Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9 x 13″ pan, a10-inch tube pan or 6 cup bundt pan.

Mix flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and salt into a large bowl.

In another large bowl, whisk the brown sugar, oil and egg until well combined, then whisk in the applesauce, water and vanilla extract or paste. Add the dry ingredients and stir well. Fold in the crystalized ginger. Spread evenly in the prepared pan.

Bake until top is firm and springs back when pressed with your fingers, about 35 minutes, or about 50 minutes using a tube or bundt pan.

Transfer to a wire cooling rack.

While the cake is baking, place water and sugar into a small saucepan and bring to boil. Allow to boil until it becomes lightly syrupy, about 12 – 15 minutes. Remove from heat and add lemon juice. Taste to adjust to the amount of tartness you’d like. Add vanilla.

Gently poke holes in the warm gingerbread then drizzle glaze over the cake.

Remove cake from pan when it has cooled. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream.

Makes about 10 servings.