Gingerbread-making class

Spend an afternoon learning about, baking and eating traditional Nuremberg Lebkuchen. After a brief history lesson about the origins of Lebkuchen and a quick demonstration, you’ll get the chance to make your own batch of the traditional treat, combining sweet honey, fragrant spices and crunchy nuts.

Though it’s often compared to gingerbread, Lebkuchen uses different spices and has nuts and candied fruit in it, making the final product chunkier and softer than gingerbread. You can indulge in a couple fresh out of the oven, but you’ll also get to bring your leftovers home with you to enjoy later on.

Originating with the local monks, Lebkuchen has been around since at least 1296, and there are different variations of Lebkuchen, each with their own requirements. Nuremberg Lebkuchen, which has a higher concentration of nuts and very little wheat flour, must be produced within the boundaries of the city to carry the label.

You’ll make your own way to the baking studio in Nuremberg, where you’ll be greeted by an English-speaking baker who will chat with you about Lebkuchen and its origins in Germany before giving a quick demonstration.

A popular Christmastime treat, the Nuremberg Lebkuchen recipe includes honey, aniseed, coriander, cloves, ginger, cardamom, allspice and an array of nuts or candied fruit that might include almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts, or orange and lemon peel.

Though often compared to the dough used when baking gingerbread men, one of the biggest differences is the inclusion of the nuts and candied fruit. You’ll also find that Lebkuchen is a bit softer than most gingerbread men.

After mixing up the dough, you’ll use two spoons to shape it into an oblong half-moon shape, before popping them in the oven. Enjoy the spicy sweet smell in the baking studio as they bake before taking the finished Lebkuchen out of the oven.

Feel free to indulge in a bite or two while the Lebkuchen is still fresh and warm, but don’t worry about finishing them, as you do get to take your leftovers with you. The entire activity takes 2.5 hours, and at its conclusion you can make your way back to your hotel or continue on with your day out in Nuremberg.