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Luscious Pistachio Cupcakes with Vanilla Buttercream Frosting
Alyssa

Luscious Pistachio Cupcakes with Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

Enjoy luscious pistachio cupcakes topped with creamy vanilla buttercream frosting, perfect for any celebration or sweet craving.
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Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 cups all-purpose flour: This serves as the cupcake base contributing to the structure and texture.
  • 0.5 cups ground pistachios: These not only add a unique flavor but also contribute moisture and richness.
  • 1.5 teaspoons baking powder: This leavening agent helps the cupcakes rise creating a light, fluffy texture.
  • 0.25 teaspoons salt: Essential for balancing sweetness and enhancing overall flavor.
  • 0.5 cups softened butter: Adds richness and helps create a moist crumb structure.
  • 0.75 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the cupcakes and aids in creating a tender texture.
  • 2 large eggs: These bind the ingredients together and add moisture.
  • 0.5 cups milk: Contributes to a tender crumb and balances the dry ingredients.
  • 0.5 teaspoons vanilla extract: For a warm sweet flavor that complements the nuts.
  • a dash of almond extract optional: Adds depth to the nutty profile of the cupcakes.
For the frosting:
  • 1 cup softened butter: The foundation of the frosting giving it a creamy texture.
  • 3 cups powdered sugar: Provides sweetness and a stiff consistency to the frosting.
  • 2 tablespoons milk: Helps achieve the perfect frosting consistency.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds flavor to the frosting.
  • green food coloring optional: For an extra pop of color.
  • chopped roasted pistachios for garnish: Not only do they add a beautiful crunch but they also enhance the presentation.

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tray with cupcake liners. This ensures your cupcakes won’t stick and makes for easy cleanup.
  2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: Combine 1.5 cups of all-purpose flour, 1.5 teaspoons baking powder, 0.25 teaspoons salt, and 0.5 cups ground pistachios until well blended. This step helps to evenly distribute the baking powder and salt.
  3. In a separate bowl, beat together 0.5 cups softened butter and 0.75 cups granulated sugar using a hand mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes. This incorporates air for a soft texture.
  4. Add in 2 large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then add 0.5 teaspoons vanilla extract and a dash of almond extract, if using. This will enhance the flavor of your batter.
  5. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients, alternating with 0.5 cups of milk. Start and finish with the dry ingredients, mixing just until incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as it can lead to dense cupcakes.
  6. Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared muffin tray, filling each liner about two-thirds full. This allows space for the cupcakes to rise without overflowing.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The tops should be slightly golden brown, indicating they are fully cooked.
  8. Once baked, remove from the oven and allow the cupcakes to cool in the tray for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  9. While your cupcakes are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat 1 cup of softened butter until creamy. Gradually add 3 cups of powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of milk, along with 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and fluffy.
  10. If you want colored frosting, add a few drops of green food coloring and mix until you've reached your desired shade.
  11. Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost them generously with your prepared vanilla buttercream. Finish each cupcake with a sprinkle of chopped roasted pistachios for an added crunch and decorative flair.