Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Pistachio Gooey Butter Cake combines the rich, nutty flavor of pistachios with the creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture of gooey butter cake. This decadent dessert is easy to make and is guaranteed to impress at any gathering. With its tender base, soft and gooey center, and delicate pistachio flavor, it’s a treat that’s as delicious as it is memorable.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Pistachio cake mix
- Unsalted butter
- Eggs
- Cream cheese
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Chopped pistachios (for garnish)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a bowl, combine the pistachio cake mix, melted butter, and one egg. Stir until the mixture forms a dough.
- Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust.
- In a separate bowl, beat together the cream cheese, eggs, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the dough in the baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set but still soft and gooey.
- Let the cake cool for about 15-20 minutes before cutting into squares.
- Garnish with chopped pistachios on top for an extra crunch and a burst of flavor.
Servings and Timing
This recipe yields approximately 12-16 servings.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Baking time: 35-40 minutes
Cooling time: 20 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Variations
- Add a handful of chocolate chips to the cream cheese mixture for a chocolate-pistachio combo.
- Use almond extract instead of vanilla for a slightly different flavor twist.
- Swap pistachios with other nuts like walnuts or pecans for a unique spin on the recipe.
Storage/Reheating
Store Pistachio Gooey Butter Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to 5 days.
To enjoy it warm, reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.

FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Yes, you can experiment with other cake mix flavors, such as yellow or chocolate, but the pistachio flavor really shines in this recipe.
Why is the center so gooey?
The gooey center is thanks to the combination of cream cheese and powdered sugar, which creates a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it the day before and store it in the fridge. Let it come to room temperature before serving.
Can I freeze the cake?
Yes, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the fridge before enjoying.
Can I use unsweetened pistachios?
Yes, unsweetened pistachios can be used, but make sure to adjust the sweetness level of the cake if desired.
Conclusion
Pistachio Gooey Butter Cake is a show-stopping dessert with its irresistible combination of creamy, nutty flavors and a rich, gooey center. Whether you’re serving it at a special occasion or just because, this cake is sure to be a crowd favorite and will leave everyone asking for seconds. Try it out, and it may just become your new go-to treat!
PrintPistachio Gooey Butter Cake: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
- Total Time: 45–50 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and decadent cake featuring the creamy texture of gooey butter with the delightful crunch and flavor of pistachios, making it the ultimate indulgence for dessert lovers.
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup shelled pistachios, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray.
- In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, melted butter, and one egg. Mix until well combined, and spread this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- In another bowl, beat together the cream cheese, softened butter, and eggs until smooth and creamy.
- Mix in the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, chopped pistachios, and salt. Pour this mixture over the cake batter in the pan, spreading evenly.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes or until the center is just set and the edges are golden brown. The cake should be slightly gooey in the center.
- Let cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar before serving. Slice into squares and enjoy!
Notes
- For an extra pistachio flavor, you can sprinkle additional chopped pistachios on top before baking.
- Make sure the cake doesn’t overbake; it should remain gooey in the middle for the best texture.
- This cake can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
- If you prefer, you can substitute the yellow cake mix with a white or vanilla cake mix for a different flavor base.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (approx.)
- Calories: 230 kcal
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 170 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
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