Luscious Red Velvet Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

Rich Red Velvet Gooey Butter Cake Recipe: A Sweet Treat Marvel

Who doesn’t dream of a dessert that melts in your mouth with every luscious red velvet gooey butter cake bite?

This heavenly creation combines the rich, velvety texture of red velvet with a decadent, buttery base that promises pure indulgence.

Southern bakers have perfected this magical treat that turns simple ingredients into a showstopping dessert.

Soft, tender cake meets a creamy, moist center that makes hearts skip a beat.

The vibrant red hue adds a stunning visual appeal that makes this cake impossible to resist.

Subtle hints of cocoa dance through each slice, creating a symphony of flavors that’ll leave everyone begging for seconds.

Prepare to wow your guests with this irresistible sweet sensation that transforms an ordinary gathering into an extraordinary celebration.

What You’ll Need For Red Velvet Gooey Butter Cake

  • Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining cake mix, egg, and butter smoothly.
  • 9×13-inch baking dish: Perfect size for spreading the cake base evenly.
  • Parchment paper: Optional but helpful for easy cake removal.
  • Measuring cups: Precise for measuring ingredients accurately.
  • Spatula or wooden spoon: Great for mixing ingredients thoroughly.
  • Oven: Required for baking the cake at the specified temperature.

Baking Steps For Red Velvet Gooey Butter Cake

  • Prepare the Baking Pan

Grab your favorite 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a generous coating of cooking spray or butter. Line the bottom with parchment paper for a super smooth cake removal experience.

  • Create the Base Layer

Dump the red velvet cake mix into a spacious mixing bowl. Crack in one egg and drizzle melted butter over the top. Mix everything together until you’ve got a consistent, vibrant red dough that looks glossy and tempting.

  • Form the Cake Foundation

Use your hands or a spatula to press the red velvet mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared pan. Make sure it’s smooth and reaches all the corners, creating a solid, delicious foundation for your gooey butter cake.

  • Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into a preheated oven set at 350°F. Let the magic happen as the base transforms into a rich, crimson layer that will make your kitchen smell absolutely amazing. Bake until the edges look set and slightly crispy.

Tips For Red Velvet Gooey Butter Cake Texture

  • Texture Perfection: Let the cake cool completely before cutting to ensure clean, gooey slices that hold their shape.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the cake a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator to enhance the flavors and texture.
  • Dietary Swap: For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free red velvet cake mix and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.
  • Cream Cheese Twist: Top with a homemade cream cheese frosting or dollop of whipped cream to elevate the classic red velvet flavor profile.
  • Serving Suggestion: Serve chilled or slightly warmed, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert experience.

Serving Red Velvet Gooey Butter Cake Sweetly

  • Festive Party Platter: Slice this decadent red velvet cake into bite-sized squares and arrange on a decorative holiday tray. Add sparkling silver dragees or festive sprinkles for extra glamour.
  • Creamy Companion: Serve each slice with a generous dollop of cream cheese frosting or vanilla bean whipped cream. The rich, smooth topping perfectly complements the cake's gooey texture.
  • Coffee Shop Charm: Pair a warm slice with a steaming cappuccino or hot chocolate. The dessert's deep red color looks stunning alongside a dark coffee, creating an Instagram-worthy moment.
  • Dessert Bar Delight: Create a red velvet dessert station by cutting the cake into small cubes. Offer mini toppings like chocolate shavings, crushed pecans, or powdered sugar for guests to customize their treat.

How To Store Red Velvet Gooey Butter Cake

  • Smart Portioning: Cut cake into 12-16 squares for perfect serving sizes that are easy to share or enjoy individually.
  • Cooling Technique: Allow cake to cool completely at room temperature for 1-2 hours to help set the gooey texture and enhance flavor development.
  • Refrigeration Strategy: Store covered cake in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping it fresh and maintaining its delightful soft consistency.
  • Freezing Option: Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bag to freeze for up to 3 months – perfect for future dessert cravings or unexpected guests.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 13

All Ingredients For Red Velvet Gooey Butter Cake

For Cake Base:
  • Red Velvet Cake Mix: Provides the signature red color and foundational flavor, choose a high-quality mix for best results.
  • Egg: Helps bind the ingredients and creates a rich texture, select fresh large eggs.
  • Butter: Adds moisture and richness, use unsalted butter for better control of saltiness.
For Filling:
  • Cream Cheese: Creates a luscious, tangy layer that adds creamy depth, opt for full-fat cream cheese at room temperature.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and helps stabilize the filling, sift to prevent lumps.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with warm, aromatic notes, use pure vanilla for best taste.
  • Eggs: Provides structure and helps set the filling, choose fresh large eggs.
For Topping:
  • Powdered Sugar: Provides a delicate, sweet finish and beautiful presentation, sift before dusting for even coverage.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Luscious Red Velvet Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

Luscious Red Velvet Gooey Butter Cake Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 19 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Red velvet gooey butter cake brings Southern comfort to your dessert table with its rich, velvety texture. Creamy cream cheese filling and cocoa-infused cake create a delightful indulgence you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. Prep Pan: Generously lubricate a 9×13-inch baking vessel with butter or line with parchment paper to guarantee effortless cake removal and prevent sticking.
  2. Mix Dough: Vigorously blend red velvet cake mix with melted butter and egg, transforming ingredients into a harmonious, rich crimson dough with smooth consistency.
  3. Layer Foundation: Meticulously spread the vibrant mixture across the pan’s entire surface, using fingertips or a spatula to create an even, compact layer that reaches every corner with precision and uniformity.
  4. Surface Refinement: Gently press and smooth the dough, ensuring a level, seamless base that promises consistent texture and optimal baking performance throughout the dessert.

Notes

  • Grease Wisely: Use non-stick cooking spray or softened butter to ensure smooth cake removal, preventing potential sticking and preserving the cake’s delicate texture.
  • Mix Thoroughly: Blend cake mix, egg, and melted butter until no dry patches remain, creating a uniform crimson dough that guarantees even flavor distribution.
  • Press Gently: Apply light, even pressure when spreading the mixture, avoiding heavy compression that could make the base too dense or tough.
  • Temperature Matters: Preheat the oven precisely to maintain consistent heat, which helps achieve the signature gooey interior and perfectly crisp edges.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 30 g
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 43 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 45 mg
Olivia Bennett

Olivia Bennett

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

Nutritional Analysis​, Dietary Accommodations​, Food Writing and Blogging​,

Education

University of Texas at Austin

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Nutrition
  • Focus: Emphasis on dietary planning, food science, and the relationship between nutrition and health.​

Institute of Culinary Education, New York, NY

  • Program: Plant-Based Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized training in vegetarian and vegan cooking techniques, emphasizing whole foods and sustainability.​

Olivia Bennett is Cooking Crusade’s go-to expert for nutritious, feel-good food. Based in Austin, she blends her degree in Nutrition from the University of Texas with plant-based culinary training from the Institute of Culinary Education.

Olivia’s recipes are all about balance: vibrant, wholesome, and easy-to-love dishes that work for all kinds of eaters. Her mission is simple: to make healthy eating approachable and genuinely tasty, with tips that support your lifestyle, not complicate it.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star