Gingerbread Cream Cheese Swirl Dump Cake – Old-Fashioned Holiday Classic

When I first started Eminent Recipes, my goal was simple: to share approachable, heartwarming recipes anyone could make. This Gingerbread Cream Cheese Swirl Dump Cake captures that spirit beautifully — a vegan dump cake that’s rich, spiced, and effortless. I love how it brings family together around a single pan of sweetness. Whether it’s a cozy night in or a festive gathering, this easy dump cake makes every moment feel special.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Gingerbread Cream Cheese Swirl Dump Cake is everything you love about holiday baking — made simple, quick, and unbelievably delicious. With layers of spiced gingerbread flavor and a luscious cream cheese swirl, this easy dump cake brings comfort straight from the oven to your table. It’s a cozy, one-pan dessert that captures the warmth of the season without the stress of complicated steps.

You’ll love how effortless this vegan dump cake is to prepare — just dump, swirl, and bake! Whether you’re planning an intimate family dinner or a festive party, this gingerbread dump cake delivers classic holiday flavor in every bite. The creamy texture pairs perfectly with the rich spices, creating a dessert that feels indulgent yet balanced.

Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or cozy winter weekends, this simple dessert recipe proves that you don’t need hours in the kitchen to create something extraordinary. Once you try this Gingerbread Cream Cheese Swirl Dump Cake, it’s sure to become your favorite easy Christmas dessert for years to come.

Ingredients for This Recipe

Every great dessert starts with simple, quality ingredients — and this Gingerbread Cream Cheese Swirl Dump Cake is no exception. Each component plays a key role in creating that irresistible mix of warm spices, creamy texture, and golden crumbly topping. The gingerbread layer brings depth and spice with molasses, brown sugar, and classic holiday seasonings. The cream cheese swirl adds a touch of tangy richness that balances the sweetness perfectly, while the buttery topping delivers that comforting, crisp finish.

This easy dump cake combines pantry staples with festive flavors, making it the ideal dessert for busy weeknights or cozy celebrations. You’ll love how the ingredients come together to create a moist, aromatic treat that tastes like it came from a bakery — yet takes minimal effort. Perfect for those who love simple, vegan-friendly desserts that don’t compromise on flavor, this Gingerbread Cream Cheese Swirl Dump Cake proves that comfort and convenience can coexist beautifully.

🛒 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 (or gluten-free 1:1 blend)
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 tablespoon ground ginger
2 teaspoons cinnamon
½ teaspoon nutmeg
¼ teaspoon cloves
½ teaspoon salt

For the Cream Cheese Swirl:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 egg yolk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Topping:
1 box spice or yellow cake mix (15 oz)
½ cup melted butter

How to Make This Recipe

Creating this Gingerbread Cream Cheese Swirl Dump Cake is just as enjoyable as eating it. This easy, one-pan dessert blends the nostalgic warmth of a traditional English ginger cake recipe with the creamy richness of a gingerbread cake with spiced cream cheese frosting, but with far less effort. The gingerbread layer cake base provides that deep, molasses-spiced flavor reminiscent of the best gingerbread cake recipe in the world, while the cream cheese swirl adds balance and a smooth texture that melts beautifully into the cake. The result is an old-fashioned gingerbread cream cheese swirl dump cake that tastes like it came straight from your favorite bakery or America’s Test Kitchen.

It’s the perfect Christmas gingerbread cake recipe for anyone craving something cozy, quick, and crowd-pleasing. The mix of spices, butter, and cream cheese creates a flavor fusion similar to a gingerbread layer cake with mascarpone cream, yet simple enough for beginners. Whether you’re baking for a family dinner or holiday party, this gingerbread cream cheese swirl dump cake recipe promises comfort and joy in every bite.

🧁 Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. Prepare the gingerbread layer cake: In a large bowl, whisk together molasses, hot water, brown sugar, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth. Add flour, baking soda, and all spices; mix until well combined.
3. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
4. Make the cream cheese swirl: In a separate bowl, blend softened cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla until creamy.
5. Swirl the mixture into the gingerbread batter using a knife or skewer to create a marbled effect.
6. Sprinkle the cake mix topping evenly over the top, then drizzle with melted butter.
7. Bake for 40–45 minutes or until golden brown and set in the center.
8. Cool slightly before serving warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream — a heavenly gingerbread loaf meets creamy cheesecake magic.

Expert Cooking Tips

Mastering this Gingerbread Cream Cheese Swirl Dump Cake is all about balancing flavor, texture, and ease. The combination of spiced molasses, velvety cream cheese, and buttery crumble makes this dessert a showstopper among holiday dump cakes. To bring out the best in this gingerbread cream cheese swirl dump cake recipe, start with fresh spices — the warmth of ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg is what gives this gingerbread layer cake its comforting depth. For a richer, bakery-style flavor, try using dark brown sugar or adding a touch of espresso powder to intensify the molasses notes, similar to a traditional English ginger cake recipe or gingerbread layer cake with mascarpone cream.

Don’t rush the swirl — gently folding the cream cheese mixture into the gingerbread base creates that signature marbled look that makes this old-fashioned gingerbread cream cheese swirl dump cake irresistible. Finally, bake until just set for a soft, moist texture that rivals the best gingerbread cake recipe in the world. Serve warm for the full comforting experience — the flavors shine brightest fresh out of the oven.

💡 Expert Tips:

1. Use room-temperature ingredients – This helps your cream cheese swirl blend smoothly for even marbling.
2. Don’t overmix the batter – Keep the gingerbread base tender and airy, just like a classic ginger cake.
3. Enhance flavor depth – Add a tablespoon of espresso or maple syrup to your batter for a richer, more complex taste.
4. Try a slow cooker version – For a softer, pudding-like texture, cook on low for 2½–3 hours.
5. Top creatively – Pair with whipped mascarpone or a drizzle of caramel to echo a gingerbread cake with spiced cream cheese frosting.
6. Store properly – Keep leftovers refrigerated for up to 4 days; reheat before serving for that just-baked warmth.

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This Gingerbread Cream Cheese Swirl Dump Cake is the ultimate combination of convenience and festive flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights or holiday celebrations, it delivers the warm spices of a traditional English ginger cake recipe with the creamy richness of a gingerbread cake with spiced cream cheese frosting. Its one-pan simplicity makes it a standout among Christmas gingerbread cake recipes and a contender for the best gingerbread cake recipe in the world.

Whether you’re aiming for a soft, tender ginger cake, a layered dessert like a gingerbread layer cake with mascarpone cream, or a cozy gingerbread loaf, this old-fashioned gingerbread cream cheese swirl dump cake offers the perfect balance of flavor and ease. Ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, or simply indulging at home, this gingerbread cream cheese swirl dump cake recipe brings comfort and holiday magic to every bite.

Gingerbread Cream Cheese Swirl 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 indulgent holiday dessert combines the warm, spiced flavor of classic gingerbread with ribbons of sweet cream cheese filling. The result? A perfectly balanced treat — soft, creamy, and irresistibly festive.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

🛒 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 (or gluten-free 1:1 blend)

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1 tablespoon ground ginger

• 2 teaspoons cinnamon

• ½ teaspoon nutmeg

• ¼ teaspoon cloves

• ½ teaspoon salt

For the Cream Cheese Swirl:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• 1 egg yolk

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Topping:

• 1 box spice or yellow cake mix (15 oz)

• ½ cup melted butter

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Instructions

📝 Instructions:

 

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

2. Make Gingerbread Base:

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

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

3. Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture:

   • In a separate bowl, beat together cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla until creamy.

   • Drop spoonfuls of the mixture over the gingerbread batter, then gently swirl with a knife or toothpick.

4. Add Cake Mix: Sprinkle dry cake mix evenly over the top — do not stir.

5. Add Butter: Drizzle melted butter evenly across the cake mix.

6. Bake: Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, until golden and set.

7. Cool & Serve: Let cool for 15–20 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or chilled with whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Notes

• Extra Creaminess: Use whipped cream cheese for a lighter swirl texture.
• Flavor Boost: Add 1 tablespoon of maple syrup to the cream cheese mixture.
• Vegan Option: Use dairy-free cream cheese, flax eggs, and vegan butter.
• Storage: Keep refrigerated for up to 4 days; reheat individual portions gently before serving.

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