What is a vegan gingerbread dump cake?

A vegan gingerbread dump cake is a one-pan dessert made with simple pantry ingredients like molasses, spices, and a vegan cake mix. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy winter dessert recipes. This dessert works well as a vegan gingerbread loaf, vegan gingerbread bundt cake, or even a soft ginger cake without treacle.

Can I make this vegan gingerbread dump cake healthier?

Yes, you can use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar, swap some flour for almond or oat flour, or drizzle with coconut milk for a moist, healthier vegan gingerbread dump cake variation. It’s a simple dessert recipe that still delivers rich gingerbread flavors.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely. This vegan gingerbread dump cake can be baked in advance and stored in an airtight container. Reheat portions for a warm, comforting winter dessert or enjoy cold as a quick dessert recipe.

Can I add other flavors or toppings?

Yes! You can customize your vegan gingerbread dump cake by adding vegan chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even a drizzle of vegan caramel. It also works as a vegan lemon ginger cake or a cozy ginger cake for winter celebrations.

Vegan Gingerbread Dump Cake – The Best Easy Holiday Dessert (2025)

Name: Vegan Gingerbread Dump Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 12 servings
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 1 cup unsulphured molasses; ½ cup hot water; 1 cup brown sugar or coconut sugar; 2 flax eggs (2 tbsp ground flaxseed + 6 tbsp water, mixed and set for 5 minutes); ½ cup vegan butter or refined coconut oil, melted; 2 cups all-purpose flour (or 1:1 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 vegan yellow or spice cake mix (check ingredients for dairy/egg-free); ½ cup melted vegan butter (for topping); Optional: ½ cup chopped pecans, walnuts, or vegan chocolate chips

Description

This vegan version of the classic gingerbread dump cake is rich in warm spices and molasses, topped with a buttery (dairy-free) cake layer. It’s an easy, festive dessert that’s perfect for holiday gatherings, winter nights, or anyone craving a plant-based treat.

Ingredients

Scale

🛒 Ingredients:

1 cup unsulphured molasses
½ cup hot water
1 cup brown sugar or coconut sugar
2 flax eggs (2 tbsp ground flaxseed + 6 tbsp water, mixed and set for 5 minutes)
½ cup vegan butter or refined coconut oil, melted
2 cups all-purpose flour (or 1:1 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 vegan yellow or spice cake mix (check ingredients for dairy/egg-free)
½ cup melted vegan butter (for topping)
Optional: ½ cup chopped pecans, walnuts, or vegan chocolate chips

Instructions

📝 Instructions:

Preheat Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with vegan butter or coconut oil.
Prepare Flax Eggs: Mix ground flaxseed with water and let sit for 5 minutes to thicken.
Make Gingerbread Base: In a large bowl, whisk together molasses, hot water, brown sugar, flax eggs, and melted vegan butter until smooth. Stir in flour, baking soda, and spices until fully combined.
Add Cake Mix: Sprinkle dry vegan cake mix evenly over the gingerbread batter. Do not stir.
Top with Butter & Optional Toppings: Drizzle melted vegan butter over the cake mix and sprinkle with nuts or chocolate chips if desired.
Bake: Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, until the top is golden and the filling is set.
Cool & Serve: Cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with vegan whipped cream, coconut ice cream, or a drizzle of maple syrup.

Notes

For a richer molasses flavor, use blackstrap molasses.
Add ½ teaspoon ground cardamom or allspice for a more complex spice profile.
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days; reheat gently before serving.
Mini muffin versions work well for single-serve treats.

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