Soft, Creamy & Irresistible Red Velvet Layer Bars – Try Them Before They’re Gone!

One bite of these Red Velvet Layer Bars and you’ll be hooked. Soft, melt-in-your-mouth, and topped with a creamy cream cheese layer, they’re perfect for any occasion. If you can’t get enough of red velvet, be sure to check out our other indulgent treats: Red Velvet Cake Roll, Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies, and Red Velvet Blossom Cookies. Each one is just as irresistible and sure to satisfy your sweet tooth!

Why You’ll Love This Red Velvet Layer Bars Recipe

• Visual Appeal: With their bright red color and creamy white layer, these bars instantly stand out on any dessert table.
• Flavor: They capture the classic red velvet taste you love, with just the right balance of cocoa and tangy cream cheese.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is simple and beginner-friendly, using basic ingredients and minimal effort.
• Make Ahead: These bars can be made in advance and stored in the fridge—and they’re even more delicious the next day.

Ingredients for Red Velvet Layer Bars

Quality ingredients make all the difference, so choose the best you can find. Here’s what you’ll need:

• For the Red Velvet Layer:
  • 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons (15g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon red food coloring
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• For the Cream Cheese Layer:
  • 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/3 cup (65g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make Red Velvet Layer Bars

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch pan and line it with parchment paper to make removal easy.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, mix the melted butter and sugar until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
4. Stir in the red food coloring, vanilla extract, and vinegar until the batter is evenly colored.
5. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and gently mix until just combined. Do not overmix.

1. Pour the red velvet batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.

1. In another bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the sugar, egg, and vanilla, then beat until creamy.
2. Carefully spread the cream cheese mixture over the red velvet layer, keeping the layers separate.

1. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the top is set and lightly golden.
2. Let the bars cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting.
3. Slice into bars and serve chilled. Enjoy every rich, creamy bite!

Expert Tips for Perfect Red Velvet Layer Bars

• Tips for Best Results
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure the cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature.
• Food Coloring: Gel food coloring works best for a deep red color without changing the texture of the batter.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix the dry and wet ingredients just until combined to keep the bars soft and tender.
• Cooling & Slicing: Let the red velvet layer bars cool completely, then chill them in the fridge. This makes slicing clean, neat squares much easier.

Creative Variations and Substitutions

• Chocolate Swirl: Melt some dark chocolate and gently swirl it into the cream cheese layer before baking for an extra rich, chocolatey touch.
• Peppermint Twist: Add 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract to the cream cheese layer for a festive flavor, then sprinkle crushed peppermint candy on top after baking.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend to make these bars gluten-free.
• Nutty Delight: Stir chopped pecans or walnuts into the red velvet batter for a bit of crunch that pairs perfectly with the creamy layer.

How to Store and Freeze Red Velvet Layer Bars

• Room Temperature: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, stored in a cool, dry place.
• Refrigerator: Store the red velvet layer bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week to keep them fresh.
• Freezer: Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
• Reheating: If you like them slightly warm, microwave briefly to soften the cream cheese layer before serving.

More Delicious Recipes You’ll Love

• Check out our Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls  for another classic treat.
• Don’t miss our Strawberry Cheesecake Macarons  for more festive cookies.

Frequently Asked Questions About Red Velvet Layer Bars

Can I use natural food coloring instead of artificial?
Yes! Natural food coloring works, though the color may be less vibrant. Beet juice is a great option for a deep red hue.

What can I do if my cream cheese layer is too runny?
Make sure your cream cheese is properly softened and ingredients are measured correctly. Chilling the mixture before spreading can also help it set better.

Can I make these red velvet layer bars in advance?
Absolutely! These bars are perfect for making ahead. They actually taste even better after a day in the fridge, when the flavors have time to meld.

What’s the best way to cut these red velvet layer bars neatly?
Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean with a damp cloth between cuts. Chilling the bars before slicing makes it much easier to get clean, even squares.

Can I add other flavors to the cream cheese layer?
Yes! Try adding a splash of orange or almond extract for a unique twist on the classic red velvet flavor.