Springtime brings vibrant colors and fresh flavors, making it the perfect season for baking indulgent desserts. I recently whipped up a batch of pistachio cupcakes with strawberry frosting, inspired by Sally’s Baking Addiction. The pistachio cupcakes steal the spotlight with their perfectly balanced flavor and subtle crunch from ground pistachios in the batter. Paired with a luscious strawberry frosting made from fresh and freeze-dried strawberries, these cupcakes are a delightful treat that captures the essence of spring.
These pistachio cupcakes with strawberry frosting have become a favorite in my baking repertoire for their unique and irresistible taste. The combination of nutty pistachios and sweet strawberries creates a harmonious blend that’s sure to please any palate. Whether you’re hosting a spring brunch or celebrating a special occasion, Sally’s Baking Addiction’s recipe is a must-try for those looking to add a touch of springtime magic to their dessert table.
Ingredients
Creating these delightful pistachio cupcakes with strawberry frosting requires specific ingredients for both components. Below are the detailed lists for the pistachio cupcakes and the strawberry frosting:
For the Pistachio Cupcakes
- 1 cup shelled pistachios (roasted and salted)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup strawberries (freeze-dried)
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
- 4 cups confectioners sugar
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Salt to taste
These ingredients will come together to create a harmonious blend of nutty pistachios in the cupcakes and a burst of strawberry flavor in the frosting, making them a perfect duo for any springtime celebration.
Equipment Needed
For this pistachio cupcakes with strawberry frosting recipe, you will need the following equipment to ensure smooth preparation:
- Mixing Bowls: Use medium to large mixing bowls for combining the cupcake batter ingredients and whipping up the strawberry frosting.
- Electric Mixer: A hand or stand mixer will help you achieve a creamy consistency for the cupcake batter and fluffy texture for the frosting.
- Cupcake Pan: Prepare a cupcake pan with liners to bake the pistachio cupcakes.
- Spatula: A spatula will come in handy for folding in the pistachios and raspberry coulis into the cupcake batter.
- Piping Bag and Tips: If you want to pipe the strawberry frosting onto the cupcakes, you’ll need a piping bag and decorative tips.
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 180ºC (160ºC fan) to bake the cupcakes to perfection.
- Cooling Rack: Allow the cupcakes to cool completely on a cooling rack before frosting them.
- Knife: Use a knife to hull fresh strawberries and slice them for garnishing the cupcakes.
- Food Processor (Optional): If you prefer using fresh strawberries, a food processor can help puree them for the frosting.
Gathering these essential tools will make the process of creating these delicious pistachio cupcakes with strawberry frosting a breeze.
Instructions
Prep Work
To kick off this delightful baking adventure, gather your essential ingredients and equipment: unsalted pistachios, cake flour, baking powder, fresh strawberries, and basic kitchen items like mixing bowls, electric mixer, cupcake pan, spatula, piping bag, tips, oven, cooling rack, and a knife for decorating. If desired, a food processor can assist in pureeing the fresh strawberries for a smoother frosting texture.
Making the Cupcakes
- Begin the preparation by preheating your oven to 180ºC (160ºC fan). Line 12 cupcake cases on a baking tray.
- Cream together 150g of unsalted butter and 150g of caster sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Incorporate 150g of self-raising flour and 3 medium eggs into the butter-sugar mixture, beating until smooth.
- Fold in 4 tbsp of raspberry coulis and 100g of chopped pistachios to the batter, ensuring an even distribution.
- Divide the batter among the 12 cupcake cases and bake in the preheated oven for 20-22 minutes until baked through.
- Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before frosting.
- In a clean mixing bowl, beat 200g of room temperature unsalted butter until smooth and supple.
- Add 400g of icing sugar gradually, beating until well combined.
- Slowly incorporate 3 tbsp of raspberry coulis into the butter-sugar mixture, continuing to beat until you achieve a smooth frosting consistency.
- Once the cupcakes have cooled, generously frost each cupcake with the strawberry frosting, either using a spatula or a piping bag for a decorative touch.
- Garnish each cupcake with a strawberry half, a raspberry, and a sprinkle of chopped pistachios for a delightful finishing touch. Enjoy these flavorful pistachio cupcakes with strawberry frosting!
Assembly and Decoration
Assembling the Cupcakes
Once the pistachio cupcakes are baked and cooled, it’s time to assemble them with the delightful strawberry frosting. Here’s how to get the cupcakes ready for decorating:
- Slice the Cupcakes: Using a sharp knife, slice the cupcakes horizontally to create a flat surface for frosting. This will also allow for a generous amount of frosting to be spread evenly.
- Fill with Frosting: Spoon or pipe the strawberry frosting onto the cut side of one cupcake half. Gently press the other cupcake half over the frosting to create a sandwich.
- Repeat the Process: Continue filling and sandwiching all the cupcakes until they are assembled.
Decorating Tips
To add the finishing touches and make your pistachio cupcakes with strawberry frosting visually appealing, consider the following decorating tips:
- Swirled Look: After frosting the cupcakes, use a spatula to swirl in a bit more of the strawberry preserves by hand. This will create a beautiful streaked look in the buttercream frosting.
- Garnish with Fresh Fruits: Place small strawberry halves, raspberries, or chopped pistachios on top of the frosting for an elegant and colorful finish. These garnishes not only enhance the visual appeal but also hint at the delightful flavors within.
- Chill Before Serving: For a firmer frosting and enhanced flavors, you can chill the assembled cupcakes in the fridge before serving. This step also allows the flavors to meld, creating a more cohesive taste experience.
By following these assembly and decoration steps, your pistachio cupcakes with strawberry frosting will not only taste amazing but also look professionally crafted and inviting.
Storage and Serving Suggestions
To store these delightful pistachio cupcakes with strawberry frosting, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. They can last for up to 3-4 days in the fridge, maintaining their freshness and flavors. Before serving, allow the cupcakes to sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes to soften slightly and bring out their full taste.
When it comes to serving these scrumptious cupcakes, you can get creative with presentation. Arrange the cupcakes on a decorative platter or cake stand for an impressive display. For an added touch, sprinkle some chopped pistachios on top of the strawberry frosting to enhance the visual appeal and provide a delightful crunch with each bite.
To elevate the serving experience, consider pairing these pistachio cupcakes with a piping hot cup of freshly brewed coffee or a refreshing glass of cold milk. The combination of the nutty pistachio flavor and the fruity sweetness of the strawberry frosting perfectly complements a variety of beverages, making it a versatile treat for any time of day. Enjoy these delectable cupcakes as a delightful dessert or a delightful snack whenever your sweet tooth calls.
Conclusion
Creating pistachio cupcakes with strawberry frosting is a delightful way to indulge in a sweet treat with a touch of elegance. The process of assembling and decorating these cupcakes adds a fun and creative element to baking. By following the steps outlined in this recipe, you can enjoy the perfect balance of nutty pistachio flavors and fruity strawberry goodness in every bite. Remember to chill the cupcakes before serving to enhance the flavors and consider garnishing with fresh fruits for an extra pop of color. Whether enjoyed with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk, these cupcakes are sure to impress your taste buds and leave you craving more. Experiment with different presentation styles and make this recipe your own for a truly memorable dessert experience.