Pistachio Cupcakes with Vanilla Buttercream Frosting – Nutty, Soft, and Sweet

Pistachio Cupcakes with Vanilla Buttercream Frosting are light, fluffy, and packed with nutty flavor. Topped with a silky vanilla buttercream, these cupcakes make a perfect treat for birthdays, celebrations, or simply an indulgent snack. The subtle pistachio flavor paired with creamy frosting creates a delicate, irresistible dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Nutty & Flavorful – Pistachios give a unique, rich taste to the cupcakes.
Soft & Fluffy – Light, moist cupcakes that melt in your mouth.
Sweet & Creamy Frosting – Vanilla buttercream adds a smooth, indulgent finish.
Easy to Make – Quick preparation with simple ingredients.

Ingredients

For the Cupcakes:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup milk
  • ½ cup finely ground pistachios
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1½ tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp salt

For the Vanilla Buttercream Frosting:

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1½ cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2–3 tbsp milk

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan
    Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
  2. Make the Cupcake Batter
    In a bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
  3. Combine Dry Ingredients
    In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, salt, and ground pistachios. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk, mixing until smooth.
  4. Bake
    Divide batter evenly among the cupcake liners. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow cupcakes to cool completely.
  5. Prepare the Frosting
    Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk, mixing until smooth and spreadable.
  6. Frost & Serve
    Pipe or spread the buttercream over cooled cupcakes. Garnish with chopped pistachios if desired.

Nutritional Information

Calories: ~250
Protein: 4g
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Sugar: 20g
Fiber: 1g

Tips for Success

  • Use Fresh Pistachios – Toast lightly for extra flavor if desired.
  • Cool Completely – Frosting melts if cupcakes are warm.
  • Adjust Frosting Consistency – Add more milk for softer frosting or more powdered sugar for stiffer peaks.

Why This Recipe Works

The ground pistachios provide a delicate nutty flavor that complements the sweet, creamy vanilla buttercream. Light, fluffy cupcakes with rich frosting create a balanced dessert that’s visually appealing and full of flavor.

Pistachio Cupcakes with Vanilla Buttercream Frosting are a simple yet elegant dessert that combines nutty, sweet, and creamy flavors in every bite. Perfect for parties or a special treat, they’re sure to impress friends and family.

Pistachio Cupcakes with Vanilla Buttercream Frosting – Nutty, Soft, and Sweet

Servings

12

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

20

minutes
Calories

250

kcal

Soft and fluffy pistachio cupcakes topped with creamy vanilla buttercream frosting — a nutty, sweet, and elegant dessert perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

  • For the Cupcakes:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour

  • ¾ cup granulated sugar

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

  • 2 large eggs

  • ½ cup milk

  • ½ cup finely ground pistachios

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • 1½ tsp baking powder

  • ¼ tsp salt

  • For the Vanilla Buttercream Frosting:

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

  • 1½ cups powdered sugar

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • 2–3 tbsp milk

Instructions

  • Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan
    Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
  • Make the Cupcake Batter
    In a bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
  • Combine Dry Ingredients
    In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, salt, and ground pistachios. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk, mixing until smooth.
  • Bake
    Divide batter evenly among the cupcake liners. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow cupcakes to cool completely.
  • Prepare the Frosting
    Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk, mixing until smooth and spreadable.
  • Frost & Serve
    Pipe or spread the buttercream over cooled cupcakes. Garnish with chopped pistachios if desired.

Notes

  • Use Fresh Pistachios – Toast lightly for extra flavor if desired.
    Cool Completely – Frosting melts if cupcakes are warm.
    Adjust Frosting Consistency – Add more milk for softer frosting or more powdered sugar for stiffer peaks.

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