Pistachio Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe
What drew me to Pistachio Ooey Gooey Butter Cake was how little it asked in return. No unnecessary steps, no overcomplication.
Each element has a purpose, and nothing feels out of place once everything comes together. That clarity carries through from the first step to the final result.
Craving something sweet to finish your meal? Discover our dessert recipes made for cozy nights, celebrations, and everything in between.
What is Pistachio Ooey Gooey Butter Cake?
Pistachio Ooey Gooey Butter Cake is a delightful twist on the traditional ooey gooey butter cake, a beloved American classic that originated in St. Louis, Missouri. This decadent dessert features a rich, buttery base topped with a creamy filling that is both sweet and slightly nutty, thanks to the addition of chopped pistachios.
Why You’ll Love This Pistachio Ooey Gooey Butter Cake
- Rich, gooey texture that melts in your mouth
- Unique pistachio flavor that stands out
- Easy to make with simple ingredients
- Perfect for family gatherings and celebrations
Who It’s For
This cake is ideal for busy families looking for a quick yet impressive dessert, dessert lovers who crave something unique, and home bakers eager to try a new recipe that combines simplicity with flavor. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced baker, this Pistachio Ooey Gooey Butter Cake is sure to delight.
When to Cook It
Consider making this cake for special occasions like holiday gatherings, birthdays, potlucks, or even cozy family dinners. Its vibrant color and rich flavor make it a perfect centerpiece for any dessert table, ensuring it will be a hit with friends and family alike.
How to Make the Perfect Pistachio Ooey Gooey Butter Cake
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup chopped pistachios
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). The warmth will create the perfect environment for your cake to rise beautifully.
- Mix the base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and 1 egg. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended, creating a thick batter that smells heavenly.
- Prepare the baking dish: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Press the cake mixture evenly into the bottom, forming a solid layer that will support the creamy filling.
- Make the cream cheese filling: In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s creamy and smooth. Add in the 2 eggs, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined, creating a luscious filling that’s sweet and rich.
- Add the pistachios: Gently fold in the chopped pistachios into the cream cheese mixture. The green bits will add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to your cake.
- Combine layers: Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cake layer in the baking dish, spreading it out evenly. The contrast of colors will be visually appealing!
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. The edges should be set, while the center remains slightly gooey, creating that signature ooey gooey texture.
- Cool and serve: Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the dish for a bit before cutting into squares. Enjoy the rich, gooey goodness that awaits!
For People with Diabetes: Sugar Substitutes
If you’re looking to make this Pistachio Ooey Gooey Butter Cake more diabetes-friendly, consider using sugar substitutes like:
- Stevia: A natural sweetener that has no calories and is much sweeter than sugar, so use it sparingly.
- Monk Fruit: Another natural option that provides sweetness without calories and has a pleasant taste.
- Allulose: A low-calorie sugar that behaves like sugar in baking, making it a great alternative.
Avoid using honey or maple syrup, as they can spike blood sugar levels more than other substitutes. These alternatives can help you enjoy this delicious cake while keeping your health in check.
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls: A set of various sizes will help you mix your ingredients efficiently.
- Electric mixer: This will make beating the cream cheese and mixing the batter a breeze.
- 9×13 inch baking dish: Essential for baking your Pistachio Ooey Gooey Butter Cake to perfection.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key to achieving the right texture and flavor.
- Spatula: Use this for folding in the pistachios and spreading the cream cheese mixture evenly.
Top Tips from Well-Known Chefs
To elevate your Pistachio Ooey Gooey Butter Cake, consider these chef-approved tips that can make a significant difference in flavor and texture:
- Use room temperature ingredients: Allow your cream cheese and eggs to come to room temperature before mixing. This helps achieve a smoother batter and a creamier filling.
- Add a pinch of salt: Incorporating a small pinch of salt into your batter can enhance the overall flavor, balancing the sweetness and bringing out the nuttiness of the pistachios.
- Don’t overmix: When combining your ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a denser cake, which we want to avoid for that gooey texture.
- Chill the cream cheese: If your cream cheese is too soft, chill it slightly before mixing. This can help it hold its shape better in the filling.
- Experiment with toppings: Consider adding a sprinkle of crushed pistachios or a drizzle of chocolate sauce on top before serving for an extra touch of elegance.
These simple yet effective tips can help you create a Pistachio Ooey Gooey Butter Cake that’s not only delicious but also visually stunning!
Storing and Reheating Tips
To keep your Pistachio Ooey Gooey Butter Cake fresh and delicious, follow these simple storage and reheating tips:
- Refrigerator Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This will help maintain its gooey texture and rich flavor.
- Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the cake for up to 2 months. Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container to prevent freezer burn.
- Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy your cake again, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cake in the oven for 10-15 minutes. This will help restore its gooey center and warm it up perfectly.
By following these tips, you can savor the delightful flavors of your Pistachio Ooey Gooey Butter Cake even days after baking!
FAQs
- Can I use a different nut instead of pistachios? Yes, almonds or walnuts work well as substitutes, providing a similar texture and flavor profile.
- Is this cake suitable for vegetarians? Yes, it is vegetarian-friendly, as it contains no meat or animal-derived ingredients beyond dairy.
- How can I make this cake gluten-free? You can make this cake gluten-free by using a gluten-free cake mix. Just ensure that all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
Conclusion
This Pistachio Ooey Gooey Butter Cake is a delightful treat that combines rich flavors and a gooey texture, making it perfect for any occasion. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this cake as much as I do! I’d love to hear your thoughts or any variations you try—feel free to comment below and share your experiences!
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Print
Pistachio Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A deliciously rich and gooey dessert featuring the unique flavor of pistachios.
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup chopped pistachios
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, melted butter, and 1 egg. Mix until well combined.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In another bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add in the eggs, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
- Fold in the chopped pistachios into the cream cheese mixture.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cake layer in the baking dish.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly gooey.
- Allow to cool before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- For a stronger pistachio flavor, consider adding pistachio extract.
- Serve with whipped cream or ice cream for added richness.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
