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.

Spiced Gingerbread Dump Cake with Frosting – Best Holiday Dessert 2025

Name: Spiced Gingerbread Dump Cake with Frosting
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 12 servings
Cuisine: English
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; 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; 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

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

Scale

🛒 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