One chilly evening, I wanted a dessert that felt indulgent but didn’t take hours to make. That’s when I whipped up this Spiced Gingerbread Dump Cake with Frosting. Inspired by my love for quick, customizable dishes, it combines the comforting flavors of gingerbread with a simple, one-pan approach. Perfect for family dinners, holiday celebrations, or last-minute dessert ideas, it’s an easy dump cake recipe that anyone can master.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This easy spiced gingerbread dump cake with frosting is the ultimate cozy dessert for the season. Inspired by traditional English ginger cake recipes and classic gingerbread loaf flavors, it combines the warmth of molasses and spices with a moist gingerbread cake texture. Topped with luscious cream cheese frosting, this old-fashioned spiced gingerbread dump cake with frosting is a simple, one-pan dessert that feels indulgent but is surprisingly easy to make. It’s perfect for holiday gatherings, family dinners, or as a quick winter treat. Whether you’re a fan of Mary Berry’s gingerbread cake recipe or looking for the best spiced gingerbread dump cake with frosting, this version delivers rich flavor, moist texture, and a festive presentation. The combination of cinnamon, ginger, and cloves creates a spiced ginger cake recipe that tastes both classic and comforting. Everyone will rave about this moist gingerbread cake recipe, making it a must-try for anyone who loves traditional and modern twists on gingerbread.
Ingredients for This Recipe
This easy spiced gingerbread dump cake with frosting combines classic gingerbread flavors with a simple, one-pan approach, making it perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy winter desserts. The molasses and dark brown sugar in the gingerbread layer create a rich, moist gingerbread cake recipe that’s warm and spiced just right. The cake mix topping adds a golden, slightly crisp layer, while the cream cheese frosting balances sweetness with creamy tang. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to bring out the flavors of a traditional English ginger cake recipe, resulting in the best spiced gingerbread dump cake with frosting you can make at home. From the aromatic spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves to the creamy frosting, this old-fashioned spiced gingerbread dump cake with frosting is indulgent yet simple enough for busy weeknights.

🛒 Ingredients:
For the Gingerbread Layer:
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
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 tablespoon ground ginger
2 teaspoons cinnamon
½ teaspoon nutmeg
¼ teaspoon cloves
½ teaspoon salt
For the Topping:
1 box yellow or spice cake mix (15 oz)
½ cup melted butter
For the Frosting:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional: ½ teaspoon cinnamon or a pinch of ginger for extra spice
How to Make This Recipe
Making the best spiced gingerbread dump cake with frosting is simpler than it sounds. This recipe combines the richness of a classic gingerbread cake with the ease of a one-pan dessert. Inspired by traditional English ginger cake recipes and the moist textures of a gingerbread loaf, it layers spiced gingerbread, cake mix topping, and cream cheese frosting for a crowd-pleasing result. The old-fashioned spiced gingerbread dump cake with frosting is perfect for holiday celebrations, cozy winter nights, or any occasion where you want a simple yet indulgent dessert. This step-by-step approach ensures you achieve a moist gingerbread cake recipe that rivals any gingerbread cake recipe Mary Berry has shared, with the added convenience of an easy spiced gingerbread dump cake with frosting.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a medium bowl, combine molasses, hot water, dark brown sugar, eggs, and melted butter until smooth.
- In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
- Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet mixture to form the gingerbread layer. Pour into the prepared pan.
- Sprinkle the cake mix evenly over the gingerbread layer, then drizzle with ½ cup melted butter.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes or until golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Meanwhile, prepare the frosting by beating cream cheese and butter until smooth, then add powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Optionally, add cinnamon or ginger.
- Spread the frosting over the warm cake once slightly cooled.

Expert Cooking Tips
Mastering the best spiced gingerbread dump cake with frosting is all about understanding how each ingredient contributes to flavor and texture. The molasses and dark brown sugar give depth and moisture, while the warm spices create the signature spiced ginger cake recipe you’ll love. Using a quality cake mix for the topping ensures a golden, slightly crisp finish, and the cream cheese frosting balances sweetness with creamy tang. Following these expert tips guarantees your old-fashioned spiced gingerbread dump cake with frosting comes out perfectly every time.
💡 Expert Tips:
Use unsulphured molasses for a rich, authentic gingerbread flavor
Warm the butter slightly before mixing to help it blend smoothly into the batter
Sift the dry spices with flour for an even spiced gingerbread cake recipe
Don’t overmix the gingerbread layer; a light hand keeps your cake moist
Sprinkle the cake mix evenly and drizzle butter slowly for the best spiced gingerbread dump cake with frosting
Allow the cake to cool slightly before spreading cream cheese frosting to prevent it from melting
Optional: dust with extra cinnamon or a pinch of ginger for added warmth and aroma

FAQs
What is a dump cake and how is it different from other cakes?
A dump cake is a simple, one-pan dessert where ingredients are “dumped” into a baking dish and baked. This easy spiced gingerbread dump cake with frosting combines layers of gingerbread, cake mix, and cream cheese frosting for a quick, moist gingerbread cake recipe that’s perfect for holidays or cozy winter nights.
Can I make this spiced gingerbread cake ahead of time?
Yes, the old-fashioned spiced gingerbread dump cake with frosting can be assembled a few hours in advance and baked when ready. The cream cheese frosting should be added after baking for the best results.
Can I customize the spices in this gingerbread cake recipe?
Absolutely. While this recipe follows a traditional English ginger cake recipe, you can adjust ginger, cinnamon, or cloves to create your own spiced ginger cake recipe. It still produces the best spiced gingerbread dump cake with frosting.
Can I make this dump cake in a slow cooker?
Yes. Layer all the ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 2–3 hours. Add cream cheese frosting before serving to keep the moist gingerbread cake recipe intact.
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This easy spiced gingerbread dump cake with frosting is the ultimate cozy dessert for any occasion. Combining the rich flavors of a classic gingerbread cake with the simplicity of a one-pan recipe, it delivers a moist gingerbread cake recipe that everyone will love. Inspired by traditional English ginger cake recipes and perfected as an old-fashioned spiced gingerbread dump cake with frosting, it’s perfect for holiday gatherings, family dinners, or a quick winter treat. By following this recipe, you’ll enjoy the best spiced gingerbread dump cake with frosting—warm, spiced, and topped with creamy cream cheese frosting, making it a crowd-pleasing dessert that’s both simple and indulgent. This recipe proves that classic flavors can be achieved with minimal effort, creating a dessert that feels festive, comforting, and unforgettable.

Spiced Gingerbread Dump Cake with Frosting
- Total Time: 40–45 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This dessert combines a moist, spiced gingerbread base with a buttery cake topping and finishes with a luscious cream cheese or vanilla frosting. Each bite is cozy, sweet, and festive — a showstopper for holiday gatherings or winter celebrations.
Ingredients
🛒 Ingredients:
For the Gingerbread Layer:
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
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 tablespoon ground ginger
2 teaspoons cinnamon
½ teaspoon nutmeg
¼ teaspoon cloves
½ teaspoon salt
For the Topping:
1 box yellow or spice cake mix (15 oz)
½ cup melted butter
For the Frosting:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional: ½ teaspoon cinnamon or a pinch of ginger for extra spice
Instructions
📝 Instructions:
Preheat Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Prepare Gingerbread Layer:
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.
Add Cake Mix: Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the gingerbread batter. Do not stir.
Top with Butter: Drizzle melted butter evenly across the top.
Bake: Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, until the top is golden and set. Let cool completely.
Prepare Frosting:
Beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until creamy. Add optional cinnamon or ginger if desired.
Frost Cake: Spread frosting evenly over the cooled dump cake. Slice and serve.
Notes
- Flavor Variation: Swirl some caramel or pumpkin puree into the frosting for extra festive flair.
- Vegan Option: Use vegan cream cheese and plant-based butter; substitute eggs with flax eggs.
- Topping Idea: Sprinkle crushed gingersnaps or chopped pecans over the frosting before serving.
- Storage: Keep covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American / Holiday
