Recipe

Basler Läckerli

Swiss Spiced Honey Bars: A Delightful Treat from Basel

4.7 out of 5

Indulge in the rich flavors of Switzerland with Basler Läckerli. This traditional Swiss treat hails from Basel and is a beloved delicacy during the festive season. These spiced honey bars are a perfect blend of sweetness, warmth, and a hint of citrus, making them a delightful addition to any dessert table.

Dessert› Cookie› Basler Läckerli

European cuisine› Alpine cuisine› Swiss cuisine

Preparation time

20 minutes

Cooking time

20-25 minutes

Total time

45 minutes

Yields

12 servings

Preparation difficulty

Medium

Suitable for

Vegetarian, Nut-free (if almonds are omitted), Dairy-free (if dairy-free butter is used), Kosher, Halal

Allergens

Tree nuts (almonds)

Not suitable for

Vegan (contains honey and butter), Gluten-free (contains all-purpose flour)

Ingredients

2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
1/2 cup (120g) granulated sugar 1/2 cup (120g) granulated sugar
1/2 cup (120g) honey 1/2 cup (120g) honey
1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter
1/2 cup (75g) candied citrus peel, finely chopped 1/2 cup (75g) candied citrus peel, finely chopped
1/2 cup (60g) almonds, finely chopped 1/2 cup (60g) almonds, finely chopped
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon almond extract 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
Zest of 1 orange Zest of 1 orange
Zest of 1 lemon Zest of 1 lemon
1/4 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 cup (60ml) water 1/4 cup (60ml) water

Nutrition

Calories (kcal / KJ): 220 kcal / 920 KJ
Fat (total, saturated): 6g, 2g
Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 25g
Protein: 3g
Fiber: 1g
Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1.
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking pan with parchment paper.
2.
In a saucepan, combine the honey, sugar, butter, and water. Heat over medium heat until the mixture is melted and well combined.
3.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, orange zest, lemon zest, candied citrus peel, and almonds.
4.
Pour the melted honey mixture over the dry ingredients and mix until a sticky dough forms.
5.
Transfer the dough to the prepared baking pan and press it evenly into the pan.
6.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
7.
Remove from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan.
8.
Once cooled, cut the bars into desired shapes and sizes.
9.
Optional: Prepare a simple icing by mixing powdered sugar with a little water and drizzle it over the bars for decoration.
10.
Allow the icing to set before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

Almonds — Make sure to finely chop the almonds to ensure they blend well into the dough and provide a consistent texture throughout the bars.

Tips & Tricks

For a more pronounced citrus flavor, you can add a few drops of orange or lemon extract to the dough.
Allow the Basler Läckerli to cool completely before cutting into bars to ensure clean and neat edges.
Store the bars in an airtight container to maintain their freshness and chewy texture.

Serving advice

Serve Basler Läckerli as a delightful treat alongside a cup of hot tea or coffee. They are perfect for festive occasions, afternoon tea, or as a sweet indulgence any time of the day.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Basler Läckerli on a decorative platter or in a gift box lined with parchment paper. Dust them with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant touch.