The Ultimate Red Velvet Gooey Butter Cake: A Love Letter to Indulgence

A Sweet Memory in Every Bite

Growing up, the scent of butter and vanilla would often fill my grandmother’s kitchen. She wasn’t much of a baker, but there was one recipe she made with absolute precision—her signature gooey butter cake. It was a St. Louis tradition, passed down through generations, and every time she baked it, I knew something special was about to happen. The cake was soft, decadent, and impossibly rich, with a gooey layer that melted on my tongue.

Years later, I found myself reminiscing about those childhood memories, but with a newfound love for red velvet. There’s something magical about its deep crimson hue and subtle cocoa undertones. It embodies warmth, celebration, and love—everything that a good dessert should stand for. That’s when the idea struck: why not combine the nostalgia of gooey butter cake with the elegance of red velvet?

And so, this Red Velvet Gooey Butter Cake was born. It’s the perfect fusion of classic comfort and Southern charm, with a luscious cheesecake-like topping that brings pure indulgence with every bite. Whether you’re making it for a holiday, a special occasion, or simply to treat yourself, this dessert is one that will linger in the hearts (and taste buds) of everyone who tries it.

What Makes This Cake So Special?

If you’ve never had a gooey butter cake before, prepare yourself for something truly exceptional. Unlike a traditional cake that’s fluffy throughout, this one has two distinct layers:

1. The Red Velvet Base – Soft, slightly dense, and rich with a hint of cocoa. This layer provides a solid foundation, perfectly complementing the top.
2. The Gooey Cream Cheese Layer – This is where the magic happens. A sweet, creamy, and slightly tangy topping bakes into a luscious, custard-like texture. It’s thick, indulgent, and utterly irresistible.

The contrast between the buttery, melt-in-your-mouth top and the moist, slightly chewy base creates a dessert experience like no other. The deep red hue makes it perfect for Valentine’s Day, Christmas, or any special event where you want to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Red Velvet Gooey Butter Cake

• A Twist on Tradition – While gooey butter cake is a staple in St. Louis, adding red velvet gives it a modern and luxurious touch.
• Two Desserts in One – It’s part cake, part cheesecake, and 100% divine.
• Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether for a birthday, holiday gathering, or potluck, this cake will be the star of the table.
• Foolproof and Easy – You don’t need to be an expert baker to nail this recipe. The layers come together effortlessly, and the oven does the rest of the work.
• Rich, Creamy, and Buttery – Every bite delivers a decadent combination of flavors and textures that will keep you coming back for more.

Ingredients

For the Cake Layer:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• ¼ cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon red velvet emulsion (or red food coloring)
• 2 tablespoons full-fat sour cream, room temperature
• ½ teaspoon white distilled vinegar
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• 1 ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup buttermilk, room temperature

For the Cream Cheese Layer:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 2 ¾ cups powdered sugar

Directions

1. Prepare the Oven & Pan
   Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan with baking spray and line the bottom with parchment paper.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and all-purpose flour. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter & Sugar
   In a stand mixer, beat the butter, oil, and sugar on medium-high speed for about 4 minutes until light and fluffy.
4. Incorporate Eggs & Wet Ingredients
   Add the eggs one at a time, mixing for 30 seconds after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
   Mix in vanilla, red velvet emulsion (or food coloring), sour cream, and vinegar on low speed until just combined.
5. Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients
   Add half of the flour mixture and half of the buttermilk, mixing until just incorporated. Repeat with the remaining flour and buttermilk. Do not overmix.
6. Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer
   In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the egg and mix until combined. Gradually add powdered sugar in batches, mixing until the mixture is slightly runny.
7. Assemble & Bake
   Pour the red velvet batter into the prepared pan. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the top, ensuring full coverage.
   Bake for 50-55 minutes until the edges are golden and the middle is slightly jiggly with cracks on top.
8. Cool & Chill
   Let the cake cool for 10-15 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.

Nutritional Information (Per Slice, Approximate)

• Calories: 350-400
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Sugar: 40g
• Fiber: 1g

Enjoy this luscious, gooey, and buttery treat!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I Make This Cake Without a Springform Pan?

Yes! A springform pan makes it easier to remove the cake without damaging its structure, but you can also use a regular 9-inch cake pan or a square baking dish. Just be sure to grease it well and line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Why Does the Middle of the Cake Stay Jiggly?

That’s the beauty of a gooey butter cake! The center is meant to be soft and custard-like, similar to a cheesecake. As the cake cools and sets in the refrigerator, it firms up slightly while maintaining its gooey texture.

3. Can I Use a Cake Mix Instead of Making the Red Velvet Layer from Scratch?

Absolutely! If you’re in a pinch, you can use a red velvet cake mix as the base. However, making it from scratch ensures a richer, homemade flavor with the perfect balance of moisture and structure.

4. How Do I Know When the Cake Is Done Baking?

The edges should be golden, and the top will have a few cracks. The center will still jiggle slightly, but it shouldn’t be runny. A toothpick inserted about an inch from the edge should come out with a few moist crumbs.

5. Can I Make This Cake in Advance?

Yes! In fact, this cake tastes even better the next day. After baking, let it cool, then refrigerate it for at least 2 hours or overnight. This helps the flavors develop and the cream cheese layer to firm up.

6. How Should I Store Leftovers?

Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. To keep it fresh, avoid cutting into it until you’re ready to serve. If you’d like to freeze it, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to eat, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

7. Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?

Yes! Swap out the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure the brand you use contains xanthan gum or another binding agent to help maintain the cake’s structure.

8. What Can I Serve with This Cake?

While this cake is a showstopper on its own, you can elevate it even further with:

• A dusting of powdered sugar for a classic touch
• A scoop of vanilla or cream cheese ice cream
• Fresh berries to add a pop of freshness
• A drizzle of white or dark chocolate for extra indulgence

The Art of Making Gooey Butter Cake Your Own

One of the best things about this cake is how versatile it is. You can customize it in so many ways:

• Add a Crunch – Sprinkle crushed pecans or walnuts on top for added texture.
• Boost the Chocolate Flavor – Mix in chocolate chips to the red velvet batter.
• Experiment with Extracts – Try adding a touch of almond or coconut extract to give the cake a unique twist.
• Make it Festive – Use seasonal sprinkles or colored sugar to match the occasion.

A Slice of Comfort: Conclusion

There’s something deeply satisfying about a dessert that brings both nostalgia and novelty in a single bite. This Red Velvet Gooey Butter Cake does exactly that—it takes the beloved tradition of gooey butter cake and dresses it up in a velvety red masterpiece. The contrast of textures, the richness of flavors, and the undeniable beauty of that vibrant red hue make it a dessert worth savoring.

So, whether you’re baking it to relive childhood memories, to impress at a gathering, or simply to indulge in a moment of sweetness, this cake promises to be everything you could want and more. After all, sometimes the best recipes aren’t just about taste—they’re about the emotions and memories they bring to life.

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