Pistachio Ooey Gooey Butter Cake

If you’re in the mood for a dessert that’s indulgently rich, utterly addictive, and bursting with flavor, then this Pistachio Ooey Gooey Butter Cake is exactly what you need. Imagine a melt-in-your-mouth combination of buttery, soft cake layers, with the subtle nuttiness of pistachios in every bite. It’s sweet, it’s creamy, and it’s a little bit nutty (in the best way). Trust me, this cake is the dessert you’ll want to make over and over again—and your friends and family will be begging for the recipe.

Why You’ll Love Pistachio Ooey Gooey Butter Cake

Decadent and Rich: This cake has that perfect balance of sweet and nutty, with a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s both soft and gooey in the best way. It’s a dessert you’ll be savoring every bite of!

Easy to Make: Despite the impressive flavor and texture, this cake comes together with just a few simple ingredients. No need to spend hours in the kitchen—just mix, bake, and enjoy!

The Perfect Party Treat: Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, a birthday party, or a potluck, this cake is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. The vibrant green color from the pistachios adds a fun pop to your dessert table.

Comforting and Nostalgic: This cake combines the best qualities of classic butter cakes and cheesecake—so it’s both comforting and totally irresistible. It has a slight creaminess to it that will remind you of your favorite nostalgic desserts.

Ingredients

Here’s the secret to the perfect Pistachio Ooey Gooey Butter Cake—just a handful of pantry ingredients come together to make a delicious, gooey masterpiece:

For the Cake Layer:

• Pistachio cake mix: This is the base that gives the cake its signature flavor and vibrant color. It’s a shortcut that ensures the cake tastes great every time.
• Unsalted butter: Butter adds richness and helps bind the cake mix together for that ooey-gooey texture.
• Egg: Just one egg to help hold everything together and give the cake some structure.

For the Gooey Layer:

• Cream cheese: The cream cheese gives the gooey filling its luscious texture and a slight tang that balances out the sweetness of the cake.
• Unsalted butter: The butter makes the gooey layer rich and smooth.
• Eggs: These help to set the filling and create that wonderfully soft, custard-like center.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetness is key in this layer, and powdered sugar helps achieve the perfect consistency.
• Vanilla extract: A dash of vanilla for extra flavor to round out the gooey filling.
• Pistachio pudding mix: This is the ingredient that infuses the filling with even more pistachio flavor.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the cake will bake evenly and come out perfectly golden brown on top.

2. Prepare the Cake Layer

In a medium bowl, mix together the pistachio cake mix, melted butter, and egg. Stir until combined into a soft, thick dough-like consistency. This will be the base layer for your cake.

3. Press the Cake Layer Into the Pan

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray. Then, press the cake mixture evenly into the bottom of the pan, creating a smooth, even layer. Don’t worry if it’s a little sticky—that’s what gives the cake its gooey texture later!

4. Prepare the Gooey Filling

In a separate large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and pistachio pudding mix. Mix until everything is well combined and smooth.

5. Pour the Gooey Layer Over the Cake Layer

Carefully pour the creamy filling over the cake layer, spreading it evenly with a spatula to cover the cake base completely.

6. Bake the Cake

Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes. You want the cake to be set in the center but still soft and gooey in the middle. The top will be golden brown and slightly cracked.

7. Let It Cool

Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. The gooey filling will firm up slightly as it cools, but it will still be decadently soft and chewy.

8. Serve and Enjoy!

Cut the cake into squares and serve. It’s best enjoyed with a cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk. This cake is rich, so a little goes a long way, but you’ll find it hard to stop at just one piece!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 350
Total Fat: 19g

• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
  Cholesterol: 75mg
  Sodium: 200mg
  Total Carbohydrates: 42g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 30g
  Protein: 4g
  Vitamin A: 10%
  Vitamin C: 0%
  Calcium: 6%
  Iron: 4%

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

How to Serve Pistachio Ooey Gooey Butter Cake

This cake is incredibly rich and sweet, so here are some serving suggestions to enhance the experience:

With Whipped Cream: Top each slice with a dollop of fresh whipped cream or even some vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

With Fresh Fruit: Pair it with fresh berries or sliced fruit to add a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cake.

With Coffee or Tea: The buttery richness of this cake is perfectly complemented by a cup of hot coffee, chai tea, or even a light herbal tea. It’s the ultimate cozy treat!

Additional Tips

Make It in Advance: This cake can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The flavors only get better as it sits!

Cutting Tip: If you find that the cake is sticking to the knife, try spraying the knife with a bit of cooking spray or dipping it in warm water between cuts.

Add More Pistachios: If you’re a true pistachio lover, sprinkle some chopped pistachios on top of the gooey layer before baking for an extra burst of flavor and crunch.

Leftover Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to a week. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

Freeze for Later: You can freeze this cake for up to 2 months. To freeze, wrap individual squares in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this cake without pistachio pudding mix?

A1: If you don’t have pistachio pudding mix, you can use a vanilla or even a butterscotch pudding mix as a substitute. The flavor will be different but still delicious!

Q2: Can I use a different cake mix?

A2: Yes! While the pistachio cake mix gives the cake its signature flavor, you can substitute it with other cake mixes like yellow or vanilla cake. Just keep in mind that the pistachio flavor won’t be as prominent.

Q3: Can I make this cake gluten-free?

A3: You can make this cake gluten-free by using a gluten-free cake mix. Just make sure to check that the other ingredients (like the pudding mix and cream cheese) are also gluten-free.

Q4: How can I make this cake more festive for a holiday?

A4: For a holiday twist, top the cake with sprinkles or colored sugar that matches the occasion, like red and green for Christmas or pastels for Easter. You could even decorate with some whole pistachios for an extra touch!

Q5: Can I make this cake without cream cheese?

A5: If you don’t like cream cheese, you can substitute it with sour cream or Greek yogurt. It will change the flavor slightly but still give you that creamy texture.

Q6: Can I use a different nut besides pistachios?

A6: Absolutely! While pistachios are the star here, you could try using chopped almonds, walnuts, or hazelnuts for a different flavor. Just be aware that it will change the overall taste of the cake.

Q7: Can I add chocolate chips to this cake?

A7: Yes! If you love chocolate, sprinkle a few mini chocolate chips into the gooey filling mixture for a little extra indulgence.

Q8: How can I store leftovers?

A8: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. You can also freeze the cake for up to 2 months for later enjoyment.

Q9: Can I make this cake without eggs?

A9: Yes! You can substitute the eggs with flax eggs or applesauce if you’re looking for an egg-free version. The texture might change slightly, but it should still be delicious!

Q10: How do I know when this cake is done?

A10: The top should be golden brown and slightly cracked. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter). If it comes out clean, the cake is likely overdone.

Conclusion

This Pistachio Ooey Gooey Butter Cake is the dessert dreams are made of. It’s rich, indulgent, and packed with flavor, making it the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for a special celebration or simply craving a sweet, gooey delight, this cake is sure to impress! Enjoy every ooey-gooey bite!

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