a licorice-like flavor to desserts, liquors and meats.
McCormick Ground Mace
McCormick Ground Mace $4
It is orange in color and has a sweet, warm, spicy flavor.
Whole Nutmeg Tin
Whole Nutmeg Tin $7
From the East Indies, nutmeg is great for desserts and baking and is a flavorful addition to cheese dishes.

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Donna John
My father-in-law is German (was born in Frankfurt) and my dad is a majority German - and they both love Lebkuchen. We have a German store not too far from the house and I recently bought them both some. Will definitely make this spice mix soon. Do you have a recipe for Lebkuchen? Chef Gigi Gaggero
Elisa Schmitz, 30Seconds
This sounds amazing and versatile, Chef Gigi Gaggero! I think Dieter Schmitz would love it, thank you!
Meredith Schneider
Can't wait to try these! Making a list of goodies to make while kids are off from school! 👌
Margaret Steck
My Mom was born and raised in Germany (Frankfurt) and we looked forward to receiving goodies from our family from Germany every year! This year, I'm going to try and make this spice. It looks so easy and I'm sure it'll make my whole house smell amazing!

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