A. B. Schwartzkopf

Inspired by the popular fantasy book The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien, Lembas bread has been a fan favorite treat for years. This elven bread is dense and traditionally filled with delicious flavors such as cinnamon, vanilla, honey, and sometimes even nutmeg– but the most magical thing about this recipe is that you can change the flavors to fit what you’re craving. 

The spices listed above create a sense of autumn, which might be perfect for a trek across Middle Earth, but what if we changed the recipe to fit the vibes of a restful summer vacation? Here are some fruity variations that are the perfect solution!

Lemon-Strawberry Lembas Bread

This recipe calls for:  

• 2 ½ cups of flour

• 1 tbsp baking powder

• ¼ tsp of salt

• ½ cup butter

• ⅓ cup brown sugar

• ⅔ heavy whipping cream

• ½ tsp lemon zest

• ½ tsp mashed strawberry

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 425℉
• Mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt until well blended
• Mix in the butter until fine granules 
• Add sugar and lemon zest, and blend together
• Finally, add the heavy whipping cream and the mashed strawberry, mixing until a thick dough forms
• Roll the dough out so that it’s ½ in thick, and cut into 3-4in squares. For the signature Lembas bread look, cut a criss-cross across the top of each piece without cutting through the dough
• Put into the oven for 10-13 min. The edges should look golden when they’re done
• Let cool and enjoy

Review:

This recipe blends together the light taste of a summer drink with the texture of the traditionally dense bread into a delightful midday snack. Because the lemon’s tartness balances the sweetness of the strawberry and brown sugar, it’s truly a sweet-and-sour treat!

Mango-Vanilla Lembas Bread

This recipe calls for:

• 2 ½ cups of flour

• tbsp baking powder

• ¼ tsp of salt

• ½ cup butter

• ⅓ cup brown sugar

• ⅔ heavy whipping cream

• ½ tsp vanilla

• ½ tsp mango extract

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 425℉
• Mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt until well blended Mix in the butter until fine granules 
• Add sugar blend together
• Finally, add the heavy whipping cream, mango extract, and vanilla extract. Mix until a thick dough forms
• Roll the dough out so that it’s ½ in thick, and cut into 3-4in squares. For the signature Lembas bread look, cut a criss-cross across the top of each piece without cutting through the dough
• Put into the oven for 10-13 min. The edges should look golden when they’re done
• Let cool and wait. 

Review:

A little on the sweeter side, this version of Lembas bread serves well as a summer evening dessert. The tropical tang of mango is humbled by the smooth vanilla, and while it’s on the more cakey-side of things, pairs well with a cold scoop of ice cream. 

As any hobbit knows, food is meant to be shared, so whether you’re a Lord of the Rings fan or not, go ahead and try these variations for your next summer treat! And who knows, maybe you’ll end up discovering another variation to take on your next adventure.