Chef Mitchell preparing Gooey Red Velvet Cake
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary School Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I discovered this Gooey Red Velvet Cake recipe during my time in culinary school, and it quickly became a favorite. The combination of flavors and textures is simply unmatched. After countless tweaks and tests, I perfected the gooey consistency that everyone loves. Now, this cake is a staple at family gatherings and celebrations."

With over a decade of experience in American cuisine, I specialize in creating delicious dessert recipes. My passion for baking shines through in every recipe I create, ensuring they are both delightful and approachable for home cooks.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Delicious Gooey Red Velvet Cake served on a plate

Why This Gooey Red Velvet Cake Recipe Works

This Gooey Red Velvet Cake recipe stands out due to its unique texture and flavor profile. The use of buttermilk adds moisture, while the vinegar reacts with the baking soda to create a fluffy cake. The cocoa powder enhances the chocolate notes, making each bite a delightful experience. The iconic red color makes it visually appealing, perfect for any occasion.

Mastering the technique of combining wet and dry ingredients is crucial. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake, so gently fold until just combined. Allowing the layers to cool completely ensures a smooth frosting application, enhancing both the look and taste of the cake.

💡 Professional Tip

To achieve the best results, make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smooth batter and integrates flavors better. Additionally, do not overbake the cake; it should be moist and slightly gooey in the center.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can make the cake layers a day in advance. Allow them to cool completely, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and store them in the refrigerator. Frost the cake on the day you plan to serve it for the best texture and flavor.

If you don't have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it thickens slightly. This will mimic the acidity and moisture of buttermilk.

The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. Keep an eye on the baking time, and check a few minutes earlier to avoid overbaking.

Yes, you can freeze the cake layers. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before frosting and serving.

Gooey Red Velvet Cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Fresh berries can also add a nice tart contrast to the sweetness of the cake.

When stored properly in an airtight container, Gooey Red Velvet Cake can last in the fridge for about 5-7 days. Be sure to keep it well-covered to maintain its moist texture.

Absolutely! You can prepare the entire cake a day in advance. Just make sure to store it in the refrigerator, covered. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight, enhancing the cake's richness.

To reheat, place a slice in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or until warmed through. Be cautious not to overheat, as it can dry out the cake. Alternatively, warm in an oven at a low temperature for a few minutes.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Dry

Problem: The cake doesn't have the desired moist texture.

Solution: Ensure you measure your ingredients accurately, especially flour. Overmeasuring can lead to a dry cake. Also, avoid overbaking; check for doneness a few minutes before the recommended time.

✅

Not Crispy Enough

Problem: The cake surface lacks a nice crust.

Solution: To achieve a crispy top, bake at a slightly higher temperature for the first 10 minutes, then lower it to the recommended temperature. This helps form a crust while keeping the inside moist.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: The cake is dry and crumbly.

Prevention: To prevent overcooking, always start checking your cake a few minutes before the baking time is up. If it seems to be cooking too quickly, reduce the oven temperature slightly.

✅

Undercooked Center

Problem: The middle of the cake is raw or gooey.

Recovery: If the cake’s center is undercooked, return it to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes. If the edges are browning too much, cover them with foil to prevent burning while the center finishes baking.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: The outside of the cake is dark or burnt.

Prevention: To avoid a burnt exterior, check the oven temperature with an oven thermometer to ensure it's accurate. Also, place a baking pan with water in the oven to create steam, helping to maintain moisture.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If the cake is too sweet, try adding a pinch of salt into the frosting to balance the flavors.

Too Salty: If the cake is too salty, consider adding a bit of sweet cream to the frosting to counteract the saltiness.

Bland: If the cake lacks flavor, ensure to add more vanilla extract or a pinch of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate notes.

Fresh ingredients for Gooey Red Velvet Cake

Essential Ingredients for Gooey Red Velvet Cake

Key ingredients like all-purpose flour and cocoa powder are essential for the structure and flavor of the cake. The use of buttermilk adds moisture and tang, while the red food coloring gives it that signature hue. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect gooey texture.

Quality matters when it comes to baking. Using fresh ingredients, especially dairy and eggs, ensures the best flavor and texture. Opt for high-quality cocoa powder for a richer chocolate flavor and avoid substitutes that may affect the cake's consistency.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • All-Purpose Flour: Using all-purpose flour provides the right balance of structure and tenderness. Be sure to sift it before measuring to avoid lumps and ensure an even texture.
  • Buttermilk: Buttermilk is crucial for the cake's moistness and flavor. If you don't have it on hand, using a substitution with milk and vinegar can give you similar results.
  • Cream Cheese: For the frosting, using full-fat cream cheese ensures a rich and creamy texture. Allow it to come to room temperature before mixing to avoid lumps and achieve a smooth consistency.
Cooking process for Gooey Red Velvet Cake

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

The cooking process for Gooey Red Velvet Cake is straightforward, making it accessible for bakers of all levels. Start by preparing your ingredients and ensuring they are at room temperature for better mixing. Following the steps carefully will help you achieve the desired gooey texture.

Baking the cake layers requires attention to timing. Allow them to cool completely before frosting to ensure a neat finish. The combination of careful mixing and proper baking techniques will yield a cake that is both beautiful and delicious.

Key Technique for Perfect Gooey Red Velvet Cake

The key to achieving the perfect gooey texture lies in the mixing technique. Be gentle when folding wet and dry ingredients, as overmixing can lead to a dense cake. Incorporating the baking soda and vinegar last ensures a light and fluffy result.

Gooey Red Velvet Cake

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter
    Room temperature
  • 1 cup heavy cream
    For added richness
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
    For sweetness
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
    For flavor

For the Sauce

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
    For structure
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
    For sweetness
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
    For moisture
  • 1 cup buttermilk
    For tanginess
  • 2 large eggs
    For richness
  • 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
    For chocolate flavor
  • 1 tablespoon red food coloring
    For color
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    For flavor
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
    For leavening
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
    For leavening
  • ½ teaspoon salt
    For flavor
  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened
    For frosting
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
    For frosting
  • ½ cup butter, softened
    For frosting
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    For frosting

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven

    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

  2. Mix Dry Ingredients

    In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and salt.

  3. Combine Wet Ingredients

    In another bowl, whisk together the oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, and vanilla extract.

  4. Combine Mixtures

    Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.

  5. Add Baking Soda and Vinegar

    In a small bowl, combine baking soda and vinegar, then quickly fold it into the batter.

  6. Pour into Pans

    Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.

  7. Bake

    Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

  8. Prepare Frosting

    In a bowl, beat together the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.

  9. Frost the Cake

    Once the cakes have cooled, frost the top of one layer, place the second layer on top, and frost the top and sides.

  10. Serve

    Slice and serve the cake, enjoying the gooey, rich texture.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

To store Gooey Red Velvet Cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. This will help maintain its moisture and prevent it from drying out. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Serving Suggestions

Serve slices of Gooey Red Velvet Cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Fresh berries also make a delightful addition, contrasting the sweetness beautifully.

Recipe Variations

Feel free to experiment with this recipe by adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter. You can also try different types of frosting, such as a classic buttercream or a chocolate ganache for a richer flavor.