Dreamy Red Velvet Gooey Butter Cake Recipe for Sweet Lovers

Crafting a decadent red velvet gooey butter cake brings pure joy to any dessert table.

Soft crimson layers promise an indulgent experience that melts in your mouth.

Rich cream cheese and velvety textures create a luxurious backdrop for this classic Southern treat.

Unexpected ingredients combine to produce a dessert that defies traditional cake expectations.

Moisture and dense sweetness characterize every delightful bite of this remarkable confection.

Bakers of all skill levels can confidently master this simple yet impressive recipe.

This extraordinary dessert will make you the star of any gathering.

What Makes Red Velvet Gooey Butter Cake Stand Out

• Whips up in under an hour with minimal prep, perfect for spontaneous dessert cravings.
• Guaranteed to impress guests with its rich red color and irresistibly gooey texture, making it ideal for potlucks, birthdays, and holiday gatherings.
• Uses simple ingredients and easy mixing technique that children can help prepare, turning baking into a fun family activity.
• Serves as both a decadent dessert and a show-stopping potluck contribution, adaptable for various celebrations and casual get-togethers.

Ingredients Breakdown for Red Velvet Gooey Butter Cake

• Red Velvet Cake Mix: A convenient shortcut that provides the classic red color and basic cake flavor, look for a high-quality mix with rich cocoa undertones.
• Egg: Helps bind the cake base together and provides structure.
• Butter (Melted): Adds richness and helps create a smooth, cohesive cake base.

• Cream Cheese: Creates a tangy, rich, and gooey center that defines the cake's signature texture, best when softened at room temperature.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the filling and helps create a smooth, creamy consistency.
• Eggs: Provide structure and help the filling set during baking.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, sweet note.

• Powdered Sugar: Provides a classic dusting that adds a sweet, decorative finish to the cake, sift for an even and light coating.

How to Make Red Velvet Gooey Butter Cake

Step 1: Prepare Baking Dish

Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan. Generously coat the entire surface with cooking spray or butter. For extra insurance, line the pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy cake removal.

Step 2: Create Cake Base

• Red velvet cake mix
• Egg
• Melted butter

Stir everything together until the mixture looks smooth and uniform. Use a wooden spoon or electric mixer to ensure no dry lumps remain.

Step 3: Form First Layer

Transfer the cake mix blend into the prepared pan. Use clean hands or a spatula to press the mixture evenly across the bottom. Create a firm, flat foundation that covers every corner of the pan.

Step 4: Whip Cream Cheese Topping

• Cream cheese
• Powdered sugar
• Additional eggs
• Vanilla extract

Whisk until the mixture becomes silky and free of cream cheese chunks.

Step 5: Layer Cream Cheese Mixture

Gently pour the cream cheese blend over the cake base. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into a preheated oven at 350°F. Bake for approximately 35-40 minutes. The edges should look set, but the center will have a slight jiggle.

Step 7: Cool and Set

Remove from oven and let the cake rest at room temperature for about an hour. The center will continue setting during this time.

Step 8: Slice and Serve

Once completely cooled, lift the cake out using parchment paper edges. Cut into squares. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.

Practical Tips for Red Velvet Gooey Butter Cake

• Prevent Sticky Situations: Coat your baking dish with non-stick cooking spray or butter before pressing the cake mix to ensure easy removal and clean slicing.
• Temperature Matters: Allow ingredients like eggs and butter to reach room temperature before mixing to achieve a smoother, more consistent cake batter.
• Color Boost: For a deeper red velvet color, add an extra teaspoon of red food coloring to enhance the vibrant hue and visual appeal.
• Texture Perfection: Gently press the cake mix mixture into the pan without compacting it too firmly to maintain a soft, gooey texture.
• Storage Savvy: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness.

Storage and Reheating for Red Velvet Gooey Butter Cake

• Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to prevent drying out.
• Wrap individual slices or the entire cake in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
• Warm slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes until slightly warm and soft.
• Transfer frozen cake to the refrigerator overnight, then bring to room temperature or gently reheat using microwave or oven method.

Pairing Ideas for Red Velvet Gooey Butter Cake

• Whip up a classic cream cheese frosting to drizzle over the warm cake, adding a tangy richness that complements the sweet red velvet base.
• Serve chilled milk alongside the gooey butter cake, creating a classic dessert combination that balances the cake's richness with a cool, refreshing drink.
• Top the warm cake with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, letting the cold, smooth texture contrast beautifully with the warm, gooey cake texture.
• Enjoy a sophisticated espresso martini alongside the cake, matching the dessert's decadence with a bold, coffee-infused cocktail that cuts through the sweetness.

Customize Your Red Velvet Gooey Butter Cake

• Gluten-Free Velvet Delight: Replace regular cake mix with gluten-free red velvet cake mix and use gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Red Sensation: Swap eggs with flax eggs, use dairy-free butter alternative, and select a vegan red velvet cake mix for plant-based dietary needs.
• Reduced Sugar Option: Choose a sugar-free cake mix and replace butter with Greek yogurt to create a lower-calorie, lighter dessert alternative.
• Keto-Friendly Adaptation: Substitute cake mix with almond flour, use sugar-free sweetener, and incorporate cream cheese for a low-carb, ketogenic-friendly dessert.

Red Velvet Gooey Butter Cake FAQs

• What makes this red velvet gooey butter cake different from traditional cakes?

This dessert combines a rich red velvet cake base with a super creamy, gooey cream cheese topping, creating a unique texture and intense flavor that’s both decadent and irresistible.

• Can I use a homemade cake mix instead of a boxed mix?

Yes, you can substitute with a homemade red velvet cake mix, but the consistency and moisture might slightly vary. The boxed mix ensures a more consistent result and easier preparation.

• Is this dessert suitable for special occasions?

Absolutely! The vibrant red color and luxurious texture make this cake perfect for Valentine’s Day, birthdays, holiday parties, or any celebration where you want to impress your guests with a show-stopping dessert.

• How difficult is this recipe for beginner bakers?

This recipe is extremely beginner-friendly. With just a few simple ingredients and basic mixing steps, even those with minimal baking experience can create a delicious and professional-looking dessert.

Red Velvet Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Indulgent Red Velvet Gooey Butter Cake merges classic Southern charm with irresistible chocolate richness. Rich cream cheese and velvety cake layers create a dessert that melts in your mouth, leaving pure sweetness dancing across your palate.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 box (15.25 ounces/432 grams) red velvet cake mix
• 8 ounces (225 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 3 ¾ cups (450 grams) powdered sugar

Wet Ingredients:

• ½ cup (115 grams) unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup (115 grams) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by coating with butter or lining with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Combine the red velvet cake mix with one egg and melted butter, stirring until the mixture forms a cohesive, slightly sticky dough.
3. Transfer the dough into the prepared pan, using clean hands or a spatula to create an even, uniform layer that covers the entire bottom surface.
4. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together cream cheese, remaining eggs, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the filling becomes smooth and well-integrated.
5. Carefully pour the cream cheese mixture over the red velvet base, ensuring complete and gentle coverage without disturbing the bottom layer.
6. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 40-45 minutes, watching carefully to achieve a slightly jiggly center with golden edges.
7. Remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool completely at room temperature, which helps the filling set and develop its signature gooey texture.
8. Once cooled, slice into squares and dust with additional powdered sugar for a elegant finishing touch.
9. Store any remaining cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its moisture and consistency.

Notes

• Use room temperature ingredients for smoother mixing and better texture.
• Opt for gel food coloring instead of liquid for more vibrant red color without affecting cake consistency.
• Consider using a stand mixer or electric hand mixer to ensure even distribution of ingredients and prevent lumps.
• For gluten-free version, swap regular cake mix with gluten-free red velvet mix and verify all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 335
• Sugar: 38g
• Sodium: 320mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 39g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 55mg