1/2 cup molasses
1 cup applesauce
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon cloves
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 3/4 cups flour (I use whole wheat pastry flour)
2 teaspoons ginger, optional
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F, and spray an 8x8" pan with nonstick spray. Combine the molasses and applesauce in a large bowl.
2. Combine remaining ingredients and stir into the liquid. If the batter seems very dry, add a little more applesauce or a little water.
3. Bake in prepared pan for 30-45 minutes, or until it tests done.
The optional ginger makes an acceptable gingerbread. I have also had success leaving out the ginger and adding 3 or 4 tablespoons of cocoa to make a tasty, but not very sweet or rich chocolate cake. If you use cocoa, you might need to add extra sweetening, but that depends on your taste.'