Healthy Moist Gingerbread Recipe with Applesauce and Whole Wheat Flour

Healthier Gingerbread Recipe

If you’re looking for a deliciously moist and light gingerbread recipe that’s not only indulgent but also healthier, this one is sure to become a favorite. Unlike traditional gingerbread, which can be heavy and high in fat, this recipe from The Healthy Oven Baking Book by Sarah Phillips uses clever techniques to reduce fat content without sacrificing flavor or moisture. The result is a tender, flavorful treat that’s rich in fiber but low in fat – perfect for a healthier indulgence.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Recipe Category: Dessert
• Servings: 9 servings
• Calories per Serving: 319.4 kcal
• Rating: 5/5 (Based on 1 review)

Ingredients

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Instructions

1. Preparation:

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   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Position the oven rack to the center.
   • Lightly spray an 8 x 8-inch square nonstick baking pan with canola oil cooking spray to prevent the batter from sticking.

2. Combine Dry Ingredients:

   • In a medium mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground cloves, baking soda, and salt.
   • Stir the mixture lightly with a fork to evenly distribute the spices and baking soda.

3. Mix Wet Ingredients:

   • In another large mixing bowl, add the hot water, molasses, dark brown sugar, unsweetened applesauce, egg, and canola oil.
   • Use an electric mixer on high speed to beat the ingredients together until the mixture is frothy, about 2 minutes.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:

   • Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients.
   • Pour the wet ingredients into the well of the dry ingredients and stir gently with a wooden spoon or spatula, just enough to moisten the flour mixture. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can result in a dense texture.

5. Bake:

   • Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top gently with a spatula.
   • Bake for 50 minutes, or until the top of the gingerbread springs back when gently touched and the edges start to pull away from the sides of the pan.
   • Be sure not to overbake, as the gingerbread will become dry.

6. Serve:

   • Let the gingerbread cool slightly before serving. You can enjoy it warm or at room temperature.
   • For an extra touch, sprinkle some confectioner’s sugar on top or serve with your favorite dessert sauce or fruit preserves. I personally love it with a little runny fruit preserve on top – it adds a lovely fruity balance to the spicy warmth of the gingerbread.

Tips for the Best Results

• Accurate Measurements: Because low-fat recipes are more sensitive to ingredient ratios, it’s important to measure the ingredients precisely. For the flour, use the spoon-and-level method: spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife.
• Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, stir gently just until everything is moistened. Overmixing will lead to a dense, heavy texture.
• Serving Suggestions: This gingerbread is delicious on its own, but if you want to elevate it further, pair it with lightly whipped cream, a dollop of yogurt, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a special treat.

Enjoy the comforting warmth and sweetness of this healthier gingerbread, made lighter without compromising on flavor. It’s perfect for a cozy dessert on a chilly evening or as a healthier addition to your holiday spread!