Chocolate Orange Cupcakes with Pistachio Buttercream - Delicious and Decadent Treat!

These chocolate orange cupcakes are the perfect combination of rich chocolate, vibrant orange, and creamy pistachio. The moist and fluffy cupcakes are infused with orange zest and topped with a luxurious pistachio buttercream frosting. This recipe is a delightful treat for any occasion and will satisfy your sweet tooth cravings. Get ready to impress your family and friends with these heavenly cupcakes!

Ingredients

• For the Cupcakes:
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup whole milk
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
• Zest of 1 orange
• For the Pistachio Buttercream:
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup finely ground pistachios
• 2-3 tablespoons whole milk
• Orange zest and chocolate shavings, for garnish

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
5. Fold in the orange juice and orange zest until evenly distributed.
6. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
8. Remove from the oven and let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Transfer the cupcakes to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Meanwhile, prepare the pistachio buttercream. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
10. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and finely ground pistachios. Mix until well combined.
11. Add the milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
12. Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, frost them with the pistachio buttercream using a piping bag or a spatula.
13. Garnish with orange zest and chocolate shavings.
14. Serve and enjoy the indulgent chocolate orange cupcakes!

Interesting Facts