Pistachio Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

Introduction

Pistachio Gooey Butter Cake is a rich, buttery dessert with a delightfully creamy and nutty filling. Perfect for gatherings or a special treat, this cake combines a tender crust with a luscious pistachio cream cheese topping.

A close-up side view of a single slice of cake resting on parchment paper over a white marbled surface, showing three layers: a golden-brown crumbly outer crust with a textured, slightly rough surface, a creamy light yellow middle layer with a smooth texture and small chunks, and a thin, dense bottom crust with a compact crumb. The top of the cake slice is dusted lightly with powdered sugar, adding a soft white contrast to the warm colors of the cake, with crumbs scattered around the slice. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup unsalted pistachios, finely chopped

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by spraying it with nonstick spray.
  2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, mix the softened butter and sugar until smooth. Add one egg and blend well. Then, stir in the flour and baking powder until combined. Spread this mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
  3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar together until creamy. Add the remaining two eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Fold in the finely chopped pistachios.
  4. Step 4: Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust in the baking dish. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes until the top is golden brown but the center remains gooey.
  5. Step 5: Let the cake cool slightly before cutting into squares. Serve warm, optionally with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Tips & Variations

  • Swap out pistachios for chopped almonds or walnuts for a different nutty flavor.
  • For extra crunch, toast the pistachios lightly before folding them into the filling.
  • If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the sugar in the cream cheese filling by ¼ cup.

Storage

Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slices gently in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds to restore the gooey texture before serving.

How to Serve

A round tart with two layers of golden-brown crumbly cake shows a thick layer of creamy white filling in the middle; the top of the tart is dusted with powdered sugar and sprinkled with chopped nuts, giving a slightly rough texture; the tart rests on white parchment paper on a white marbled surface; a triangular slice is missing from the tart, exposing the layers clearly; the crust edges are crisp and darker brown, adding crisp detail. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use salted pistachios instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce or omit adding any extra salt in the recipe to avoid an overly salty taste.

What if I don’t have a 9×13-inch pan?

You can use a slightly smaller or larger baking dish, adjusting the baking time as needed. Keep an eye on the cake for doneness and gooey center.

Print

Pistachio Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

This Pistachio Gooey Butter Cake is a rich, decadent dessert featuring a buttery crust topped with a creamy, sweet pistachio-infused filling. The cake is baked until golden on top yet delightfully gooey in the center, making it an irresistible treat perfect for any occasion.

  • Author: Felix
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Crust

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder

Filling

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (for filling)
  • 1 cup unsalted pistachios, finely chopped

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray to ensure easy removal of the cake.
  2. Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter and 2 cups sugar until smooth and fluffy. Add one large egg and mix thoroughly. Then stir in the all-purpose flour and baking powder until just combined. Spread this mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish to form the base layer.
  3. Prepare the Filling: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 1 cup sugar until creamy and smooth. Add two large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Gently fold in the finely chopped pistachios to incorporate them evenly throughout the filling.
  4. Assemble and Bake: Pour the pistachio cream cheese filling over the prepared crust in the baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Place in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes until the top is golden brown but the center remains slightly gooey.
  5. Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool slightly at room temperature before slicing into squares. Serve warm, optionally topped with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent touch.

Notes

  • Ensure butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature for easier mixing and smoother batter.
  • Do not overbake to maintain the gooey texture in the center.
  • For a nut-free version, omit pistachios or substitute with another nut like almonds if preferred.
  • Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Keywords: pistachio cake, gooey butter cake, cream cheese dessert, nutty dessert, easy baked cake

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