- Brown sugar (adds depth of flavor, use organic if preferred)
- Ground ginger (essential spice for gingerbread)
- Cinnamon (traditional flavoring in gingerbread)
- Baking soda (leavening agent to help rise)
- Salt (balances flavors)
- Butter (fat content for moistness)
- Vanilla extract (for added flavor and aroma)
- Eggs (binds ingredients together)
- Molasses (traditional sweetener, optional but gives traditional taste)
- Water (liquid component; use buttermilk or milk as an alternative for moisture)
- Spices blend (include all above mentioned spices for a classic gingerbread flavor)
- Confectioners' sugar (for the vanilla glaze, also SEO-friendly for frosting recipes)
SEO Keywords: banana gingerbread recipe, traditional gingerbread ingredients, vanilla glaze for baking, organic brown sugar, buttermilk alternatives, moisture in baking
Steps
### How to Make a Delicious Banana Gingerbread with Vanilla Glaze
Banana gingerbread is a delightful twist on traditional gingerbread that pairs well with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, complemented by the sweetness of bananas. The vanilla glaze adds a luxurious touch, making this dessert perfect for holiday gatherings or special occasions.
#### Ingredients:
- 1 cup mashed ripe banana
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3 tbsp ground ginger
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp cloves
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup molasses
#### Vanilla Glaze Ingredients:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
- 2-3 tbsp milk (adjust as needed)
### Step-by-Step Instructions:
#### 1. **Prepare the Dough**
- Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (180ยฐC). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the mashed bananas and all dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and black pepper. Stir until well combined.
#### 2. **Cream Butter and Sugars**
- In another large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and both sugars using an electric mixer on medium speed for about 3 minutes.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract and molasses.
#### 3. **Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients**
- Gradually add the banana mixture to the sugar-butter mixture, mixing well after each addition. The dough will be thick but should come together when pressed.
#### 4. **Shape and Bake**
- Scoop the dough onto the prepared baking sheet using a tablespoon or cookie scoop. Flatten slightly with your fingers.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until edges are golden brown but centers remain soft.
#### 5. **Cool and Glaze**
- Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for about 5-10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- While cooling, mix the powdered sugar and vanilla extract in a small bowl. Gradually add milk until you achieve your desired consistency.
#### 6. **Apply Glaze**
- Once the gingerbreads are fully cool, drizzle or spread the vanilla glaze over each cookie using a spoon or piping bag.
- Let the glaze set for about an hour before serving to ensure it hardens properly.
### Tips and Variations:
- For added flavor, sprinkle chopped dried cranberries or chocolate chips on top of the gingerbread dough before baking.
- Experiment with different spices such as cardamom or allspice for unique variations.
### Conclusion
This banana gingerbread with vanilla glaze is not only easy to make but also visually appealing and incredibly tasty. Perfect for sharing during the holiday season, itโs sure to be a hit at any gathering. Enjoy crafting this delightful dessert using these SEO-friendly steps!