Gingerbread Pecan Dump Cake – Comforting Winter Dessert Recipe

I remember the first time I made a dump cake for a holiday gathering—it was chaos in the kitchen, but everyone loved it! Drawing on my philosophy of balanced, customizable meals, I created this Gingerbread Pecan Dump Cake. It’s a simple, easy dump cake recipe packed with gingerbread flavor and sweet pecans. Perfect for winter dessert lovers, it’s a quick, one-pan dessert that brings family and friends together effortlessly.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Gingerbread Pecan Dump Cake is the ultimate winter dessert that brings warmth, flavor, and simplicity to your kitchen. As an easy dump cake, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or holiday gatherings, requiring just one pan and minimal prep. The combination of gingerbread spices and crunchy pecans makes every bite festive and comforting. Families love it because it’s quick, customizable, and kid-friendly. Whether you’re searching for a holiday dump cake or a simple winter dessert recipe, this Gingerbread Pecan Dump Cake delivers rich, sweet, and cozy flavors in a snap. You’ll appreciate how versatile it is, from a last-minute dessert to a centerpiece for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or any chilly evening craving. Its one-pan convenience and quick preparation make it a go-to easy dump cake recipe, while the balanced, comforting flavors satisfy both young and old. Once you try this gingerbread dump cake, you’ll see why it’s considered one of the best winter desserts, a perfect addition to your collection of quick dessert recipes.

Ingredients for This Recipe

This Gingerbread Pecan Dump Cake balances warm, festive spices with rich sweetness, making it a perfect easy dump cake for winter desserts and holiday gatherings. Each ingredient plays a key role: molasses adds deep gingerbread flavor, while brown sugar and butter create a rich, moist texture. Eggs bind everything together, and the flour and baking soda give the cake structure. Ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves deliver that classic holiday spice. Topping the cake with melted butter and chopped pecans ensures a crunchy, indulgent finish. Using a box cake mix streamlines the process, making it a quick dessert recipe that still tastes homemade. Whether you’re trying a gingerbread pecan dump cake with condensed milk, making it from scratch, or following the Pioneer Woman’s style, this combination of ingredients guarantees a crowd-pleasing, one-pan dessert perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.

🛒 Ingredients:

1 cup unsulphured molasses
½ cup hot water
1 cup dark brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
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)
½ cup melted butter (for topping)
1 cup chopped pecans (plus extra for garnish)

How to Make This Recipe

Making this Gingerbread Pecan Dump Cake is quick, simple, and perfect for busy weeknights or holiday gatherings. This easy dump cake recipe combines festive gingerbread spices, sweet molasses, and crunchy pecans in one pan, creating a rich, comforting winter dessert. Using a box cake mix keeps it simple, while the combination of melted butter and chopped pecans on top adds a decadent, golden finish. Whether you’re trying a gingerbread pecan dump cake from scratch or following a shortcut version with cake mix, these step-by-step instructions will guide you to a moist, flavorful dessert that everyone will love. Perfect as a holiday dump cake or a last-minute winter dessert, this recipe delivers sweet, spiced, and crunchy textures with minimal effort.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a bowl, mix 1 cup unsulphured molasses, ½ cup hot water, 1 cup dark brown sugar, and 2 large eggs until smooth.
3. Stir in ½ cup melted butter, then fold in 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 tablespoon ground ginger, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, ½ teaspoon nutmeg, ¼ teaspoon cloves, and ½ teaspoon salt.
4. Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
5. Sprinkle 1 box of yellow or spice cake mix over the batter.
6. Drizzle ½ cup melted butter over the cake mix layer.
7. Top with 1 cup chopped pecans, reserving some for garnish.
8. Bake for 45–50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Let cool slightly before serving, optionally adding ice cream or whipped cream.

Expert Cooking Tips

Creating the perfect Gingerbread Pecan Dump Cake is all about balancing flavors and textures. Using a box cake mix simplifies this easy dump cake recipe, but for a richer flavor, try making it from scratch with molasses, spices, and brown sugar. Ensure the pecans are fresh for a crunchy topping, and don’t skip drizzling melted butter over the cake mix—it helps create a golden, crisp layer. Whether you’re making a holiday dump cake, a winter dessert, or a gingerbread pecan dump cake with condensed milk, these expert tips guarantee a moist, flavorful one-pan dessert that will impress your family and friends. Adjust spices to taste for a more intense gingerbread flavor or try different cake mix varieties for a fun twist.

💡 Expert Tips:

Use fresh molasses and dark brown sugar for deep gingerbread flavor
Mix spices (ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves) thoroughly into the batter
Drizzle melted butter evenly over the cake mix for a crisp topping
Chop pecans fresh and sprinkle on top for extra crunch
Preheat oven properly to ensure even baking
Use a 9×13-inch baking dish for best results
Try a yellow or spice cake mix for quick, easy dump cake
Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence
Adjust spices for a more intense gingerbread pecan dump cake
Experiment with condensed milk for a richer, gooey variation

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This Gingerbread Pecan Dump Cake is a quick, easy, and delicious winter dessert that combines the warm flavors of gingerbread with crunchy pecans in a one-pan, family-friendly recipe. Whether you make it from scratch or with a box cake mix, this holiday dump cake is perfect for busy weeknights, festive gatherings, or cozy winter evenings. Its simple preparation, customizable flavors, and comforting texture make it one of the best winter desserts. Try this gingerbread pecan dump cake for a sweet, spiced treat that everyone will love, and don’t forget to serve it warm with ice cream or whipped cream for the ultimate indulgence.

Gingerbread Pecan Dump Cake

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• Author: Savannah
• Total Time: 40–45 minutes
• Yield: 10–12 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This dessert blends the rich, spiced flavors of classic gingerbread with a buttery cake topping and crunchy pecans. Each bite is soft, flavorful, and full of holiday cheer — ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any winter gathering.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

🛒 Ingredients:

1 cup unsulphured molasses
½ cup hot water
1 cup dark brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
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)
½ cup melted butter (for topping)
1 cup chopped pecans (plus extra for garnish)

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Instructions

📝 Instructions:

 

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Prepare Gingerbread Base:

   • In a large bowl, whisk together molasses, hot water, brown sugar, eggs, and melted butter until smooth.

   • Stir in flour, baking soda, and spices until fully combined. Pour into the prepared dish.

3. Add Cake Mix: Sprinkle dry cake mix evenly over the gingerbread layer. Do not stir.

4. Top with Butter & Pecans: Drizzle melted butter evenly across the cake mix. Sprinkle chopped pecans over the top.

5. Bake: Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, until the top is golden and set.

6. Cool & Serve: Let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with additional pecans if desired. Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Notes

• Extra Crunch: Toast the pecans lightly before sprinkling for deeper flavor.
• Vegan Option: Use flax eggs and vegan butter.
• Holiday Twist: Add ½ teaspoon ground cardamom or a pinch of allspice to the batter.
• Storage: Cover and refrigerate for up to 4 days; reheat gently before serving.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: American / Holiday