Dreamy Pistachio Cupcakes with Vanilla Buttercream Frosting Recipe

Cupcakes that sparkle with nutty pistachio flavors have a special place in every dessert lover’s heart.

These delightful pistachio cupcakes with vanilla buttercream frosting bring a touch of elegance to any gathering.

Soft, moist, and packed with rich pistachio essence, each bite promises pure bliss.

The delicate vanilla buttercream adds a creamy sweetness that perfectly complements the nutty undertones.

Light, fluffy, and utterly irresistible, these cupcakes transform an ordinary moment into something extraordinary.

You’ll fall in love with the delicate balance of flavors and textures.

Bake these heavenly treats and watch them disappear in seconds.

Why Pistachio Cupcakes Are a Dreamy Treat

• Craft Delectable Comfort: This pound cake delivers rich, buttery goodness that feels like a warm hug from grandma's kitchen, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings with minimal fuss.
• Master Baking Like a Pro: Even novice bakers can nail this recipe with straightforward steps and basic ingredients, transforming simple components into a stunning dessert that looks professionally made.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Whether served at family gatherings, potlucks, or casual weekend treats, this pound cake adapts beautifully – enjoy it plain, dusted with sugar, or dressed up with berries and cream for instant elegance.
• Simple Ingredient Magic: Using common pantry staples like butter, sugar, eggs, and flour, this recipe proves you can create something extraordinary without hunting for complicated or expensive ingredients.

What Goes Into Pistachio Cupcake Batter

• All-Purpose Flour: A staple ingredient that provides structure to the cupcakes.
• Ground Pistachios: Adds nutty flavor and unique texture to the cupcake batter.
• Butter: Ensures a rich and moist cake with a tender crumb.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cupcakes and helps create a soft texture.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add moisture to the cake.

• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Help the cupcakes rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cupcakes.

• Milk, Sour Cream: Provide moisture and create a tender cake texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a classic sweet and aromatic flavor to the cupcakes.
• Green Food Coloring: Optional ingredient to give a subtle green hue to the cupcakes.

• Butter: Creates a creamy and smooth base for the buttercream.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a classic flavor to the buttercream.
• Heavy Cream: Helps achieve a light and fluffy frosting consistency.

• Chopped Pistachios: Provides a crunchy topping and decorative element for the cupcakes.

How to Make Pistachio Cupcakes at Home

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to 350F (175C) and line a muffin tin with colorful cupcake liners. This prepares the perfect stage for your delicious treats.

Step 2: Create the Dry Mixture

• All-purpose flour
• Finely ground pistachios
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

Blend these ingredients until they become a uniform, fragrant powder.

Step 3: Whip Up the Butter Base

In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.

This process creates a smooth, airy foundation for your cupcakes. Gently add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.

Stir in vanilla extract for an extra layer of flavor.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Alternate adding the dry mixture and milk with sour cream to the butter mixture.

Start and end with the dry ingredients to ensure a perfect texture. If you want a subtle green hue, add a few drops of green food coloring.

Step 5: Fill and Prepare for Baking

Carefully distribute the batter into cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full. This allows room for the cupcakes to rise beautifully during baking.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean.

Let the cupcakes rest in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Whip Up the Vanilla Frosting

Beat butter until it becomes creamy and smooth.

Gradually incorporate powdered sugar, mixing until well combined. Add vanilla extract and heavy cream, then beat until the frosting becomes light and fluffy.

Step 8: Decorate and Serve

Once the cupcakes have cooled entirely, generously spread the vanilla buttercream frosting on top. Sprinkle finely chopped pistachios over the frosting for a delightful crunch and extra nutty flavor.

Optional green food coloring can add a playful touch to your frosting.

Handy Hints for Pistachio Cupcake Frosting

• Add a few drops of green food coloring to create a stunning pistachio-inspired hue for your cupcakes.
• Avoid overmixing the batter to maintain a moist and tender texture.
• Use an ice cream scoop for uniform cupcake sizes and consistent baking.
• Toast ground pistachios briefly before adding to the batter to enhance their rich, nutty taste.
• Use a piping bag with a star tip for professional-looking and elegant cupcake decorations.

Creative Cupcake Twists for Pistachio Fans

• Almond Adventure: Replace pistachios with ground almonds for a nutty alternative, keeping the same moist cupcake texture and creamy vanilla frosting.
• Gluten-Free Garden: Swap wheat flour with gluten-free flour blend and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Velvet: Use coconut oil instead of butter, replace eggs with flax eggs, and substitute dairy milk with almond milk for a plant-based cupcake experience.
• Matcha Magic: Incorporate matcha powder into the batter for a green tea flavor profile, complementing the original pistachio base while adding a unique earthy note.

Sips and Snacks to Pair With Cupcakes

• Pair Sweet Moscato Wine: Complement the nutty pistachio flavor with a light, sweet Moscato d'Asti that brings out the dessert's delicate sweetness and enhances the creamy buttercream texture.
• Serve Cardamom Tea: Brew a warm, aromatic cardamom tea that echoes the Middle Eastern pistachio notes and provides a subtle spice counterpoint to the cupcake's richness.
• Match Green Pistachio Milkshake: Create a playful green pistachio milkshake that mirrors the cupcake's color and intensifies the nutty flavor profile, offering a cool, creamy companion.
• Enjoy Cold Vanilla Latte: Craft a chilled vanilla latte that harmonizes with the vanilla buttercream and adds a smooth, caffeinated dimension to the dessert experience.

Storing Pistachio Cupcakes For Freshness

• Store frosted cupcakes in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent frosting from sticking.
• Wrap individual unfrosted cupcakes tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before frosting.
• Keep unfrosted cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. Ensure they are completely cooled before storing to prevent moisture buildup.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients that make these cupcakes unique?

Ground pistachios are the star ingredient, giving these cupcakes a distinctive nutty flavor and a beautiful green hue. The combination of pistachios in both the batter and as a garnish creates a rich, memorable taste experience.

• Can I make these cupcakes if I have nut allergies?

Unfortunately, these cupcakes contain pistachios, which would not be suitable for someone with nut allergies. For those with nut restrictions, you’ll need to modify the recipe or choose a different cupcake recipe entirely.

• Do I need any special equipment to make these cupcakes?

You’ll need a standard muffin tin, cupcake liners, an electric mixer, and basic baking tools like mixing bowls and measuring cups. A wire cooling rack is helpful but not absolutely essential.

Luscious Pistachio Cupcakes With Vanilla Buttercream Frosting Recipe

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4.5 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Delightful Pistachio Cupcakes meld nutty richness with creamy vanilla buttercream for an irresistible dessert. Sweet pistachios and silky frosting promise a delectable experience you’ll savor with pure culinary joy.

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Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups (190 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (60 grams) shelled pistachios, finely ground
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) whole milk
• 1/4 cup (60 grams) sour cream

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Instructions

1. Calibrate the oven to 350F (175C) and arrange cupcake liners in a muffin tin.
2. Pulverize flour, ground pistachios, leavening agents, and salt in a mixing vessel.
3. Whip butter and granulated sweetener until airy and voluminous in a separate large bowl.
4. Incorporate eggs individually, ensuring thorough blending after each addition. Infuse with vanilla essence.
5. Gently fold dry mixture into wet ingredients, alternating with milk and sour cream. Optional: introduce verdant food coloring for visual appeal.
6. Distribute batter evenly across liners, filling approximately two-thirds of each cavity.
7. Roast in preheated oven for 18-20 minutes until a testing skewer emerges pristine.
8. Rest cupcakes in tin for 5 minutes, then transition to cooling rack for complete temperature reduction.
9. Whisk butter until smooth and creamy in a clean mixing bowl.
10. Gradually integrate powdered sugar, creating a uniform consistency.
11. Enhance with vanilla extract and heavy cream, transforming into a light, pillowy frosting.
12. Once cupcakes reach ambient temperature, lavish with buttercream.
13. Embellish with finely chopped pistachio fragments for textural contrast and elegant presentation.

Notes

• Grind pistachios finely to ensure smooth, even texture throughout the cupcake batter.
• Use room temperature ingredients like eggs, butter, and milk to create a more uniform and lighter cake texture.
• Replace sour cream with Greek yogurt for a healthier alternative without compromising moisture.
• Adjust food coloring sparingly to maintain natural pistachio color and avoid artificial appearance.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 251 kcal
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 145 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg