Beat the cold heavy cream, maple syrup, vanilla and cinnamon with an electric mixer for 2-3 minutes, until soft peaks form. Refrigerate until serving.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and salt.
In a separate bowl, whisk the buttermilk, molasses, melted butter and vanilla until the molasses is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and fold until just combined. Let the batter rest for 10 minutes to thicken.
Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat and grease it lightly with butter. Pour 1/4 cup of batter per pancake, keeping the heat moderate because the molasses browns quickly.
Cook for 2-3 minutes, until bubbles form and the edges look set, then flip and cook for 1-2 minutes more, until cooked through.
Stack the warm pancakes and top with a big dollop of maple whipped cream. Serve right away while the spices are warm and fragrant.