Ingredients

• 1/2  cup butter, softened
• 1/3  cup packed brown sugar
• 1  teaspoon baking powder
• 1  teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2  teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4  teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4  teaspoon salt
• 1/2  cup molasses
• 1/2  cup water
• 2  eggs
• 1  cup all-purpose flour
• 1  cup whole wheat flour
•   Maple-Cream Icing

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly grease a 13x9x2-inch baking pan; set aside. In a large bowl, beat butter with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, baking soda, and salt; beat until combined.

2. Add molasses, the water, and eggs; beat until well mixed. Beat in all-purpose flour and whole wheat flour.

3. Spoon batter into prepared pan, spreading evenly. Bake about 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pan on wire rack.

4. While bars are cooling, prepare Maple-Cream Icing. Spoon icing over uncut bars; spread evenly. Let stand until set. Cut into bars. Makes 32 bars.

Maple-Cream Icing: In a medium bowl, stir together 1/3 cup dairy sour cream, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and 1/2 teaspoon maple flavoring. Gradually whisk in 3 cups powdered sugar, whisking until smooth.