Gingerbread Cake

Preheat oven to 350°F.

In a large bowl, mix flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.

In a different bowl, mix molasses, butter, and sugar, then add applesauce, egg, and vanilla extract.

Beat in flour mixture, alternating with oil and milk. Pour batter into greased pans.

Bake for 25–30 minutes, or about 20 minutes for cupcakes, until toothpicks come out clean.

Let cool before frosting. After the first frosting layer, place in the freezer for about 10 minutes to harden before adding the second layer.

Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.