Pistachio Cupcakes with Creamy Buttercream (Printable)

Fluffy cupcakes infused with real pistachios, crowned with creamy pistachio buttercream frosting. A sophisticated nutty dessert.

# What You Need:

→ Cupcakes

01 - 4.2 oz shelled unsalted pistachios
02 - 1.3 cups all-purpose flour
03 - 1 ½ tsp baking powder
04 - ¼ tsp salt
05 - 3.9 oz unsalted butter, softened
06 - ¾ cup 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 - 8 oz unsalted butter, softened
12 - 2 cups powdered sugar
13 - 2-3 tbsp milk
14 - 1 tsp vanilla extract
15 - Pinch of salt

# How To Make:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
02 - In a food processor, finely grind 4.2 oz pistachios for the cupcakes. Reserve 1-2 tbsp for garnish.
03 - Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Stir in the ground pistachios.
04 - Beat butter and sugar in a large bowl 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 dry ingredients in two batches, alternating with milk, starting and ending with flour mixture.
07 - Divide batter evenly among cupcake liners.
08 - Bake 18-20 minutes until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool completely.
09 - Finely grind 3.5 oz pistachios in food processor, leaving slightly coarse for texture preference.
10 - Beat butter until smooth and creamy. Add powdered sugar gradually, beating until combined.
11 - Mix in ground pistachios, vanilla, pinch of salt, and 2 tbsp milk. Beat until fluffy, adding extra milk for desired consistency.
12 - Pipe or spread buttercream onto cooled cupcakes. Sprinkle with reserved ground pistachios.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • The nutty fragrance fills your kitchen and makes everything feel instantly fancy
  • These cupcakes strike that perfect balance between elegant and comforting
02 -
  • Overgrinding pistachios turns them into paste, so pulse in short bursts and check frequently
  • Room temperature ingredients prevent the batter from curdling and ensure even baking
03 -
  • Toast your pistachios lightly before grinding for an even more intense nutty flavor
  • Add a tiny pinch of green food gel to the buttercream if you want a more vibrant green color

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