When it comes to flavor combinations that never fail to impress, raspberry and pistachio sit at the top of the list. These Raspberry Pistachio Cupcakes blend the subtle, buttery richness of ground pistachios with the bright, tangy pop of raspberry jam, all wrapped in a moist cupcake and topped with silky cream cheese frosting. Whether you’re baking for a birthday, brunch, or simply treating yourself, these cupcakes are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
For the Pistachio Cupcakes:
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1 cup shelled unsalted pistachios (plus extra for garnish)
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
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¼ teaspoon salt
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½ cup unsalted butter, softened
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¾ cup granulated sugar
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2 large eggs
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1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
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½ cup whole milk
Raspberry Jam Filling:
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½ cup raspberry jam or preserves (preferably seedless)
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1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
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8 oz cream cheese, softened
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½ cup unsalted butter, softened
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2–3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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A pinch of salt
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need:
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Food processor (to grind pistachios)
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Electric mixer or stand mixer
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Mixing bowls (at least 2)
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Cupcake/muffin tin
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Cupcake liners
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Cooling rack
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Piping bag and nozzle (optional but recommended)
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Small spoon or cupcake corer (for filling)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pistachios
In a food processor, pulse 1 cup of pistachios until finely ground – careful not to over-process into a paste. Mix the ground pistachios with flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Cupcake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry pistachio mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined.
Step 3: Bake the Cupcakes
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners. Spoon the batter evenly into the liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake for 18–20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 4: Fill with Raspberry Jam
Once cooled, use a small spoon or cupcake corer to remove the center of each cupcake (about the size of a teaspoon). Fill the cavity with raspberry jam. If using lemon juice, mix it into the jam beforehand for a brighter flavor.
Step 5: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
In a clean bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, until you reach your desired sweetness and consistency. Add vanilla and a pinch of salt. Mix until light and fluffy.
Step 6: Frost and Garnish
Transfer the frosting to a piping bag and frost each cupcake in swirls. Garnish with chopped pistachios and a tiny dollop of raspberry jam on top for visual appeal.
Helpful Tips for Perfect Raspberry Pistachio Cupcakes
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Use fresh pistachios: For the best flavor, choose high-quality, unsalted pistachios. Toasting them lightly before grinding can enhance their nuttiness.
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Don’t overmix the batter: Mix just until the ingredients are incorporated to keep the cupcakes light and tender.
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Make-ahead option: Bake the cupcakes a day in advance and store them in an airtight container. Fill and frost the next day for optimal freshness.
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Chill the frosting: If your frosting gets too soft, refrigerate it for 10–15 minutes before piping.
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Add a flavor twist: Try a touch of almond extract in the batter for an extra depth of flavor.
Nutritional Value (Per Cupcake – Approximate)
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Calories: 340
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Fat: 19g
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Carbohydrates: 38g
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Sugar: 26g
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Protein: 5g
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Fiber: 2g
Note: These values are estimates and may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Why You’ll Love These Raspberry Pistachio Cupcakes
These Raspberry Pistachio Cupcakes are the perfect balance of rich and refreshing, creamy and crunchy, sweet and tangy. Every bite offers a harmonious blend of textures and tastes, making them not only delicious but memorable. Whether you’re baking them for a celebration or simply want to elevate your everyday dessert game, this recipe will not disappoint.
Go ahead, treat yourself (and your guests) to a batch of these gorgeous, flavor-packed cupcakes. You’ll be glad you did!
