Pistachio Cupcakes with Vanilla Buttercream
Pistachio Cupcakes with Vanilla Buttercream offer a tender, moist cupcake with a unique nutty flavor from ground pistachios, topped with a smooth, creamy vanilla buttercream frosting. Perfect for celebrations or a homemade treat, these cupcakes balance rich nuttiness and classic sweetness beautifully.
- Author: Gloria
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Contains Nuts
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup ground pistachios
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Vanilla Buttercream Frosting
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
Optional Garnish
- Crushed pistachios for topping
- Prepare the Oven and Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground pistachios, and baking powder to distribute the leavening and nutty flavor evenly.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, which helps create tender cupcakes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract to create a smooth and cohesive batter filled with warm vanilla aroma.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Alternately add the dry ingredients and whole milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined to maintain a light texture.
- Bake the Cupcakes: Scoop the batter evenly into the prepared liners and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Make the Vanilla Buttercream: While the cupcakes cool, beat together the softened unsalted butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream until smooth and fluffy, perfect for spreading or piping.
- Frost and Decorate: Once cupcakes are completely cool, frost generously with the vanilla buttercream and top with crushed pistachios for added crunch and visual appeal.
Notes
- Use fresh, unsalted pistachios for the best flavor and to avoid bitterness.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep cupcakes fluffy rather than dense.
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for a smooth, tender crumb.
- Test for doneness using a toothpick without drying out the cupcakes.
- If your buttercream is too soft, chill it briefly to firm up before frosting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: pistachio cupcakes, vanilla buttercream, nutty cupcakes, homemade cupcakes, pistachio dessert