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Gingerbread Cake with Vanilla Cream Sauce, Bananas, and Whipped Cream Recipe

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4.1 from 14 reviews

This classic American Gingerbread Cake is a delightful holiday dessert featuring a moist, spiced cake made with molasses and warm spices. It is perfectly complemented by a rich vanilla cream sauce, fresh sliced bananas, and whipped cream, creating a comforting and festive treat for 12 servings.

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings

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

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American