We really love riding Gold Striker and the other big coasters at California’s Great America. But if we’re being totally honest, the No. 1 attraction is all the sugary treats. Not surprisingly, we’re really missing the popular Santa Clara theme park, which has been shuttered by the coronavirus pandemic.

And it appears we’re not the only ones with over-active sweet tooths — sweet teeth? — in need of a Great America fix. Now Great America is sharing its recipe for — oh, yum! — its famous Funnel Cake with Bananas Foster Sauce, which takes about 30 minutes. The website has a video demo, too.

Bananas Foster Sauce

Makes about 2 cups

Ingredients

¼ cup unsalted butter

1 tablespoon spiced rum (or whatever rum you have on hand)

¾ cup dark brown sugar

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup heavy whipping cream

2 bananas, sliced

Directions

Melt the butter in a small saucepan set over medium heat. Add rum and stir. Then add brown sugar to mixture and continue to stir until it’s dissolved. Continue to heat until the mix begins to simmer around the edge of pot. Stir in the cream, stirring until it’s well combined. Stir in the sliced bananas. Reduce the heat and continue to simmer, stirring occasionally, while you make the funnel cake.

Funnel Cake

Makes 2

Ingredients 

2 cups prepared pancake mix (If your mix does not include a fresh egg, add one to the batter)

Oil for deep frying

For serving: Powdered sugar, vanilla ice cream and whipped cream

Directions

In a bowl, prepare the pancake mix according to the package directions. (If your mix does not include a fresh egg, mix one into the batter.) Whisk until smooth. Pour the mixture into a pitcher or squeeze bottle.

In a heavy-bottomed pot, pour in oil to a depth of 3 to 4 inches. Heat oil to 375 degrees. (To test oil without a thermometer, drop in a small spoonful of batter. If it rises to the surface quickly, the oil is ready.)

Wearing an oven mitt for safety, hold the pitcher or squeeze bottle 3 to 4 inches above the oil. Pour about 1 cup of the funnel cake mixture into the hot oil in a spiral and then crisscross motion. Carefully fry each side for about 2 minutes, until golden brown, using a slotted spoon to turn it. (Be careful not to splash the hot oil.) Remove funnel cake and drain excess oil on paper towels. Repeat with remaining batter.

To serve, place each warm funnel cake on a plate. Pour Pour Bananas Foster Sauce on funnel cakes, as desired. Dust with powdered sugar. Serve with vanilla ice cream and whipped cream.

— Courtesy www.CAGreatAmerica.com