If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that’s at once nostalgic and irresistibly unique, Pistachio Ooey Gooey Butter Cake is about to become your new obsession. This cake layers a pistachio-studded buttery base with a creamy, sweetened cream cheese topping that stays perfectly gooey in the center, striking the ultimate balance between richness, texture, and pistachio flavor. It’s the kind of treat that sparks instant joy and has everyone reaching for seconds—and believe me, they will ask for the recipe!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list is short but mighty, with each item contributing something essential—whether it’s creating that signature gooey layer, providing pistachio crunch, or lending a creamy finish. Don’t overlook any of them; they’re what make Pistachio Ooey Gooey Butter Cake truly special.
- White cake mix: The foundation for the crust, giving it a light and tender bite with minimal fuss.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Infuses the base with rich flavor and ensures everything holds together.
- Large egg: Binds the crust, keeping it moist and perfect.
- Instant pistachio pudding mix: Adds a gorgeous green hue and an unmistakable pistachio flavor boost.
- Chopped pistachios: Adds that delightful crunch and extra pistachio goodness in every bite.
- Cream cheese (softened): The dreamy key player for that luscious, gooey topping.
- Large eggs (2): Help set the cream cheese layer just enough while keeping it delightfully gooey.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with warm, bakery-style notes.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the topping and gives it that signature, almost melt-in-your-mouth texture.
How to Make Pistachio Ooey Gooey Butter Cake
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (lower it to 325°F if you’re using a glass dish). Give your 9×13-inch baking dish a generous coating of nonstick spray or butter to make serving a breeze and to ensure those gooey layers release cleanly.
Step 2: Mix the Pistachio Crust
In a medium bowl, blend the white cake mix, melted butter, 1 egg, instant pistachio pudding mix, and those beautiful chopped pistachios. Mix until everything is just combined and a thick, somewhat sticky dough forms. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish—it’s your crunchy, nutty base for the Pistachio Ooey Gooey Butter Cake.
Step 3: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Layer
In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the remaining two eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined. Slowly add the powdered sugar and keep beating until the mixture is velvety and uniform. This sweet, tangy topping is what gives the cake its signature gooey heart.
Step 4: Layer and Bake
Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust layer, smoothing it out with a spatula so every inch is covered. Pop the pan into the oven and bake for 40–45 minutes. You’re looking for crackly, golden edges and a center that still has a signature jiggle (don’t worry, it will set as it cools—think gooey, not runny!).
Step 5: Cool and Slice
Resist temptation and let your Pistachio Ooey Gooey Butter Cake cool completely before slicing. This crucial step ensures you get clean squares with a gloriously ooey, gooey center and crisped edges for contrast. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
How to Serve Pistachio Ooey Gooey Butter Cake
Garnishes
You can really play up the pistachio magic by showering the top with even more chopped pistachios or a light dusting of powdered sugar. For an even fancier touch, try adding a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream—those creamy extras create a dreamy combo with the rich cake.
Side Dishes
This Pistachio Ooey Gooey Butter Cake is already indulgent, so I love serving it with something fresh and light on the side. Fresh berries, a citrus salad, or a simple glass of cold milk all complement the richness beautifully, balancing out each bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Bring out your inner dessert artist! Cut the cake into fun bite-sized bars for a party platter, or use a small cookie cutter to make festive shapes for holiday trays. You can also layer small cubes of cake in a parfait glass with whipped cream and pistachios for an easy, elegant twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Pistachio Ooey Gooey Butter Cake stores like a dream! Cover the slices tightly and refrigerate for up to five days. This dessert keeps its texture and flavor remarkably well, so don’t hesitate to make it ahead for gatherings or little moments of self-indulgence throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to plan even further ahead, this cake is totally freezer-friendly. Place slices in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then wrap them individually and store in an airtight container for up to two months. When a craving hits, just thaw in the fridge overnight.
Reheating
While Pistachio Ooey Gooey Butter Cake is fabulous cold, you can gently rewarm slices in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds to bring back some freshly-baked magic. Be careful not to overheat, so you keep that ooey-gooey center just right!
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Absolutely! While white cake mix keeps the pistachio color vibrant, you can swap for yellow or even vanilla for a slightly different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that using chocolate or other bold flavors will mask the pistachio magic.
Is there a way to boost the pistachio flavor even more?
Yes! If you want an extra punch of pistachio, simply add 1/2 teaspoon of pistachio extract to the cream cheese mixture. It’s an optional but wonderful way to really let the pistachio flavor shine in every bite of your Pistachio Ooey Gooey Butter Cake.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely. Just choose your favorite gluten-free white or yellow cake mix and double-check your instant pudding and other ingredients to ensure they’re gluten-free. The cake’s texture will still be perfectly gooey!
What’s the secret to keeping it “ooey gooey”?
The magic is all about timing. Bake until the edges are golden and set, but the center still jiggles slightly when you nudge the pan. This way, it finishes setting as it cools, preserving that signature gooey, custardy texture.
Can I make Pistachio Ooey Gooey Butter Cake in advance?
Absolutely! In fact, the flavors deepen as it sits, making it an ideal make-ahead dessert for holidays or special occasions. Prepare it the night before and let it chill completely before slicing for best results.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dessert that dazzles and comforts all at once, you just have to give Pistachio Ooey Gooey Butter Cake a try. Its sweet nuttiness, creamy topping, and playful green color are sure to make it the star of any table. I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your kitchen as it has to mine—happy baking!
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Pistachio Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich, nutty goodness of Pistachio Ooey Gooey Butter Cake. This decadent dessert combines the flavors of pistachio with a creamy, buttery base for a truly irresistible treat.
Ingredients
Cake Base:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) white cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant pistachio pudding mix
- 1/2 cup chopped pistachios
Cream Cheese Filling:
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 3/4 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (325°F for glass dish) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix Cake Base: Combine white cake mix, melted butter, 1 egg, pistachio pudding mix, and chopped pistachios. Press into the baking dish.
- Prepare Filling: Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add 2 eggs, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar. Spread over the cake base.
- Bake: Bake for 40–45 minutes until edges are golden and center is slightly jiggly. Cool before slicing.
Notes
- Do not overbake — the center should be gooey.
- For extra pistachio flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon pistachio extract to the filling.
- Optional: Top with more chopped pistachios or a dusting of powdered sugar before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 41g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
