Growing up, I learned that the best holiday memories come from cozy kitchens filled with sweet, comforting aromas. This Classic Gingerbread Dump Cake brings that same warmth to your table—only easier and 100% vegan. It’s the perfect one-pan dessert for busy weeknights or festive gatherings. With simple ingredients, balanced flavors, and that nostalgic gingerbread spice, this easy dump cake is the winter dessert everyone will fall in love with.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Classic Gingerbread Dump Cake is the ultimate comfort dessert for the holidays. It’s an easy dump cake recipe that blends the warm, spiced flavors of gingerbread with the simplicity of a one-pan dessert. You’ll love how quick and effortless it is to prepare—just layer, bake, and enjoy. Perfect for cozy winter evenings or festive gatherings, this holiday dump cake delivers rich flavor without the hassle of complicated baking.
What makes this gingerbread dump cake truly special is its versatility. You can make it vegan, add a drizzle of caramel, or top it with whipped cream for extra indulgence. It’s family-friendly, customizable, and guaranteed to impress your guests with minimal effort. The combination of moist gingerbread cake and crumbly topping makes every bite comforting and nostalgic. Whether you’re looking for a simple dessert recipe or the best winter dump cake for your celebration, this Classic Gingerbread Dump Cake will quickly become your new favorite holiday tradition.
Ingredients for This Recipe
Every great holiday dessert starts with simple, comforting ingredients—and this Classic Gingerbread Dump Cake is no exception. Each item plays a key role in creating that signature warm and cozy flavor that defines the season. The rich molasses gives the cake its deep color and classic gingerbread taste, while the combination of ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves fills your kitchen with festive aromas. The brown sugar and butter add sweetness and richness, creating the perfect balance of moistness and crumbly texture.
Using a cake mix keeps this dump cake recipe incredibly easy—no complicated steps, just delicious results. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering or a quick weeknight treat, these ingredients come together effortlessly to create a one-pan dessert everyone will love. Add chopped nuts for crunch or finish with powdered sugar for a simple, elegant touch. This gingerbread dump cake is all about flavor, warmth, and ease—holiday baking made simple.
🛒 Ingredients:
1 cup molasses
1 cup hot water
1 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
½ cup melted butter
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 tablespoon ground ginger
2 teaspoons cinnamon
½ teaspoon nutmeg
¼ teaspoon cloves
½ teaspoon salt
1 box yellow or spice cake mix (15 oz)
Optional: ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
Optional: powdered sugar or whipped cream for serving
How to Make This Recipe
Making this Classic Gingerbread Dump Cake is as easy as it gets—just layer, bake, and enjoy! This easy dump cake recipe combines the rich, spiced flavors of gingerbread with the simplicity of a one-pan dessert, perfect for the holidays or any cozy winter night. The molasses adds that deep, caramel sweetness, while the warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg create the ultimate holiday aroma. Using a boxed cake mix keeps it simple while still delivering bakery-style flavor. Melted butter ensures a golden, crisp top that perfectly complements the soft gingerbread base.
This gingerbread dump cake is the perfect combination of convenience and homemade comfort. You can prepare it in minutes and let the oven do all the work. Whether served warm with whipped cream or dusted with powdered sugar, this holiday dump cake is guaranteed to impress. It’s your go-to easy dessert recipe for family dinners, festive parties, or quiet evenings by the fire.
🧁 Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1 Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
Step 2 In a bowl, whisk together molasses, hot water, brown sugar, and eggs until smooth.
Step 3 Add flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Mix until combined.
Step 4 Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan, then sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the top.
Step 5 Drizzle melted butter across the entire surface, covering as much of the cake mix as possible.
Step 6 Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.
Step 7 Cool slightly before serving. Top with whipped cream, powdered sugar, or a scoop of ice cream.
This Classic Gingerbread Dump Cake is an easy, flavorful, and festive dessert that brings the warmth of the holidays to every bite.
Expert Cooking Tips
Creating the perfect Classic Gingerbread Dump Cake is all about technique and balance. This easy dump cake recipe thrives on simple ingredients, but a few expert tips can take it from good to unforgettable. The key is even layering—make sure your cake mix and butter are spread uniformly to achieve that irresistible golden crust. For the richest flavor, use dark molasses, as it deepens the gingerbread’s warmth and complements the holiday spices beautifully.
Don’t skip the cooling step—letting the gingerbread dump cake rest for a few minutes helps the flavors blend and the texture set. For extra indulgence, drizzle caramel sauce over the top or serve it warm with vanilla ice cream. If you love a bit of crunch, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts before baking. This one-pan dessert is incredibly forgiving and perfect for busy weeknights or festive gatherings. Each bite delivers that cozy, spiced comfort that defines the best winter desserts.
💡 Expert Tips:
Tip 1 Use dark molasses for deeper, richer gingerbread flavor.
Tip 2 Spread cake mix and butter evenly for a crisp, golden topping.
Tip 3 Add nuts for texture or drizzle caramel sauce for extra sweetness.
Tip 4 Let the dump cake rest 10 minutes before serving for best texture.
Tip 5 For a vegan version, substitute eggs with applesauce and butter with coconut oil.
Tip 6 Bake until the edges bubble and the top is firm for the perfect consistency.
FAQs
1. What makes this Classic Gingerbread Dump Cake different from other dump cakes?
This gingerbread dump cake stands out for its rich holiday spices, deep molasses flavor, and one-pan simplicity. It’s an easy dump cake recipe that delivers all the warmth and comfort of a traditional gingerbread dessert with minimal effort—perfect for winter gatherings and Christmas celebrations.
2. Can I make this gingerbread dump cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare this easy dump cake a day in advance. Simply bake, cool, and store it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, warm individual portions in the microwave or the entire dish in the oven at 300°F for about 15 minutes.
3. Can I make this Classic Gingerbread Dump Cake in a slow cooker?
Absolutely. Layer your ingredients just as you would in the oven and cook on low for 2–3 hours. This method makes it even easier and keeps your oven free for other holiday desserts.
4. What are the best toppings for a gingerbread dump cake?
Top this one-pan dessert with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. For an elegant holiday touch, dust with powdered sugar or add crushed gingersnaps for extra crunch and flavor. Tip 7 Serve warm with whipped cream or ice cream for the ultimate holiday dessert.
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This Classic Gingerbread Dump Cake is the perfect easy dump cake recipe for the holidays or any cozy winter evening. With warm spices, rich molasses, and a golden, crumbly topping, it’s a one-pan dessert that combines convenience with comforting flavor. Whether you’re serving it as a holiday dessert, a quick weeknight treat, or a festive addition to your winter menu, this gingerbread dump cake is guaranteed to delight family and friends. Customize it with nuts, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel for extra indulgence. This simple, family-friendly dessert embodies everything you love about easy Christmas desserts and one-pan winter treats, making it a must-have for your seasonal recipe collection.
PrintClassic Gingerbread Dump Cake
- Total Time: 40–45 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Warm spices, molasses, and a buttery cake topping come together in this holiday twist on a classic dump cake. It’s like a gingerbread cookie and cake hybrid — simple to make, full of cozy flavor, and perfect for Christmas gatherings or winter nights.
Ingredients
🛒 Ingredients:
1 cup molasses
1 cup hot water
1 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted (plus more for greasing)
2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 tablespoon ground ginger
2 teaspoons cinnamon
½ teaspoon nutmeg
¼ teaspoon cloves
½ teaspoon salt
1 box yellow or spice cake mix (15 oz)
Optional: ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
Optional: powdered sugar or whipped cream for serving
Instructions
📝 Instructions:
Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Make Gingerbread Base:
In a large bowl, whisk together molasses, hot water, brown sugar, eggs, and melted butter until smooth.
Add flour, baking soda, and spices. Stir until fully combined and smooth.
Pour the batter into the prepared dish.
Add Cake Mix: Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the gingerbread base. Do not stir.
Top with Butter & Nuts: Drizzle melted butter evenly across the cake mix. Sprinkle nuts if desired.
Bake: Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, until the top is golden and slightly crisp.
Cool & Serve: Let cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Notes
- Extra flavor boost: Add 2 tablespoons of maple syrup or dark rum for a deeper flavor.
- Make it dairy-free: Use coconut oil or vegan butter.
- Add texture: Sprinkle crushed ginger snaps or brown sugar on top before baking.
- Storage: Keep covered at room temperature for 2 days, or refrigerate up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American