- Can I use salted pistachios?
- Yes! Salted pistachios (if not excessively salty) highlight the sweet flavors very well. If using unsalted, add a pinch more salt to the batter.
- Why did the pistachios sink?
- Heavy nuts tend to sink. Toss them in a little flour before folding into the batter; this helps them 'grip' the dough.
Honey Pistachio Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
This cupcake evokes the flavors of Baklava in a modern form. The richness of the pistachios and their distinctive, slightly salty taste contrast beautifully with the floral sweetness of honey. Coarsely chopped nuts in the batter add a crunchy texture to the soft sponge, while the cream cheese topping brings lightness to the rich base.
Ingredients
1.66
cups
All-Purpose Flour
0.5
cup
Granulated Sugar
0.25
cup
Honey
1
stick
Unsalted Butter (softened)
2
large
Eggs
0.5
cup
Whole Milk
2
tsp
Baking Powder
1
tsp
Vanilla Extract
1
pinch
Salt
0.75
cup
Shelled Pistachios (unsalted or lightly salted)
8
oz
Cream Cheese
1
cup
Powdered Sugar
0.25
cup
Heavy Cream
Shopping List (0)
Equipment Needed
- Muffin Tin: With liners.
- Knife: For chopping pistachios.
- Mixer: For the batter.
Allergen Information
Wheat
Milk
Egg
Tree Nuts (Pistachio)
Instructions
1
✓
Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Coarsely chop the pistachios.
Tip: Don't grind them completely; larger pieces add nice crunch.
2
✓
Whisk together the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, salt).
Tip: Use a whisk to aerate the flour.
3
✓
Cream the softened butter with the sugar and honey until fluffy, then add the eggs and vanilla.
Tip: Honey adds weight to the batter, so good aeration is crucial.
4
✓
Mix in the flour mixture and milk alternately.
Tip: Work quickly but gently.
5
✓
Fold in 3/4 of the pistachios.
Tip: Reserve the rest for garnish.
6
✓
Bake for 18-20 minutes. Let cool completely.
Tip: Test with a toothpick!
7
✓
For the frosting, whip the cream cheese with powdered sugar and heavy cream until smooth and fluffy.
Tip: Use cold heavy cream.
8
✓
Frost the cupcakes, top with reserved pistachios, and drizzle with a little honey before serving.
Tip: Drizzle the honey fresh, as it will soak into the frosting over time.
Recipe FAQ
Ingredients
- 1.66 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 0.5 cup Granulated Sugar
- 0.25 cup Honey
- 1 stick Unsalted Butter (softened)
- 2 large Eggs
- 0.5 cup Whole Milk
- 2 tsp Baking Powder
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1 pinch Salt
- 0.75 cup Shelled Pistachios (unsalted or lightly salted)
- 8 oz Cream Cheese
- 1 cup Powdered Sugar
- 0.25 cup Heavy Cream