Step by Step instructions

Equipment Needed:

• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or electric mixer
• Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
• 9-inch round or square baking pan (or a loaf pan)
• Parchment paper (optional, for easier removal)
• Oven

Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Ensure that your oven rack is in the center position.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan

2. Grease your baking pan with a small amount of oil or butter, or line it with parchment paper for easier removal later.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

3. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the following dry ingredients until well combined:
   • 1 ½ cups gluten-free flour blend
   • 1 tablespoon ground ginger
   • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
   • ½ teaspoon ground cloves
   • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
   • 1 teaspoon baking soda
   • ¼ teaspoon salt

   Make sure there are no lumps in the flour.

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients

4. In another large mixing bowl, combine the wet ingredients:

   • ½ cup honey or maple syrup
   • ¾ cup unsweetened applesauce
   • 2 large eggs
   • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
   • ¼ cup molasses
   • ¼ cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)

5. Using a whisk or an electric mixer, beat the wet ingredients together until smooth and well combined.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

6. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture. Using a rubber spatula or wooden spoon, gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if there are a few small lumps.

Step 6: Add Optional Ingredients

7. If you want to include any optional ingredients like chopped nuts or dried fruit, fold them into the batter at this stage.

Step 7: Pour the Batter

8. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.

Step 8: Bake the Cake

9. Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs (but not wet batter).

Step 9: Cool the Cake

10. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 10: Serve

11. Once cooled, slice the gingerbread cake and enjoy! You can serve it plain or with a drizzle of yogurt or a sprinkle of powdered sugar if desired.

Storage:

• Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Enjoy baking your healthy gingerbread c