Fluffy Pistachio Cupcakes with Creamy Buttercream (Printable)
Fluffy pistachio-infused cupcakes with creamy buttercream frosting. Elegant nutty dessert perfect for any occasion.
# What You'll Need:
→ Cupcakes
01 - 4.25 oz shelled unsalted pistachios
02 - 5.6 oz all-purpose flour
03 - 1½ tsp baking powder
04 - ¼ tsp salt
05 - 3.9 oz unsalted butter softened
06 - 5.3 oz granulated sugar
07 - 2 large eggs
08 - ½ cup whole milk
09 - 1 tsp vanilla extract
→ Pistachio Buttercream
10 - 3.5 oz shelled unsalted pistachios
11 - 7.9 oz unsalted butter softened
12 - 8.8 oz powdered sugar
13 - 2-3 tbsp milk
14 - 1 tsp vanilla extract
15 - Pinch of salt
# How-To Steps:
01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
02 - In a food processor, finely grind 4.25 oz pistachios for the cupcakes. Reserve 1-2 tbsp for garnish.
03 - In a bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the ground pistachios.
04 - In a separate large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, approximately 3 minutes.
05 - Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract.
06 - Add the dry ingredients in two batches, alternating with milk, starting and ending with flour mixture.
07 - Divide the batter evenly among cupcake liners.
08 - Bake 18-20 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely.
09 - For the pistachio buttercream, grind 3.5 oz pistachios finely. Beat the butter until smooth and creamy.
10 - Add powdered sugar gradually, beating until combined. Mix in ground pistachios, vanilla, a pinch of salt, and 2 tbsp milk.
11 - Beat until fluffy, adding extra milk for desired consistency. Pipe or spread the buttercream onto cooled cupcakes. Sprinkle with reserved ground pistachios.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The buttercream has an incredible nutty depth you cannot get from extracts alone
- These cupcakes stay moist for days, making them perfect for sharing
02 -
- Overgrinding pistachios releases too much oil and creates a paste instead of fine crumbs
- Room temperature ingredients are nonnegotiable for achieving that perfect crumb texture
03 -
- Toast your pistachios lightly before grinding for an even more pronounced nutty flavor
- A drop of almond extract in the frosting amplifies the pistachio flavor beautifully