Name: Gingerbread Cake with Banana Topping and Vanilla Cream Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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); 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup butter (1 stick); 1 cup heavy whipping cream; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

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If you have a soft spot for cozy, comforting desserts that feel like a warm hug from the inside, you are going to absolutely adore this Gingerbread Cake with Banana Topping and Vanilla Cream Sauce Recipe. It’s a perfect blend of fragrant spices and rich molasses in a tender cake, topped with naturally sweet bananas and draped in a luxuriously smooth vanilla cream sauce. This delightful combination creates layers of flavor and texture that make every bite memorable. Whether it’s a holiday treat or a cozy weekend indulgence, this recipe brings together classic flavors with a fresh, fruity twist that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl is shown from above on a white marbled surface with a red and white cloth nearby. The left side shows three layers inside the bowl: a white creamy layer around the edges, a dark brown liquid layer on the top right, and a yellowish beaten egg layer on the bottom left. On the right side, the same bowl now contains a smooth, thick chocolate batter mixed evenly, with some swirled patterns on top. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the first step toward creating a dish bursting with warmth and flavor. Each ingredient plays a vital role in shaping the cake’s moist texture, spicy aroma, and luscious finish.

Granulated sugar: Adds the necessary sweetness and helps with browning the cake perfectly.
Butter: Provides richness and helps keep the cake tender and moist.
Large egg: Acts as a binding agent to bring all components together smoothly.
Unsulphered molasses: The heart of gingerbread flavor, delivering deep, robust sweetness and color.
All-purpose flour: The structure maker, giving the cake its body and crumb.
Baking soda: Essential leavening agent to create a light, airy texture.
Ground cinnamon, ginger, cloves: Classic warm spices that define the gingerbread personality.
Salt: Balances sweetness and highlights spices’ complexity.
Very hot water: Helps dissolve dry ingredients and activate spices for a moist crumb.
Bananas: Fresh bananas provide natural sweetness and a smooth fruit topping that complements the spices.
Fresh whipped cream: Adds fluffiness and a creamy cooling contrast.
Heavy whipping cream: Base for the vanilla cream sauce, ensuring a rich consistency.
Vanilla extract: Infuses the cream sauce with a fragrant, comforting aroma.

How to Make Gingerbread Cake with Banana Topping and Vanilla Cream Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F and generously greasing a 9×13-inch pan with cooking spray. This ensures the gingerbread cake will bake evenly and release easily from the pan.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the granulated sugar and butter until the mixture is smooth and light in color. This step is crucial for incorporating air into the batter, giving the cake a tender crumb.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

Add the beaten egg and molasses to the creamed sugar and butter. Mix them well to combine all the deep flavors that make your gingerbread cake irresistibly rich and aromatic.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ground ginger, cloves, and salt. This blend of spices and leavening will give your gingerbread cake its perfect spice profile and rise.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring to combine. Slowly pour in the very hot water while stirring until the batter becomes smooth and thin. This step guarantees a moist and tender cake texture.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pour your batter into the prepared pan and place it in the oven. Bake for 20-35 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. When it comes out clean, your gingerbread cake is ready.

Step 7: Prepare the Vanilla Cream Sauce

Meanwhile, for the luscious vanilla cream sauce, combine sugar, butter, and heavy whipping cream in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the butter melts completely.

Step 8: Boil and Flavor

Bring the mixture to a boil, then continue boiling while stirring frequently for 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract for that aromatic finish.

Step 9: Cool Sauce and Assemble

Allow the vanilla cream sauce to cool for a few minutes before serving it over warm slices of the gingerbread cake topped with freshly sliced bananas and fluffy whipped cream. This final assembly turns simple ingredients into a show-stopping dessert.

How to Serve Gingerbread Cake with Banana Topping and Vanilla Cream Sauce Recipe

A thick dark brown slice of cake sits in the middle of a white plate with red and black lines. On top of the cake is a dollop of white whipped cream with two banana slices placed on it. A spoon pours light golden syrup down over the whipped cream and cake, with syrup dripping down the sides. More banana slices are placed next to the cake on the right side of the plate, all against a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Beyond the bananas and whipped cream, consider adding toasted pecans or a sprinkle of ground cinnamon for extra crunch and spice. A dusting of powdered sugar also looks delightful and adds a hint of subtle sweetness.

Side Dishes

This warm cake pairs beautifully with a cup of spiced chai or freshly brewed coffee. For a richer experience, serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning presentation, slice the cake into neat squares and drizzle the vanilla cream sauce artistically on the plate before placing the cake and banana slices. Use fresh mint leaves or edible flowers to add a pop of color to your dessert plate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover gingerbread cake keeps beautifully when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Keep the vanilla cream sauce refrigerated separately in a sealed jar for freshness.

Freezing

If you want to save portions for later, wrap cake slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and topping.

Reheating

To bring back the warmth, microwave individual cake slices for 15-20 seconds or rewarm gently in a low oven wrapped in foil. Pour the vanilla cream sauce over the warmed cake and add fresh banana slices just before serving.

FAQs

Can I use gluten-free flour for this Gingerbread Cake with Banana Topping and Vanilla Cream Sauce Recipe?

Absolutely! Substitute a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend for the all-purpose flour. It may slightly alter texture but the fragrant gingerbread flavors will stay deliciously intact.

Is there a vegan alternative for the butter and egg in this recipe?

Yes, you can use vegan butter and a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) to replicate the binding and richness, ensuring everyone can enjoy this treat.

Can I prepare the vanilla cream sauce ahead of time?

Definitely. You can make the vanilla cream sauce a day ahead and refrigerate it. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, stirring occasionally to restore its silky smoothness before serving.

What if I don’t have molasses on hand?

Molasses is key for that distinct gingerbread depth, but you can substitute with dark corn syrup or a mix of honey and brown sugar. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

How ripe should the bananas be for topping?

Choose bananas that are ripe but still firm enough to slice neatly. Overripe bananas tend to be too mushy and can overpower the delicate balance of flavors in the cake and sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Gingerbread Cake with Banana Topping and Vanilla Cream Sauce Recipe is a heartwarming treat that transforms simple pantry ingredients into a celebration of cozy, sweet, and spicy flavors. Give it a try and discover how this classic dessert with a twist becomes an instant favorite in your kitchen and on your table. Trust me, once you experience the harmony of gingerbread spices, fresh bananas, and creamy vanilla sauce, you’ll be baking it again and again.