If you’re on the hunt for a delightful dessert that’s effortlessly impressive, the Easy Red Velvet Cake with Hershey’s Hugs Recipe is going to become your new best friend. This cake doesn’t just taste amazing with its signature rich, moist texture and creamy sweetness, but it’s also incredibly simple to put together. The addition of Hershey’s Hugs adds a charming, melty chocolate and white chocolate twist that elevates an already fantastic red velvet cake into something truly special. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this recipe close for every celebratory occasion or sweet craving.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for a handful of straightforward ingredients that are not only easy to find but each plays a vital role in creating that classic red velvet flavor and irresistible texture. From the convenience of the cake mix to the creamy Cool Whip and the magical touch of Hershey’s Hugs, each element comes together harmoniously to make baking a breeze.
- Red velvet cake mix: The foundation of this recipe, providing that rich red color and mild cocoa flavor.
- 8 ounces Cool Whip: Adds moisture and a light, fluffy texture without needing to beat heavy cream.
- 1 egg: Helps bind all the ingredients together for a perfect cake crumb.
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar: Sprinkled on top to add a delicate layer of sweetness and a pretty finish.
- 16 Hershey’s Hugs: These delightful white and milk chocolate kisses melt into the cake, adding a gooey surprise.
How to Make Easy Red Velvet Cake with Hershey’s Hugs Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by setting your oven to 350ºF. This ensures it reaches the perfect temperature for baking your cake to moist, tender perfection by the time your batter is ready.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, blend together the red velvet cake mix, Cool Whip, and egg. The Cool Whip is the secret to an incredibly soft crumb, adding moisture while keeping things light and fluffy. Mixing until just combined will give you the best texture.
Step 3: Pour Batter into Baking Dish
Grease an 8×8 baking dish lightly, then pour your batter evenly into it. Spreading it out uniformly helps the cake bake evenly throughout.
Step 4: Add the Sweet Touch
Sprinkle the powdered sugar evenly over the top of the batter. This not only adds a little extra sweetness but will create a lovely light crust as the cake bakes.
Step 5: Bake Until Done
Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. To check doneness, insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, your cake is ready. The edges might pull away slightly from the pan, signaling perfection.
Step 6: Add the Hershey’s Hugs
After removing the cake from the oven, allow it to cool for about 5 minutes. Then gently push 16 Hershey’s Hugs into the top. As the cake cools further, these will soften into melty white and milk chocolate pockets that make every bite extra indulgent.
Step 7: Cool Completely and Serve
Let your red velvet cake cool completely before slicing. This resting time helps everything set beautifully, ensuring neat slices and maximum flavor.
How to Serve Easy Red Velvet Cake with Hershey’s Hugs Recipe
Garnishes
To add a fun and festive touch, consider dusting a little more powdered sugar or a sprinkle of cocoa powder on top right before serving. Fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream can also complement the cake’s sweet, creamy profile beautifully.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a simple cup of coffee or hot chocolate. The warm drinks bring out the cake’s chocolatey notes, while cool ice cream offers a refreshing contrast to its richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the cake in individual clear glass bowls topped with crushed Hershey’s Hugs for a layered dessert look, or plate it with a drizzle of homemade raspberry sauce for a touch of tartness. You can even cut it into small squares for a perfect party finger food option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cake covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If your kitchen is warm, storing it in the fridge helps preserve freshness and keeps the Hershey’s Hugs from melting too much.
Freezing
This cake freezes beautifully. Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to indulge, thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy your cake warm, pop a slice in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. This softens the Hershey’s Hugs and gives you that fresh-baked feel. Just be careful not to overheat so it doesn’t dry out.
FAQs
Can I use homemade red velvet cake batter instead of cake mix?
Absolutely! While this recipe is designed for convenience using a cake mix, homemade batter can be used. Just be mindful that mixing and baking times may vary slightly.
What if I don’t have Cool Whip? Can I substitute it?
You can substitute Cool Whip with whipped cream or even sour cream for a slightly different texture, but Cool Whip gives the lightest, fluffiest finish and is easiest to work with here.
Are Hershey’s Hugs necessary or can I use other chocolates?
Hershey’s Hugs add a wonderful combination of milk and white chocolate that pairs perfectly with red velvet, but feel free to get creative with your favorite white or milk chocolate candy if you prefer.
Will the powdered sugar on top melt during baking?
It creates a delicate crust but doesn’t fully melt. It adds a nice visual and taste contrast that enhances the cake’s overall appeal once baked.
Can I double this recipe for a larger cake?
Yes, just double the ingredients and bake in a larger pan. You might need to adjust the baking time slightly, so keep an eye on it and use the toothpick test for doneness.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Red Velvet Cake with Hershey’s Hugs Recipe is truly the perfect dessert for anyone wanting something sweet, stunning, and simple to make. Its minimalist ingredients and straightforward steps let you enjoy baking without the fuss, while the end result is a cake that feels special enough for any gathering or treat-yourself moment. Give it a try—you might just find this becomes a staple in your recipe box and a new favorite to share with friends and family!
Print
Easy Red Velvet Cake with Hershey’s 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 combines a simple cake mix with Cool Whip and a touch of powdered sugar to create a moist, fluffy dessert enhanced by the addition of Hershey’s Hugs. Perfect for quick baking and delightful for any occasion, this cake is easy to prepare and yields a rich red velvet flavor in less than an hour.
Ingredients
Red Velvet Cake
- 1 package red velvet cake mix
- 8 ounces Cool Whip (thawed)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 16 Hershey’s Hugs candies
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC) to ensure it’s ready for baking the cake.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the red velvet cake mix, Cool Whip, and egg. Beat the mixture until it’s smooth and well blended to form the batter.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease an 8×8 inch baking dish to prevent sticking, then pour the batter evenly into the dish.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Sprinkle the 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar evenly over the top of the batter to add a slight sweetness and delicate texture.
- Bake the Cake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully cooked.
- Add Hershey’s Hugs: After baking, let the cake cool for about 5 minutes. Then gently press the Hershey’s Hugs candies into the top of the cake for decoration and added flavor.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing and serving, ensuring the texture is set and flavors blend perfectly.
Notes
- Ensure the Cool Whip is thawed before mixing for better batter consistency.
- You can substitute Hershey’s Hugs with white and milk chocolate chips if preferred.
- The powdered sugar addition is optional but adds a subtle sweetness and helps create a slight crust on top.
- Use an 8×8 inch pan for the best thickness and baking results.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate to extend freshness.
