Buttery Pistachio Gooey Butter Cake
A decadent and rich dessert featuring a buttery pistachio-flavored cake base topped with a gooey cream cheese layer. Perfect for special occasions or as a sweet treat, this cake combines nutty pistachio flavor with a luscious, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Equipment
- Mixing bowls (large and medium)
- Electric mixer or whisk
- 9x13 inch baking pan
- Parchment paper or aluminum foil
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife (for slicing)
Ingredients
- For the Cake Base:
- 1 box yellow cake mix or homemade equivalent
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/2 cup finely chopped pistachios plus extra for garnish
- For the Gooey Butter Layer:
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: Green food coloring for a vibrant pistachio look
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven : Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Make the Cake Base :
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, egg, almond extract, and chopped pistachios. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the base layer.
- Prepare the Gooey Butter Layer :
- In another mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together using an electric mixer until smooth.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until fully incorporated.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and optional green food coloring.
- Assemble the Cake :
- Pour the gooey butter mixture evenly over the cake base, spreading it out with a spatula.
- Bake the Cake :
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center is still slightly jiggly.
- Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Serve :
- Sprinkle additional chopped pistachios over the top for garnish. Cut into squares and serve at room temperature.
Notes
For a gluten-free version, substitute the yellow cake mix with a gluten-free alternative.
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. Bring to room temperature before serving.
Freeze slices in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Adjust the amount of green food coloring to achieve your desired shade of green.
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. Bring to room temperature before serving.
Freeze slices in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Adjust the amount of green food coloring to achieve your desired shade of green.