Festive Vegan Molasses Gingerbread Dump Cake – One-Pan Recipe

When life gets hectic, I always return to recipes that bring calm and comfort. This Vegan Molasses Gingerbread Dump Cake reminds me why I started cooking — to create easy, wholesome dishes that feel like home. Inspired by my passion for balanced, customizable meals, this one-pan dessert combines rich molasses flavor with warm gingerbread spice for a quick dessert recipe that tastes like the holidays, without the stress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Vegan Molasses Gingerbread Dump Cake is everything you crave in a cozy, comforting dessert — warm, spiced, and wonderfully simple to make. It’s the ultimate easy dump cake for busy nights, family gatherings, or festive holidays. The rich molasses blends perfectly with classic gingerbread spices, creating a soft, sticky texture that tastes like nostalgia in every bite.

You’ll love that this vegan dump cake requires minimal prep — just layer, bake, and enjoy. It’s a one-pan dessert that’s as effortless as it is indulgent, making it ideal for both last-minute get-togethers and relaxing winter evenings. Each spoonful captures the essence of a homemade holiday treat while staying completely plant-based.

This molasses gingerbread dump cake fits beautifully into any celebration, from Christmas dinners to cozy Sunday suppers. With its irresistible aroma, deep caramel flavor, and perfectly spiced crumb, it’s sure to become your new favorite quick dessert recipe. Easy, vegan, and full of holiday cheer — it’s the best gingerbread dump cake you’ll bake this season.

Ingredients for This Recipe

Every great dessert begins with simple, quality ingredients — and this Vegan Molasses Gingerbread Dump Cake is no exception. Each component works together to create a rich, flavorful, and perfectly spiced winter treat. The molasses brings deep caramel notes, while the dark brown sugar enhances its sweetness with a hint of toffee. Spices like ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg give this easy dump cake its signature warmth and festive aroma.

The melted butter (or vegan alternative) ensures a soft, moist crumb, while the cake mix adds convenience and structure — keeping this one-pan dessert as effortless as possible. A touch of salt balances the sweetness, making every bite rich but never overwhelming. Whether you’re baking for the holidays or craving a cozy, quick dessert recipe, these ingredients create the perfect harmony of flavor and texture in your molasses gingerbread dump cake.

🛒 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 (plus extra for greasing)
2 cups all-purpose flour (or 1:1 gluten-free blend)
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 tablespoon ground ginger
2 teaspoons cinnamon
½ teaspoon nutmeg
¼ teaspoon cloves
½ teaspoon salt
1 box spice or yellow cake mix (15 oz)
½ cup melted butter (for topping)
Optional: ½ cup chopped pecans or crystallized ginger pieces

How to Make This Recipe

Creating this Vegan Molasses Gingerbread Dump Cake is pure comfort baking — simple, quick, and deeply satisfying. Every ingredient blends into a cozy harmony of warm spices and rich molasses flavor. The beauty of this easy dump cake lies in its simplicity: no mixers, no fuss, just one pan and layers of flavor. The molasses gives that deep, caramelized sweetness, while the ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg fill your kitchen with irresistible holiday aromas.

This one-pan dessert is perfect for both novice bakers and busy cooks looking for a stress-free sweet treat. Whether baked in the oven or made as a slow cooker dump cake, the result is always a moist, tender, and spiced vegan gingerbread masterpiece. The melted butter (or vegan butter) creates that signature golden top — slightly crisp on the edges, soft in the center. It’s the ultimate easy dessert recipe for the holidays.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the unsulphured molasses, hot water, dark brown sugar, eggs (or flax eggs for vegan), and melted butter.
3. Add flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Stir gently until just combined.
4. Pour the mixture evenly into the baking dish.
5. Sprinkle the boxed spice or yellow cake mix evenly over the batter.
6. Drizzle the remaining melted butter over the top — do not mix.
7. Optional: Add chopped pecans or crystallized ginger pieces for extra crunch and flavor.
8. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges bubble.
9. Serve warm with vegan whipped cream or dairy-free vanilla ice cream for the perfect molasses gingerbread dump cake experience.

Expert Cooking Tips

Baking the perfect Vegan Molasses Gingerbread Dump Cake is all about balance — the right amount of spice, sweetness, and texture. Molasses gives this easy dump cake its deep, caramel flavor, while the warm spices create that signature gingerbread richness. To achieve the best results, always use unsulphured molasses for a smoother, more balanced taste. The melted butter (or vegan butter) is essential for creating that golden, crisp top and moist center that makes this dessert irresistible.

Because this is a one-pan dessert, layering correctly is key — start with the wet mixture, then evenly sprinkle the dry cake mix before drizzling the butter. Avoid overmixing; this ensures the dump cake bakes with perfect contrast — gooey underneath and lightly crisp above. For a holiday-ready finish, top your molasses gingerbread dump cake with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. This easy dump cake proves that simple, plant-based desserts can be both elegant and comforting.

💡 Expert Tips:

1. Use dark, unsulphured molasses for the richest flavor and smoothest texture.
2. Don’t stir after layering — that’s the secret to a true dump cake consistency.
3. Add extra ginger or cinnamon for a bolder, spicier gingerbread taste.
4. For a vegan version, swap eggs for flaxseed eggs and butter for plant-based alternatives.
5. Serve warm — the flavors of molasses and gingerbread deepen as it cools slightly.
6. Store leftovers covered in the fridge; reheat gently for a fresh-from-the-oven taste.
7. Try baking it as a slow cooker dump cake for effortless, hands-free holiday baking.

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Classic Gingerbread Dump Cake – Best Comfort Dessert for Winter Nights

This Vegan Molasses Gingerbread Dump Cake is the ultimate easy dump cake for busy weeknights, holiday gatherings, or cozy winter evenings. Its warm spices, rich molasses flavor, and one-pan simplicity make it a standout among quick dessert recipes. Perfectly moist in the center with a lightly crisp top, this gingerbread dump cake captures all the comfort of classic holiday baking while remaining fully plant-based.

Whether you’re serving it with vegan ice cream, whipped cream, or enjoying it on its own, this molasses gingerbread dump cake delivers rich flavor and festive charm with minimal effort. It’s a versatile, customizable dessert that can be adapted with nuts, extra spices, or even a slow cooker version. For anyone looking for an easy, family-friendly, and indulgent holiday dessert, this vegan dump cake is a must-try and sure to become a seasonal favorite.

Molasses Gingerbread 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 warm, spiced dump cake celebrates everything we love about gingerbread — dark molasses, brown sugar, and aromatic spices — all baked under a buttery, golden topping. It’s sweet, earthy, and irresistibly moist, perfect for chilly nights or festive gatherings.

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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 (plus extra for greasing)

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (or 1:1 gluten-free blend)

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1 tablespoon ground ginger

• 2 teaspoons cinnamon

• ½ teaspoon nutmeg

• ¼ teaspoon cloves

• ½ teaspoon salt

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

• ½ cup melted butter (for topping)

• Optional: ½ cup chopped pecans or crystallized ginger pieces

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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 Layer:

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

   • Stir in flour, baking soda, and all spices until well combined.

   • Pour the batter evenly into the prepared dish.

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

4. Add Butter & Nuts: Drizzle melted butter evenly across the dry mix. Sprinkle with pecans or ginger if desired.

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

6. Cool & Serve: Let cool slightly before serving warm. Top with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or cream cheese frosting drizzle.

Notes

• Extra Rich Flavor: Add 1 tablespoon of espresso or dark coffee to the batter to deepen the molasses flavor.
• Vegan Option: Substitute eggs with flax eggs and butter with vegan butter or coconut oil.
• Sweet Topping Idea: Sprinkle brown sugar over the cake mix before baking for a caramelized crust.
• Storage: Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate up to 5 days.

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