Red Velvet Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

The Dreamiest Red Velvet Gooey Butter Cake Recipe Ever

Red velvet gooey butter cake brings a decadent twist to classic Southern desserts that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Rich cocoa notes blend seamlessly with cream cheese in this irresistible treat.

Soft, velvety textures create a melt-in-your-mouth experience that feels like pure indulgence.

Layers of crimson-hued cake and creamy filling promise an unforgettable dessert moment.

Each slice delivers a luxurious combination of sweet and tangy flavors that surprise and delight.

This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a showstopping dessert perfect for special occasions or weekend cravings.

Whip up this heavenly cake and watch everyone’s eyes light up with excitement.

Why Red Velvet Gooey Butter Cake Feels Extra Special

  • Effortless Baking Delight: This red velvet gooey butter cake requires minimal ingredients and simple steps, making it perfect for baking novices or busy home cooks who want a quick dessert solution.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Showstopper: The vibrant red color and rich texture create an impressive dessert that looks professionally made, ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, or unexpected guests craving something sweet.
  • Minimal Preparation Magic: With just three ingredients and straightforward mixing instructions, this recipe transforms a basic cake mix into a decadent dessert in under 30 minutes, offering maximum flavor with minimal effort.
  • Versatile Celebration Treat: Suitable for various occasions like birthdays, holiday parties, or weekend family desserts, this cake delivers a luxurious taste without complicated techniques or extensive preparation time.

All You Need For Red Velvet Gooey Butter Cake

Cake Base:
  • Red Velvet Cake Mix: A convenient base that provides classic red color and cake flavor. Look for a high-quality mix with rich cocoa undertones.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps bind the cake base together. Choose unsalted butter for better flavor control.
  • Egg: Provides structure and helps create a cohesive cake base. Fresh large eggs work best.
Filling Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese: Creates a tangy, smooth filling that adds a delightful contrast to the cake base. Room temperature cream cheese blends more easily.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the filling and helps create a smooth, creamy texture. Sift to prevent lumps.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with its warm, sweet notes. Pure vanilla extract offers the best taste.
Finishing Ingredients:
  • Eggs: Helps create a rich, custard-like filling. Use large eggs at room temperature for best results.

How To Make Red Velvet Gooey Butter Cake

Step 1: Prepare Baking Dish

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and generously coat it with cooking spray or butter. You can also line the pan with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over for super easy cake removal later.

Step 2: Create Cake Base

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine:
  • Red velvet cake mix
  • Egg
  • Melted butter

Stir everything together until the mixture looks smooth and well-blended. The texture should be slightly thick and rich.

Step 3: Form Bottom Layer

Use your hands or a spatula to gently press the cake mixture into the prepared pan. Spread it evenly across the bottom, making sure to reach all corners. Create a flat, uniform layer that will serve as the delicious foundation of your gooey butter cake.

Step 4: Prepare Cream Cheese Topping

In another bowl, whip together:
  • Cream cheese
  • Powdered sugar
  • Eggs
  • Vanilla extract

Beat until the mixture becomes silky and free of lumps. This creamy layer will transform your cake into a decadent dessert.

Step 5: Add Cream Cheese Layer

Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cake base. Use a spatula to spread it gently and evenly, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes until the edges look set but the center remains slightly jiggly. The top should have a beautiful golden color with hints of red velvet peeking through.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature. The cake will continue to set as it cools. Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar if desired. Cut into squares and serve this irresistible treat.

Smart Tips For Red Velvet Gooey Butter Cake

  • Prevent Sticking Smartly: Line your baking dish with parchment paper or use a non-stick spray to ensure the cake comes out perfectly and cleanly.
  • Mix Thoroughly for Texture: Blend the cake mix, egg, and butter completely to create a smooth, uniform base that guarantees even baking and rich flavor.
  • Check Moisture Levels: The dough should be slightly sticky but not too wet – aim for a consistency that holds together when pressed into the pan.
  • Customize Color Vibrancy: Use gel food coloring instead of liquid to achieve a more intense red velvet color without affecting the cake's moisture.
  • Temperature Timing Matters: Let the cake cool slightly before cutting to help it set and maintain its gooey, soft texture without falling apart.

How To Keep Red Velvet Gooey Butter Cake Fresh

  • Seal your Red Velvet Gooey Butter Cake in an airtight container to maintain its delightful texture and prevent drying out.
  • Refrigerate the cake for up to 5 days, ensuring it stays fresh and moist.
  • Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap before storing to preserve their gooey goodness and prevent them from sticking together.
  • When ready to enjoy, let the cake sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to soften slightly and restore its luscious, tender consistency.

Tasty Pairings For Red Velvet Gooey Butter Cake

  • Pair with Cream Cheese Frosting Milkshake: Blend vanilla ice cream, cream cheese, and a slice of the cake for a decadent, thick milkshake that echoes the cake's rich flavor profile.
  • Match with Bold Espresso: Serve a strong, dark espresso or cappuccano alongside the cake to cut through its sweetness and provide a robust contrast.
  • Complement with Fresh Berries: Add a small side of fresh raspberries or strawberries to bring a tart, fresh element that balances the cake's rich, gooey texture.
  • Enhance with Vanilla Whipped Cream: Top the cake slice with light, airy vanilla whipped cream to add a delicate, smooth layer that elevates the dessert's decadence.

Ways To Change Red Velvet Gooey Butter Cake

  • Southern Style: Swap red velvet mix with classic vanilla cake mix and add a splash of bourbon for a Kentucky-inspired dessert that brings rich, smooth flavors to your table.
  • Chocolate Lover's Dream: Replace red velvet mix with double chocolate cake mix and sprinkle dark chocolate chips across the base for an intense chocolate experience that melts in your mouth.
  • Cream Cheese Swirl Edition: Before baking, dollop softened cream cheese mixture on top and gently swirl through the cake base, creating beautiful marbled patterns with extra tangy richness.
  • Seasonal Berry Burst: Mix fresh raspberries or strawberries into the base and top with a light dusting of powdered sugar, transforming the cake into a fruity summer treat that's light and refreshing.

Simple FAQs About Red Velvet Gooey Butter Cake

  • What makes red velvet gooey butter cake different from regular cake?

This dessert combines a rich red velvet cake base with an incredibly creamy, gooey topping that creates a unique texture and indulgent flavor profile, unlike traditional cakes.

  • Is red food coloring necessary for this recipe?

While red food coloring gives the classic red velvet color, you can skip it if you prefer. The cake will still taste delicious and have a lighter appearance.

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

Yes, you can substitute with a homemade red velvet cake mix, but boxed mixes are designed for consistent moisture and texture, which works best for this specific recipe. If using homemade, ensure the dry ingredients are well-balanced.

The term refers to the ultra-soft, almost pudding-like center that remains soft and creamy even after baking, creating a decadent, melt-in-your-mouth texture that sets it apart from traditional cakes.

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Red Velvet Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

Red Velvet Gooey Butter Cake Recipe


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4.7 from 19 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Red velvet gooey butter cake offers a luxurious Southern dessert blending rich cocoa and cream cheese into an irresistible indulgence. Pillowy layers promise pure comfort with each heavenly, velvety bite you’ll savor.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 box (15.25 oz/432g) red velvet cake mix
  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • 3 ¾ cups (450g) powdered sugar

Eggs:

  • 1 large egg
  • 2 large eggs

Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the baking vessel by coating a 9×13-inch pan with a light layer of grease or draping parchment paper across the surface for seamless cake extraction.
  2. Combine the vibrant red velvet cake mix with a single egg and thoroughly melted butter, stirring until the mixture transforms into a unified, cohesive dough.
  3. Gently distribute the crimson-hued mixture across the pan’s bottom, ensuring an even, smooth layer that reaches into each corner with consistent thickness.
  4. Use fingertips or the back of a spatula to carefully press and compact the dough, creating a uniform and compact foundation for the decadent dessert.
  5. Inspect the surface to confirm the mixture is spread symmetrically, allowing for consistent baking and a perfectly textured cake base.

Notes

  • Choose a high-quality red velvet cake mix for the best flavor and color intensity.
  • Use room temperature butter and egg to ensure smooth, even mixing of the base layer.
  • Line the baking dish with parchment paper for effortless cake removal and clean slicing.
  • Consider adding a sprinkle of cocoa powder on top for enhanced visual appeal and deeper chocolate notes.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 34g
  • Sodium: 250mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 44g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg
Emily Morgan

Emily Morgan

Food Critic & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

Global Food Exploration & Critique, Simple Kitchen Hacks & Time-Saving Tips, Presentation & Plating Techniques, Culinary Research & Storytelling.

Education

New York University

  • Program: Bachelor’s in Journalism
  • Focus: Combined foundational journalism training with deep dives into global food traditions, restaurant criticism, and the cultural role of cuisine.

Emily Morgan has journeyed across the globe, collecting culinary secrets that turn everyday ingredients into impressive meals.

Based in Seattle and armed with a Journalism degree from NYU, she blends thorough research with a flair for presentation, ensuring every dish looks just as good as it tastes.

Focusing on fresh flavors, simple methods, and a bit of fun, Emily shows home cooks how to elevate their daily cooking without fancy gadgets or complex steps.

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