Gingerbread Cake with Banana and Vanilla Cream Topping Recipe
This classic Gingerbread Cake combines warm spices and rich molasses for a moist, flavorful dessert. Topped with fresh bananas, whipped cream, and a luscious vanilla cream sauce, it makes a perfect treat for cozy gatherings or holiday celebrations.
- Author: Maya
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
For the Gingerbread Cake
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 cup unsulphered molasses
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup very hot water
- Bananas, sliced (for topping)
- Fresh whipped cream (for topping)
For the Vanilla Cream Sauce
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with cooking spray to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 cup butter until the mixture is smooth and light in color, creating a fluffy base for the cake.
- Add Egg and Molasses: Beat in the large egg and 1 cup of molasses thoroughly to the creamed mixture until well combined.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1 teaspoon ginger, 1/2 teaspoon cloves, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredient mix to the wet mixture, stirring gently to incorporate everything evenly.
- Add Hot Water: Slowly pour in 1 cup of very hot water and stir until the batter is smooth. Note that the batter will be thin at this point.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for approximately 20 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Prepare Vanilla Cream Sauce: While the cake is baking, combine 1 cup sugar, 1/2 cup butter, and 1 cup heavy whipping cream in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the butter melts.
- Boil the Sauce: Bring the mixture to a boil, then let it boil gently for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Add Vanilla and Cool: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Let the sauce cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve: Once baked, serve the warm gingerbread cake topped with fresh sliced bananas, whipped cream, and drizzle with the vanilla cream sauce for a delightful finish.
Notes
- The hot water thins the batter and helps the dry ingredients incorporate smoothly.
- The baking time may vary depending on your oven; start checking for doneness at 20 minutes.
- For best results, use unsulphered molasses as it provides a richer, deeper flavor.
- Store leftover cake covered in the refrigerator, and reheat gently before serving.
- The vanilla cream sauce can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
Keywords: Gingerbread Cake, Molasses Cake, Spiced Cake, Holiday Dessert, Warm Cake, Vanilla Cream Sauce