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
- 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.

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
12
15
minutes20
minutes250
kcalSoft 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.