Best-Odds Baby's 1st Birthday Cake

Our baby boy turned one on February 21st. Yay! We didn't want to serve him a sugary cake so we went with this healthy recipe. Makes 1 single-layer 8-inch-square cake.

Ingredients:

• Vegetable cooking spray
• 1 cup plus 2 Tablespoons apple juice concentrate
• 1/2 cup whole raisins
• 1/2 cup chopped raisins
• 1/2 cup chopped dates
• 1/4 cup (4 Tablespoons) butter or margarine
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 3/4 cup whole-wheat flour
• 1/2 cup wheat germ
• 4 1/2 teaspoons low-sodium baking powder

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Coat an 8-inch square nonstick baking pan with vegetable cooking spray. Set aside.
2. Combine the juice concentrate, dried fruits, butter, and cinnamon in a small saucepan. Simmer over low heat until the butter is melted. Remove from the stove and let cool.
3. Combine the flour, wheat germ, and baking powder in a mixing bowl. Gradually blend in the fruit mixture, stirring until just mixed. Do not overmix.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Bake about 30 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out dry. Cover loosely with foil during baking if the cake starts to brown.
5. To keep cake from becoming dry and too hard for baby to gum, cover with aluminum foil or store in a plastic bag as soon as it has cooled slightly.