Ingredients
For the Chocolate Cupcakes
- 1 cup All-purpose Flour
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1/3 cup Dutch Processed Cocoa (Superior Red)
- 1 tsp Baking Powder
- 3/4 tsp Baking Soda
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 3/4 tsp Espresso Powder
- 1 Egg
- 1/2 cup Milk (any kind of choice)
- 1/4 cup Canola Oil (or other light vegetable oil)
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1/2 cup Hot Boiled Water
For the Pistachio Frosting
- 3/4 cup Unsalted Butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup Pistachio Spread/Cream (such as Pisti pistachio cream)
- 2 cups Powdered Sugar
- 3 tbsp Heavy Cream (milk fat 35%)
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1/2 tsp Salt
Optional Pistachio Crunch Filling and Topping
- 1/3 cup Pistachio Spread/Cream (such as Pisti pistachio cream)
- 1/4 cup Toasted Kataifi (shredded Phyllo; fresh or frozen, toasted with butter)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup cupcake or muffin pan with paper liners and set aside.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, Dutch-processed cocoa powder, espresso powder, salt, baking soda, and baking powder until thoroughly combined.
- Add Wet Ingredients: To the dry mixture, add the egg, canola oil, vanilla extract, and milk. Mix until fully incorporated into a thick, glossy, and dark brown batter.
- Incorporate Hot Water: Slowly add the hot boiled water to the batter, stirring gently until the consistency changes from thick paste to a thinner liquid batter.
- Fill Cupcake Liners: Spoon the batter into each cupcake liner approximately 3/4 full. Distribute any remaining batter evenly among the liners to ensure uniform cupcake sizes.
- Bake Cupcakes: Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes.
- Cool Completely: Transfer the cupcakes to a wire rack and cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare Pistachio Frosting: Beat the softened unsalted butter until creamy. Add the pistachio spread and mix until smooth and well combined.
- Add Sugar and Cream: Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing on low speed initially. Increase to medium-high speed and beat until creamy. Scrape down the bowl, then add heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat on high for 2-3 minutes until the frosting is fluffy and light.
- Make Optional Pistachio Crunch Filling: Toast kataifi shredded phyllo in a skillet with butter or oil over medium heat until golden brown and crispy. Let cool completely. Mix the cooled kataifi with pistachio spread and set aside.
- Fill Cupcakes (Optional): Using a small knife or cupcake corer, remove a circular section from the center of each cupcake. Fill the cavity with about a teaspoon of the pistachio cream and kataifi mixture, then replace the cupcake top.
- Pipe Frosting: Transfer the pistachio frosting to a piping bag fitted with a star tip or preferred piping tip. Pipe frosting onto each cupcake in your desired design, such as classic swirls or rose patterns starting from the center.
- Decorate: Garnish the frosted cupcakes with crushed pistachios, chocolate shavings, or additional toasted kataifi for extra texture and appeal.
- Serve and Enjoy: Present your pistachio chocolate cupcakes for serving and enjoy the rich flavor combination and delightful textures.
Notes
- To toast kataifi, heat a pan over medium heat, add a small amount of butter or oil, and spread the shredded phyllo evenly. Toast, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and crispy. Cool completely before using.
- Ensure cupcakes are fully cooled before frosting to prevent melting or sliding of frosting.
- For dairy-free options, substitute milk and heavy cream with plant-based alternatives and use dairy-free butter.
- Use fresh or properly thawed kataifi to ensure even toasting and best texture.
- Espresso powder enhances the chocolate flavor but is optional if unavailable.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American