Soft, nutty pistachio cupcakes topped with luscious, fresh strawberry frosting make for a dreamy combination of flavors and textures. The earthiness of pistachios blends beautifully with the sweet and slightly tangy notes of strawberries, creating a treat that’s both elegant and irresistible.

These cupcakes are not only visually stunning but also bursting with natural flavors. The light green hue of the pistachio cake, paired with the delicate pink of the strawberry frosting, makes them perfect for special occasions, from spring gatherings to Valentine’s Day celebrations. Whether you’re a pistachio lover or simply looking for a unique twist on a classic cupcake, this recipe is sure to impress.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to create these delightful cupcakes:

For the Pistachio Cupcakes

Ingredient	Quantity
Unsalted pistachios (shelled)	¾ cup (90g)
All-purpose flour	1 ¼ cups (156g)
Baking powder	1 ½ tsp
Baking soda	½ tsp
Salt	¼ tsp
Unsalted butter (softened)	½ cup (113g)
Granulated sugar	¾ cup (150g)
Large eggs	2
Vanilla extract	1 ½ tsp
Almond extract	¼ tsp
Whole milk	½ cup (120ml)
Sour cream (or Greek yogurt)	¼ cup (60g)
Green food coloring (optional)	A few drops

For the Fresh Strawberry Frosting

Ingredient	Quantity
Fresh strawberries (hulled and pureed)	½ cup (120ml)
Unsalted butter (softened)	1 cup (226g)
Powdered sugar	3 cups (360g)
Vanilla extract	1 tsp
Lemon juice	1 tsp
Heavy cream (if needed)	1-2 tbsp

Pistachio Cupcake with Strawberry Drizzle and Fresh Berries

Equipment Needed

Food processor (to finely grind pistachios)
Mixing bowls (for dry and wet ingredients)
Electric mixer (for batter and frosting)
Cupcake liners and muffin tin
Spatula (for mixing and scraping)
Piping bag with decorative tips (for frosting)

A food processor is essential for grinding the pistachios into a fine powder, which ensures a smooth texture in the cupcakes. An electric mixer helps achieve a fluffy cupcake batter and a silky frosting.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Cupcakes

Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
Process the Pistachios
Pulse the shelled pistachios in a food processor until finely ground. Be careful not to over-process, or they may turn into a paste.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together the ground pistachios, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Incorporate Eggs and Extracts
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla and almond extracts.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Alternately add the dry ingredients and the milk-sour cream mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. If using food coloring, add a few drops to enhance the green hue.
Bake
Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling them about ¾ full. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool completely before frosting.

Making the Strawberry Frosting

Reduce the Strawberry Puree
In a small saucepan, cook the pureed strawberries over medium heat until thickened and reduced to about 3 tablespoons. This prevents excess moisture in the frosting. Let it cool completely.
Beat the Butter
In a mixing bowl, beat the butter until creamy and smooth.
Add Sugar and Flavorings
Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract, lemon juice, and cooled strawberry puree.
Adjust Consistency
If the frosting is too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of heavy cream. If too soft, chill for 10 minutes before piping.
Pipe the Frosting
Transfer the frosting to a piping bag and swirl it onto the cooled cupcakes.

Tips and Variations

For a more intense pistachio flavor, use pistachio extract instead of almond extract.
Make them gluten-free by using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
For a vegan version, replace butter with vegan butter, eggs with flax eggs, and use dairy-free milk and yogurt.
Alternative frostings: Try cream cheese frosting or white chocolate ganache for a different twist.
Enhance the green color naturally by adding a small amount of matcha powder.

Serving Suggestions

These cupcakes look stunning when garnished with crushed pistachios, a fresh strawberry slice, or edible flowers. Serve them on a pastel-colored plate for an elegant touch.

Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a luxurious dessert experience, or serve alongside a cup of earl grey tea for a refined afternoon treat.

Elegant Strawberry Pistachio Cupcake on a Floral Plate

Pairings

Drinks: These cupcakes pair wonderfully with a glass of rosé wine, a strawberry milkshake, or a pistachio latte.
Cocktails: A strawberry basil mojito or a pistachio martini would enhance the flavors beautifully.
Non-Alcoholic Options: Try a honey-sweetened iced matcha latte or a strawberry-infused sparkling water.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigeration: Store the frosted cupcakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Unfrosted cupcakes can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before frosting.
Reheating: Let chilled cupcakes sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften the frosting.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Per Cupcake
Calories	320 kcal
Carbohydrates	40g
Protein	4g
Fat	17g
Sugar	30g
Fiber	2g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Conclusion

Pistachio cupcakes with strawberry frosting are a delightful combination of nutty richness and fruity sweetness, making them a perfect treat for any occasion. The moist, tender crumb of the pistachio-infused cake pairs beautifully with the light and creamy strawberry frosting, creating a balance of flavors that is both refreshing and indulgent. Whether you’re baking for a special celebration, a casual afternoon tea, or simply to satisfy a sweet craving, these cupcakes are sure to impress with their vibrant colors and unique taste.

Beyond their irresistible flavor, these cupcakes are also versatile and easy to customize. From gluten-free and vegan alternatives to creative garnishes and flavor enhancements, there are plenty of ways to make this recipe your own. Pair them with your favorite tea, coffee, or a refreshing fruit-infused drink for the ultimate experience. Try this recipe today, and don’t forget to share your creations with friends and family—these cupcakes are made to be enjoyed together!