If you are on the hunt for a dessert that brings both comfort and a delightful twist, the Pistachio Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe is an absolute gem you need to try. This luscious cake perfectly balances a buttery crust with a rich, creamy pistachio filling that is irresistibly soft and sweet. Whether for a family gathering or a cozy night in, this recipe captures the magic of a nostalgic ooey gooey texture paired with the subtle nuttiness of pistachios, making every bite a celebration of flavor and texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients, each playing a crucial role in achieving the cake’s perfect taste, texture, and inviting color. From the easy-to-find cake mix to the vibrant pistachio pudding, every element is a star.
- Yellow cake mix: Serves as the sturdy, buttery crust base that gives the cake structure and slight sweetness.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup melted and 1/2 cup softened): Adds richness and moisture, critical for both the crust and filling’s smooth texture.
- Large eggs (3 total): Bind ingredients together and help create that perfectly gooey, yet set consistency.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): Brings a silky creaminess that melts beautifully in the filling.
- Pistachio instant pudding mix (1 box): Infuses the cake with its signature nutty flavor and gorgeous green tint.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the pistachio flavor and adds a warm, inviting note.
- Powdered sugar (4 cups): Sweetens and thickens the filling, creating that classic ooey gooey texture we all crave.
How to Make Pistachio Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. Mixing the yellow cake mix with melted butter and one egg forms a buttery, slightly crispy crust. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of your dish – this layer is the delicious base that supports the luscious filling to come.
Step 2: Make the Filling
In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese and softened butter until creamy and smooth. Then, add the remaining two eggs, pistachio instant pudding mix, vanilla, and powdered sugar. Whisk it all together until the filling is silky and well combined, promising a decadent, nutty, and sweet center.
Step 3: Assemble the Cake
Pour the creamy pistachio filling over your prepared crust, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. This ensures every bite will have just the right balance of crust and filling, setting the stage for baking perfection.
Step 4: Bake to Gooey Perfection
Bake your cake for 40 to 45 minutes until the top is a delicate golden brown. A toothpick test will reveal when it’s done: it should come out mostly clean but still slightly gooey, guaranteeing that classic ooey gooey texture right in the middle.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Let your Pistachio Ooey Gooey Butter Cake cool in the pan to set properly. Once cooled, cut into squares and serve at room temperature or chilled – either way, it’s a treat that melts in your mouth and leaves you wanting more.
How to Serve Pistachio Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Adding simple garnishes can elevate this cake from delightful to show-stopping. Consider topping with chopped pistachios to deepen the nutty flavor and add appealing texture, or a light dusting of powdered sugar to brighten its look. Mint leaves can add freshness and a pop of green that complements the pistachio theme beautifully.
Side Dishes
This cake is rich and indulgent, so pairing it with lighter sides works wonderfully. Fresh berries or a tangy berry compote cut through the richness, while a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream turns it into an elegant dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve Pistachio Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe as mini squares on decorative platters at parties or drizzle with white chocolate sauce for an extra layer of indulgence. You can also layer pieces with whipped cream and berries in parfait glasses to impress guests with a stunning dessert showcase.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Pistachio Ooey Gooey Butter Cake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This helps maintain its fresh flavor and ooey gooey texture, making it easy to enjoy a piece whenever a sweet moment strikes.
Freezing
If you want to keep this cake longer, it freezes beautifully. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and enjoy as if freshly baked with minimal effort.
Reheating
To bring back the cake’s soft and gooey charm, warm slices gently in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or pop them in a low oven at 300°F until just warmed through. This revives the luscious filling and makes the crust a little softer but still satisfying.
FAQs
Can I use a different flavor of pudding mix?
Absolutely! While pistachio pudding is the star here, you can experiment with vanilla or almond pudding to slightly change the flavor profile. Just keep in mind the unique green color and nutty taste come from the pistachio version.
Is it necessary to use cake mix for the crust?
Using cake mix is a time-saving and foolproof way to create the perfect buttery crust. However, you could try a homemade yellow cake batter if you want a fully homemade approach, but the convenience of cake mix is part of why this recipe is so accessible.
How gooey is the finished cake supposed to be?
The signature ooey gooey texture means the center should be soft and slightly underbaked, with a toothpick coming out mostly clean but still a bit moist. This gives you that perfect balance of gooeyness and structure.
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes! This recipe scales up nicely if you want to use a bigger pan or make two 9×13 cakes. Just keep an eye on the baking time, as it may need to increase slightly for thicker cakes.
What is the best way to cut the cake without it sticking?
To get clean slices, let the cake cool completely before cutting and use a knife warmed in hot water, wiping it dry between cuts. This prevents sticking and keeps the edges neat.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Pistachio Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe enough for those days when you want something both comforting and a little special. Its unique combination of flavors and textures creates a dessert experience you’ll want to come back to again and again. So grab your ingredients and give it a whirl — I promise it’ll become a beloved favorite in your recipe collection.
Print
Pistachio Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Pistachio Ooey Gooey Butter Cake is a decadent dessert featuring a rich yellow cake crust topped with a luscious pistachio-flavored creamy filling. With a delightfully soft and gooey center contrasted by a slightly firm crust, this cake is perfect for any occasion and sure to satisfy your sweet tooth with its nutty, creamy flavors.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 box yellow cake mix (or any basic cake mix)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
For the Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 box pistachio instant pudding mix (approx. 3.4 oz)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking. In a medium bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and 1 large egg. Mix well until fully incorporated. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to create an even crust layer.
- Make the filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and softened butter together using a mixer until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add 2 large eggs, pistachio instant pudding mix, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar. Continue beating until the filling is completely combined and smooth in texture.
- Assemble the cake: Pour the pistachio filling evenly over the prepared crust in the baking dish. Use a spatula to spread the filling to all edges, ensuring an even layer.
- Bake the cake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. The top should become golden brown. To test for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out mostly clean but still with a slight gooey texture indicating the ooey gooey center.
- Cool and serve: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, cut the cake into squares. Serve at room temperature or chilled to enjoy the soft, gooey pistachio filling contrasted with the firmer crust.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese and butter are properly softened for a smooth filling consistency.
- Do not overbake; the center should remain gooey for the iconic texture.
- Use a 9×13 inch baking dish for the correct cake thickness.
- Chilling the cake after cooling can enhance the gooey filling’s texture.
- You can substitute pistachio pudding with other flavors for variations.
