Red Velvet Ooey Gooey Bars Recipe

This decadent Red Velvet Ooey Gooey Bars Recipe features a chewy, dense red velvet brownie base topped with a luscious cream cheese “gooey” layer that bakes into a crackly, custard-like finish. Frosted with royal icing and chilled to fudgy perfection, these bars offer a triple-threat of texture that makes them the ultimate show-stopping treat for Valentine’s Day or holiday parties.

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Red Velvet Ooey Gooey Bars Ingredients

The Cake Base:

• One 15.25-ounce box Red Velvet Cake Mix: The shortcut to perfect color and flavor.
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) Butter: Melted and cooled.
• 2 Large Eggs: To bind the base into a brownie-like texture.
• 1 tsp Vanilla Extract: For aroma.

The Gooey Layer:

• 8 ounces Cream Cheese: Softened to room temperature. This is the heart of the “gooey” texture.
• 3 cups Confectioners’ Sugar: Creates the sweet, crackly crust.
• 2 Large Eggs: Gives the topping a cheesecake-like set.
• 1/4 cup (4 tbsp) Butter: Melted.
• 1 tsp Vanilla Extract.

The Royal Icing:

• 4 cups Confectioners’ Sugar: For a stiff, bakery-style finish.
• 3 tablespoons Meringue Powder: Stabilizes the icing so it hardens perfectly.
• Sprinkles: Optional, but fun.

How To Make Red Velvet Ooey Gooey Bars

1. Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch pan with foil (leaving overhang handles) and spray with nonstick baking spray.
2. Make the Base: In a mixer, combine the red velvet cake mix, 1/2 cup melted butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and 2 eggs. Beat on medium for 2 minutes. The dough will be thick and sticky. Press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan using an offset spatula or greased hands.
3. Whip the Gooey Layer: In a clean mixer bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and light. Add the remaining 2 eggs one at a time. Beat in the remaining 1/4 cup melted butter and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Slowly mix in the 3 cups of confectioners’ sugar until smooth.
4. Layer and Bake: Pour the cream cheese mixture over the red velvet base, smoothing it to the edges. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes. The edges should be puffed and golden brown, while the center should still be slightly jiggly (gooey!).
5. Chill: Let cool on a rack for 30 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours. Crucial Step: These bars need to be cold to set properly, or they will be a mess to slice.
6. Royal Icing: Whisk the confectioners’ sugar, meringue powder, and 6 tablespoons of water in a stand mixer on high speed for 3-4 minutes until stiff, glossy peaks form.
7. Frost and Cut: Lift the chilled cake out of the pan using the foil handles. Spread the royal icing over the top. Decorate with sprinkles. Once the icing sets, slice into 24 bars.

Recipe Tips

• Room Temperature Ingredients: As noted, if your cream cheese or eggs are cold, the gooey layer will be lumpy. Ensure everything is room temp for a silky batter.
• Don’t Overbake: The center must be jiggly when you pull it out. If it’s firm, you’ve lost the “ooey gooey” factor and just have a cake.
• Cutting Clean Squares: Dip your knife in hot water and wipe it clean between every single cut. This prevents the sticky filling and stiff icing from dragging and ruining the layers.
• Foil Lining: Do not skip the foil lining. These bars are sticky. Without the foil handles to lift them out, you’ll never get them out of the pan intact.

What To Serve With Ooey Gooey Bars

• Cold Milk: Essential for washing down the intense sweetness.
• Coffee: A dark roast balances the sugar overload.
• Fresh Raspberries: A tart fruit garnish cuts the richness.
• Champagne: A fun pairing for a celebration dessert table.

How To Store Red Velvet Ooey Gooey Bars

• Refrigerate: These bars must be stored in the refrigerator due to the cream cheese filling. They will keep for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
• Serve: They can be eaten cold (fudgy) or brought to room temperature (softer).
• Freeze: Freeze the bars (without the royal icing ideally, though glazed works too) wrapped in plastic and foil for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge.

Red Velvet Ooey Gooey Bars Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Fat: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Sugar: 40g
• Protein: 3g

Nutrition information is estimated per bar.

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