Description
Red Velvet Ooey Gooey Bars are a decadent dessert combining the rich flavor of red velvet cake with a creamy cheesecake layer and smooth royal icing. Perfect for holidays or special occasions, these bars are sweet, tangy, and irresistibly gooey.
Ingredients
Scale
- Nonstick baking spray: for greasing the pan
- 1 box (15.25 oz) red velvet cake mix: creates the rich, red base
- 1 1/2 sticks (12 tbsp) unsalted butter, melted and cooled: adds richness and moisture
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract: enhances flavor
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature: provide structure and texture
- 8 oz cream cheese, at room temperature: creates a smooth, tangy layer
- 3 cups confectioners’ sugar: sweetens and stabilizes the filling
- 4 cups confectioners’ sugar (for icing): forms the royal icing
- 3 tbsp meringue powder: helps icing set firmly
- Sprinkles (optional): adds color and decoration
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a 9×13-inch pan with foil and spray with nonstick baking spray.
- In a stand mixer, combine the cake mix, 8 tablespoons of melted butter, 1 teaspoon of vanilla, and 2 eggs. Beat until smooth and spread evenly in the pan.
- Clean the bowl and beat cream cheese until smooth. Add the remaining eggs one at a time, then mix in the remaining butter, vanilla, and confectioners’ sugar until creamy.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the red velvet base and smooth the top evenly.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes until the edges are golden and the center is just set. Let cool for 30 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
- To make the royal icing, beat confectioners’ sugar, meringue powder, and 6 tablespoons water until stiff peaks form.
- Spread icing evenly over chilled bars, decorate with sprinkles, and cut into 24 squares before serving.
Notes
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best consistency.
- Do not overbake—center should remain slightly gooey.
- Chill fully before slicing for clean, even cuts.
- Store refrigerated up to 5 days or freeze without icing for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 27g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: Red Velvet Ooey Gooey Bars, red velvet dessert, gooey butter cake, cream cheese bars, holiday baking, red velvet recipes