Pistachio Cupcakes with Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cupcakes are a perfect balance of nutty and sweet, with a tender crumb thanks to the combination of flour, ground pistachios, and sour cream. The vanilla buttercream frosting is silky and not too sweet, complementing the pistachio flavor beautifully. This recipe is straightforward yet yields bakery-quality results that will impress friends and family.

Ingredients

Cupcakes:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup ground pistachios
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup milk
1/4 cup sour cream

Vanilla Buttercream Frosting:
1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
4 cups powdered sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp heavy cream
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, ground pistachios, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
5. Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
6. Fold in the sour cream gently.
7. Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
8. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool completely before frosting.
9. For the frosting, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition.
10. Stir in vanilla extract and heavy cream. Beat until light and fluffy, adding more cream if needed to reach desired consistency.
11. Pipe or spread the frosting over the cooled cupcakes. Garnish with chopped pistachios if desired.

Servings and Timing

Makes 12 cupcakes.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 18-22 minutes
Cooling and frosting time: 20 minutes
Total time: Approximately 1 hour

Variations

• Add a teaspoon of almond extract for a complementary nutty flavor.
• Fold chopped pistachios into the frosting for added texture.
• Use cream cheese frosting instead of buttercream for a tangy twist.
• Tint the frosting pale green with food coloring to enhance the pistachio theme.
• Top with edible flowers or crushed pistachios for a decorative touch.

Storage/Reheating

Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for best flavor. These cupcakes do not require reheating.

FAQs

Can I use pre-ground pistachios?

Yes, just make sure they are finely ground to blend well into the batter.

Are these cupcakes gluten-free?

No, this recipe uses all-purpose flour, but you can substitute with gluten-free flour blends.

Can I make the frosting ahead of time?

Yes, prepare frosting up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate. Rebeat before using.

What if I don’t have sour cream?

Greek yogurt is a good substitute in equal amounts.

Can I freeze the cupcakes?

Yes, freeze unfrosted cupcakes in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw before frosting.

How do I prevent frosting from melting?

Keep cupcakes refrigerated until serving, especially in warm climates.

Can I use salted butter?

Yes, but reduce or omit additional salt in the recipe.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Use dairy-free butter, milk alternatives, and sour cream substitutes.

How do I get smooth frosting?

Beat the butter until very creamy before gradually adding powdered sugar.

Can I add food coloring to the frosting?

Yes, gel food coloring works best without altering texture.

Conclusion

Pistachio Cupcakes with Vanilla Buttercream Frosting combine a tender, nutty cake with a luscious, creamy topping for a delightful treat. Easy to make yet impressive in flavor and appearance, they’re perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion. This recipe’s balanced flavors and textures will make them a favorite in your baking repertoire.

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