Name: Pistachio Cream Gooey Butter Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box Yellow Cake Mix; 1/2 cup Salted Butter, melted; 1 large Egg; 8 oz Cream Cheese, room temperature; 3 cups Powdered Sugar; 1/2 cup Salted Butter, melted; 2 large Eggs; 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract; 3/4 cup Pistachio Cream; 1/2 teaspoon Flaky Salt, for sprinkling

If you have a sweet tooth that craves something both rich and irresistibly soft, this Pistachio Cream Gooey Butter Cake Recipe is going to steal your heart. Imagine a golden yellow cake base layered with a luscious cream cheese filling, then topped with swirls of nutty, fragrant pistachio cream. Every bite melts in your mouth with a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and nutty flavors, making it a standout treat for any occasion or just a cozy afternoon indulgence. This Pistachio Cream Gooey Butter Cake Recipe elevates a classic dessert into something uniquely vibrant and delightfully gooey that you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

In a clear glass bowl, there is a thick, pale yellow cream with a smooth and airy texture. The cream has soft swirls and peaks made by the two silver beaters that are partly inside the bowl. The beaters are covered in the same creamy mixture. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, and the lighting highlights the creamy and fluffy details of the mixture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward, yet each one plays an essential role in building the cake’s signature flavor and texture. From the buttery cake base to the creamy, smooth filling and that signature pistachio swirl, every component works harmoniously to create this show-stopper.

Yellow Cake Mix: Provides the perfect light, fluffy base for the cake that contrasts beautifully with the creamy topping.
Salted Butter: Used twice, this adds richness, moisture, and a subtle salty dimension that enhances the other flavors.
Large Eggs: These bind the ingredients together and help create the gooey, soft texture you love.
Cream Cheese: The star of the creamy layer, it brings tanginess and creaminess that make this cake incredibly luscious.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese filling while ensuring a smooth, silky finish.
Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth to the cream cheese filling, making every bite more flavorful.
Pistachio Cream: A beautifully nutty, aromatic swirl that gives this cake its distinctive flair and gorgeous color.
Flaky Salt: Sprinkled on top at the end, this elevates the sweetness with little bursts of salty crunch.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Pistachio Cream Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Cake Base

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once warmed up, combine the yellow cake mix, ½ cup melted salted butter, and a large egg in a large bowl. Use a hand mixer to blend everything for about 2 minutes until everything is smooth and well combined. Then press this mixture evenly into the bottom of a parchment paper-lined 9×13-inch baking dish — this forms the sturdy yet tender base for your gooey filling.

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

Next, take that same bowl (no need to wash it thoroughly!) and add the cream cheese, 2 eggs, vanilla extract, and another ½ cup of melted butter. Whip them together with your mixer until the mixture becomes luxuriously smooth. Slowly add the powdered sugar, a cup at a time, continuing to beat until your filling is creamy and spreadable with a heavenly texture.

Step 3: Assemble and Add Pistachio Swirls

Pour the cream cheese filling over the cake base in your baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Now comes the fun part — drop spoonfuls of pistachio cream over the top. Use a knife to gently swirl the pistachio cream into the filling, creating a marbled, natural pattern that looks as delightful as it tastes. Just make sure to keep the swirls on the surface layer so they bake into a pretty design.

Step 4: Bake to Gooey Perfection

Slide your dish into the oven and bake for about 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll want the edges to be set and golden brown, but the center should still jiggle slightly when you shake the pan — this is key to achieving that signature gooey texture. Once out of the oven, let the cake cool completely and allow it to stiffen up a bit before slicing into squares.

Step 5: Final Touches and Serving

Right before serving, sprinkle flaky salt over the top to add an irresistible contrast that enhances the cake’s flavors. This finishing touch takes this Pistachio Cream Gooey Butter Cake Recipe to the next level, making every bite wonderfully complex and crave-worthy.

How to Serve Pistachio Cream Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkling flaky salt right before serving not only complements the sweetness but also creates a sophisticated salty crunch. If you want to add an extra touch, consider a light dusting of powdered sugar or scattering chopped pistachios on top for a bit of texture and an eye-catching finish.

Side Dishes

This cake is rich and decadent enough to shine on its own, but dark roast coffee or a cup of soothing herbal tea pairs beautifully by balancing the sweetness. For an elevated dessert spread, add fresh berries or a dollop of lightly whipped cream to add freshness that cuts through the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your slices on a pretty platter with edible flowers for a fancy touch at gatherings. You could also cut the cake into smaller bite-sized squares for parties, layering them on tiered stands or wrapping them individually for gift boxes. The pistachio swirls make every serving look like a stunning work of art.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover Pistachio Cream Gooey Butter Cake Recipe covered tightly with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay deliciously fresh for about 4 to 5 days thanks to the cream cheese base holding moisture beautifully.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, this cake freezes wonderfully. Cut it into squares, wrap each piece well with plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 3 months, letting you enjoy your favorite gooey treat whenever you want.

Reheating

To enjoy the cake fresh-tasting after refrigeration or freezing, simply let it come to room temperature or warm individual squares for about 15-20 seconds in the microwave. This softens the cake and brings back the gooey texture that makes the Pistachio Cream Gooey Butter Cake Recipe so special.

FAQs

Can I use homemade cake mix for this recipe?

Definitely! While a box mix adds convenience and consistency, a homemade yellow cake base will work beautifully and can add a personal touch to your Pistachio Cream Gooey Butter Cake Recipe.

What is pistachio cream, and where can I find it?

Pistachio cream is a smooth, nutty spread made from ground pistachios, sometimes blended with sugar and oils. You can find it in specialty food stores, or online, and it’s easy to swap for pistachio paste or even finely ground pistachios mixed with a bit of honey.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes! Use a gluten-free yellow cake mix as your base, and ensure that your pistachio cream and other ingredients are gluten-free to keep your Pistachio Cream Gooey Butter Cake Recipe safe for those avoiding gluten.

Why is my cake not gooey in the center?

If the cake fully sets in the middle, it probably baked a little too long. Keep an eye on it starting at 30 minutes and remove it when the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly — that’s the key to perfect gooeyness.

Can I substitute cream cheese with another ingredient?

While cream cheese is key for that creamy, tangy filling, you might experiment with mascarpone or ricotta for different textures, but they may alter the classic gooey texture and tangy flavor that make this Pistachio Cream Gooey Butter Cake Recipe so beloved.

Final Thoughts

Making this Pistachio Cream Gooey Butter Cake Recipe is like treating yourself to a hug in dessert form — it’s rich, buttery, and wildly addictive. Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or simply a special moment alone, this cake promises to impress with its gooey texture and nutty pistachio charm. So grab those simple ingredients and start swirling your way to a sweet, unforgettable experience!

Pistachio Cream Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need