Spicy Molasses Bars - Plant-Based Cooking

Ingredients

• ½ cup unsweetened applesauce ( or pumpkin puree)
• 1 cup light or dark brown sugar (packed)
• 1 tbsp ground flaxseeds (plus 2 ½ tablespoon water (see note for other substitutions))
• 1/3 cup unsulphured molasses
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus 2 tablespoons )
• 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
• 2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp Ceylon cinnamon*
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• ½ tsp almond extract
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/3 cup minced crystallized ginger
• 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar (sifted )
• 1 tbsp dark rum ((optional))
• 1/8 cup powdered sugar