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Luscious Pistachio Cupcakes with Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

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  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 cupcakes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Soft, nutty pistachio cupcakes topped with creamy vanilla buttercream, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and nuttiness. These delightful treats are ideal for any celebration or a cozy afternoon dessert.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup milk
  • ½ cup finely ground pistachios
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Few drops green food coloring (optional)
  • 1 cup unsalted butter (for frosting)
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • 23 tablespoons milk or cream
  • Crushed pistachios, for garnish


Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners.
  2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
  3. In a separate bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well.
  4. Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture until smooth. Fold in ground pistachios and food coloring if desired.
  5. Divide the batter evenly into cupcake liners, filling two-thirds full.
  6. Bake for 18–20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely.
  7. For the frosting, beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then mix in vanilla and milk until fluffy.
  8. Pipe frosting onto cooled cupcakes and garnish with crushed pistachios.

Notes

  • Use room-temperature ingredients for best texture.
  • Lightly toast pistachios before grinding for a deeper flavor.
  • Store cupcakes in an airtight container to keep them moist.
  • Can be made a day ahead and frosted before serving.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cupcake
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 32g
  • Sodium: 120mg
  • Fat: 17g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 55mg