Pistachio Gooey Butter Cake Recipe
Introduction
Pistachio Gooey Butter Cake is a delightful dessert that combines a rich buttery crust with a creamy, nutty filling. Its gooey texture and subtle sweetness make it perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a special treat.

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
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, mix softened butter and sugar until smooth. Add one egg and mix well before incorporating flour and baking powder. Spread this mixture evenly in the prepared dish.
- Step 3: In another bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until creamy. Add two eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Fold in chopped pistachios.
- Step 4: Pour the filling over the crust and bake for 40-45 minutes until golden brown on top but still gooey in the center.
- Step 5: Allow to cool slightly before slicing into squares. Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crunch, toast the pistachios lightly before chopping and adding them to the filling.
- You can substitute the pistachios with chopped almonds or pecans for a different nutty flavor.
- Make sure the cream cheese and butter are fully softened to ensure a smooth batter and even baking.
Storage
Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual slices gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to enjoy the gooey texture warm again. This cake also freezes well for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce or omit any added salt in the recipe to avoid an overly salty flavor.
How do I know when the cake is done?
The top should be golden brown, while the center remains slightly soft and gooey. Avoid overbaking to maintain the characteristic texture.
PrintPistachio Gooey Butter Cake Recipe
Delight in the rich and decadent Pistachio Gooey Butter Cake, a luscious dessert featuring a buttery crust topped with a creamy, pistachio-studded filling that bakes to a golden and gooey perfection. Perfect served warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
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
- 1 cup unsalted pistachios, finely chopped
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray to ensure the cake doesn’t stick and bakes evenly.
- Make the crust: In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter and 2 cups granulated sugar until smooth and well combined. Add one large egg and mix thoroughly. Then, stir in the all-purpose flour and baking powder until just combined. Spread this batter evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish forming the crust.
- 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 to incorporate fully. Gently fold in the finely chopped pistachios, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the filling.
- Assemble and bake: Pour the pistachio cream cheese filling evenly over the prepared crust. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown, but the center remains gooey and soft.
- Cool and serve: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before slicing into squares. Serve warm for the best gooey texture, optionally topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
Notes
- Ensure butter and cream cheese are properly softened to make mixing easier and achieve a smooth batter.
- Use finely chopped pistachios to distribute flavor evenly without overwhelming the texture.
- Do not overbake; the center should remain gooey for the classic texture of this cake.
- The cake can be refrigerated and reheated gently before serving.
- For a nut-free alternative, omit pistachios or substitute with chocolate chips or dried fruit.
Keywords: Pistachio Gooey Butter Cake, pistachio dessert, cream cheese cake, gooey butter cake, easy baking recipe, nutty cake

