If you’ve ever craved a dessert that feels like a warm hug from the inside out, the Easy Red Velvet Cake with Hugs Recipe is exactly what you need in your baking repertoire. This delightful treat merges the classic vibrant, tender crumb of red velvet cake with the creamy, melt-in-your-mouth swirls of Hershey’s Hugs, creating a captivating and luscious dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. What makes this cake truly special is its simplicity—using basic ingredients that come together quickly, delivering a stunning cake that tastes as indulgent as it looks. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this beautiful, comforting cake that wraps you up in sweetness with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward baking this lovely cake. Each component here is incredibly straightforward but plays a pivotal role: the cake mix ensures a soft, moist base with that signature red velvet flavor, Cool Whip adds extra creaminess and lightness, the egg helps bind everything together, powdered sugar brings a subtle sweetness and a touch of sparkle, and Hershey’s Hugs inject delightful pockets of creamy chocolate and white chocolate throughout the cake.
- Red velvet cake mix: This is your base for that perfect red velvet flavor and tender crumb.
- 8 ounces Cool Whip: Adds moisture and a delicate, creamy texture to keep the cake soft.
- 1 egg: Essential for binding the batter and giving structure to the cake.
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar: Sprinkled on top for a touch of sweetness and a pretty finish.
- 16 Hershey’s Hugs: These charming chocolates melt into gooey pockets, adding a wonderful twist.
How to Make Easy Red Velvet Cake with Hugs Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by heating your oven to 350ºF. Preheating is crucial for even cooking and helps your cake rise beautifully, ensuring a soft and fluffy texture.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, blend the red velvet cake mix, the entire 8 ounces of Cool Whip, and the egg. This combination creates a batter that’s rich and silky, ready to transform into a moist cake that’s anything but ordinary.
Step 3: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Grease an 8×8 baking dish to prevent sticking, then pour your luscious batter in, spreading it evenly. This size is perfect for serving about 16 squares packed with flavor.
Step 4: Sprinkle the Powdered Sugar
Dust the surface of your batter evenly with the powdered sugar. This little trick adds a subtle sweetness and gives your finished cake a lovely, delicate appearance.
Step 5: Bake Until Perfect
Place your dish in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, signaling the cake is perfectly cooked but still moist inside.
Step 6: Add the Hugs
Once you remove the cake from the oven, let it cool for 5 minutes. Then gently press the Hershey’s Hugs into the warm cake surface. The residual heat will begin melting the chocolates, creating those irresistible swirls and pockets of creamy goodness.
Step 7: Cool Completely and Serve
Allow your cake to cool completely before slicing. This resting time helps the cake set and ensures each slice holds together beautifully, making every bite a perfect balance of texture and flavor.
How to Serve Easy Red Velvet Cake with Hugs Recipe
Garnishes
Add a fresh touch by topping slices with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of finely chopped pecans or toasted coconut. These garnishes bring extra texture and a delightful contrast that complement the cake’s creamy richness.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh berries for a fruity burst. A hot cup of coffee or tea is also a beautiful companion, enhancing the flavors and adding warmth to your dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve the cake in individual jars layered with whipped cream and crushed Hugs, or create mini cupcakes using the same batter and embed a single Hug in each one. Presentation can turn this simple cake into a showstopper for any gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover cake covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping it chilled preserves the freshness and prevents the Hershey’s Hugs from losing their creamy texture.
Freezing
You can freeze this cake by wrapping it well in plastic wrap and then placing it in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge to maintain moisture and flavor.
Reheating
If you prefer a warm slice, gently reheat your cake in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. This will soften the chocolate Hug pockets and make the cake even more comforting, almost like it’s just come out of the oven again.
FAQs
Can I use homemade red velvet batter instead of a mix?
Absolutely! If you prefer to make your own red velvet batter from scratch, simply substitute it in the same quantity and follow the remaining steps. The Hershey’s Hugs will still add that incredible creamy burst.
What can I substitute for Cool Whip?
If you want to avoid Cool Whip, whipped cream or mascarpone cheese can be good alternatives, though it might slightly change the texture. The goal is to keep the batter moist and tender.
Are Hershey’s Hugs essential for this recipe?
While Hershey’s Hugs are a signature element that give this cake its unique character, you can experiment with other chocolate candies. White chocolate chips or peanut butter chips can create interesting flavor twists.
Can this cake be made in a larger pan?
Yes, you can scale up the recipe for larger pans, but be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly and check for doneness with a toothpick to avoid over- or under-baking.
Is this cake suitable for special occasions?
Definitely! The Easy Red Velvet Cake with Hugs Recipe is elegant enough for holidays, birthdays, or any celebration, yet simple enough for a casual treat. Its eye-catching red color and chocolate surprises make it a crowd-pleaser every time.
Final Thoughts
Once you try the Easy Red Velvet Cake with Hugs Recipe, it will quickly become a go-to dessert that you’ll want to make again and again. Its simplicity in preparation paired with the delightful bursts of creamy Hershey’s Hugs makes it irresistibly comforting and fun. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself, this cake wraps every occasion in sweet, velvety warmth. Give it a try—you won’t regret sharing this little slice of joy!
Print
Easy Red Velvet Cake with Hugs Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Red Velvet Cake recipe is a delightful twist on traditional red velvet, combining a boxed cake mix with Cool Whip for a light, moist texture. Topped with powdered sugar and Hershey’s Hugs, it’s a simple yet indulgent dessert perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 box red velvet cake mix
- 8 ounces Cool Whip
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 16 Hershey’s Hugs chocolates
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking your cake evenly.
- Mix Batter: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the red velvet cake mix, 8 ounces of Cool Whip, and 1 large egg until you achieve a smooth and consistent batter.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease an 8×8 inch baking dish to prevent sticking, then pour the cake batter evenly into the dish.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Evenly sprinkle 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar across the top of the batter to add a subtle sweetness and help create a delicate crust.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully cooked.
- Decorate Cake: After baking, let the cake cool for 5 minutes, then gently press 16 Hershey’s Hugs chocolates into the top of the warm cake to create an inviting, chocolatey garnish.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing and serving to ensure the texture sets properly and the chocolates hold their shape.
Notes
- You can substitute Cool Whip with whipped cream for a fresher taste, but note it may alter the texture slightly.
- To check doneness, insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out with moist crumbs but no raw batter, the cake is ready.
- For added flavor, consider folding in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract when mixing the batter.
- Store leftover cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- This recipe is a great shortcut for a classic red velvet cake, perfect for beginners or busy cooks.
