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For many people, this is the quintessential Nuremberg gingerbread: a round, soft gingerbread baked on a thin wafer base and finished with either a chocolate coating or a delicate sugar glaze. Known in German as Oblaten-Lebkuchen, this traditional speciality has been part of the Christmas season for centuries and remains a firm favourite on every German Advent platter.
Its distinctive character comes not only from its rich, spiced flavour, but also from the way it is made. The thin edible wafer underneath is far more than a traditional feature: it serves an important practical purpose and helps give the gingerbread its characteristic round shape.
Unlike firmer types of gingerbread dough that can be rolled out and cut into shapes, Oblaten-Lebkuchen is made from a soft, almost creamy mixture. As the mixture cannot be shaped by hand, it is piped or spread directly onto a round edible baking wafer.
The wafer serves two important purposes. Firstly, it supports the soft mixture while it bakes and prevents it from spreading across the baking tray. Secondly, it keeps the gingerbread from sticking or burning underneath. It also makes the finished gingerbread easy to pick up and enjoy without it falling apart – especially useful for younger gingerbread fans.
Traditional bakeries often use a special tool known as a Lebkuchenglocke to spread the mixture evenly across the wafer. Its name literally means “gingerbread bell”, and its shape does indeed resemble a small wooden bell. The tool is placed over a portion of gingerbread mixture and turned by hand. A metal blade inside distributes the mixture evenly, creating the familiar round and gently domed shape.
Not all Oblaten-Lebkuchen is made to the same standard. Under German food regulations, the different quality grades are largely determined by their nut content. Generally speaking, the higher the proportion of almonds, hazelnuts or walnuts, the more premium the gingerbread:
Almonds and hazelnuts are the most commonly used nuts, although walnuts may also be included. Standard Oblaten-Lebkuchen may contain a proportion of oil-rich seeds, such as sunflower seeds or poppy seeds. The rules are considerably stricter for the higher quality grades.
Traditional Oblaten-Lebkuchen is available in several popular varieties:
This is probably the best-known version. Once baked, the gingerbread is coated in either milk chocolate or dark chocolate. Dark chocolate is ideal for anyone who prefers a more intense flavour, as its slight bitterness provides a delicious contrast to the sweet, aromatic gingerbread and its warming spices.
Sugar-glazed gingerbread has a lighter, more delicate flavour. The crisp white glaze allows the traditional spices to take centre stage. It also creates an attractive contrast when served alongside dark chocolate-coated gingerbread on an Advent or Christmas platter.
The simplest and most traditional variety is served without any coating and is often decorated with three almonds. Without chocolate or glaze, the gingerbread’s full flavour can shine through, from its fragrant spices to its characteristic honey sweetness.
The carefully balanced blend of spices is what gives Oblaten-Lebkuchen its unmistakable aroma. Every traditional bakery has its own recipe, often passed down through generations and kept as a closely guarded family secret. A typical gingerbread spice blend may include:
The old German word Pfeffer, meaning “pepper”, was once used as a general term for exotic spices. This is why gingerbread is still known as Pfefferkuchen in some parts of Germany, even though black pepper is not necessarily part of the recipe.
Oblaten-Lebkuchen has an excellent shelf life. Thanks to its high sugar and honey content, it can remain fresh for several months when stored correctly. Keep it in a gingerbread tin or another airtight container in a cool, dry place.
Should the gingerbread begin to dry out, there is a simple way to restore its soft texture. Place a small piece of apple peel or a crust of bread in the container for around one day. The gingerbread will absorb some of the moisture and become soft and delicious again. Remember to remove the apple peel or bread afterwards.
Discover our complete range of authentic Nuremberg Oblaten-Lebkuchen in our online factory shop. Freshly baked and available throughout the year, our gingerbread is perfect as a traditional Christmas treat, a thoughtful gift or simply something special to enjoy at home. We dispatch orders within 48 hours, with next-day express delivery also available on request.
Looking for a gift for family, friends or business partners? Explore our selection of gingerbread tins, gingerbread gift chests and gingerbread gift boxes, which can be filled with the varieties of your choice. For an especially premium experience, visit our Elisenlebkuchen category and discover the finest Nuremberg gingerbread, made with an exceptionally high proportion of nuts.
