whole wheat spice bars with maple-cream icing

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