Ginger Cake

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup applesauce
• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup molasses
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (about 6 3/4 ounces)
• 1/2 cup flaxseed meal
• 1/2 cup toasted wheat germ
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/2 to 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 to 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 to 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup hot water
• Cooking spray
• 1 tablespoon powdered sugar (optional)
• Apple slices (optional)

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 350°.
2. Combine first 3 ingredients in a large bowl; beat with a mixer at medium speed until well blended (about 1 minute). Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in molasses.
3. Lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine flour and next 7 ingredients (through salt) in a large bowl. Add flour mixture and 1 cup hot water alternately to sugar mixture, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Spoon batter into a 13 x 9-inch baking pan coated with cooking spray. Bake 30 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan. Cut into 12 squares; sprinkle with powdered sugar and serve with apple, if desired.