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Easy Lemon Pistachio Cupcakes Recipe – Zesty, Nutty & Creamy Frosted Treat

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Lemon Pistachio Cupcakes are soft, nutty cupcakes flavored with fresh lemon zest and almond extract, topped with creamy lemon buttercream and crushed pistachios.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 cupcakes

Ingredients

Scale
  • Cupcakes:
  • 3/4 cup shelled unsalted pistachios
  • 1 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp baking soda
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp almond extract
  • 1/3 cup buttermilk
  • 1/3 cup Greek yogurt
  • Frosting:
  • 1 cup butter
  • 4 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp cream or milk
  • 2 tsp lemon zest
  • 1/2 tsp almond extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • Crushed pistachios for topping
  • Honey (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line cupcake tray.
  2. Grind pistachios and mix with dry ingredients.
  3. Rub lemon zest into sugar.
  4. Cream butter and sugar, then add eggs and extracts.
  5. Mix buttermilk and yogurt separately.
  6. Alternate adding dry ingredients and wet mixture.
  7. Bake 18–22 minutes and cool completely.
  8. Beat butter and frosting ingredients until fluffy.
  9. Frost cupcakes and garnish with pistachios and honey if desired.

Notes

  • Store unfrosted cupcakes at room temp up to 3 days.
  • Frosted cupcakes keep 2 days at room temp or 5 days refrigerated.
  • Can freeze cupcakes up to 2 months.
  • Re-whip frosting after refrigeration for best texture.
  • Author: Emma
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian