Ingredients
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 for topping
- Fresh whipped cream, for topping
Vanilla Cream Sauce:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 cup butter until the mixture is smooth and light in color, which helps create a tender cake texture.
- Add Egg and Molasses: Add the beaten egg and 1 cup of unsulphered molasses to the creamed mixture, mixing thoroughly to combine all wet ingredients evenly.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 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, and 1/2 teaspoon salt to distribute the spices and rising agent well.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Then slowly pour in 1 cup of very hot water, stirring until the batter is smooth and thin in consistency.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating doneness.
- Prepare Vanilla Cream Sauce: While the cake bakes, 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 and Flavor Sauce: Bring the mixture to a boil and continue boiling for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Remove from heat and stir in 2 teaspoons vanilla extract. Allow sauce to cool slightly before serving.
- Serve: Once the cake is done, serve warm topped generously with fresh sliced bananas, whipped cream, and drizzle the vanilla cream sauce over the top for a decadent holiday dessert.
Notes
- The batter will be thin, so don’t be alarmed—it’s normal for this recipe.
- Molasses is key for authentic gingerbread flavor; substitute only with dark molasses if unsulphered molasses is unavailable.
- You can prepare the vanilla cream sauce ahead and gently rewarm before serving.
- Ensure not to overbake to keep the cake moist and tender.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter and cream with vegan alternatives.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American