These Rose and Pistachio Cupcakes are eggless, fragrant, and perfect for festive celebrations. With a soft cardamom-kissed sponge flavored with rose water and pistachios, topped with creamy rose buttercream, they bring a floral and nutty twist to Diwali cupcakes.
Preheat oven to 350℉ and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
In a small bowl, combine milk with vinegar or lemon juice. Let sit for 5 minutes to curdle (buttermilk).
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the curdled milk and rose water.
Gradually fold in the dry ingredients until just combined. Gently stir in pistachios.
Divide the batter evenly among liners, filling about ¾ full. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cupcakes cool completely.
For the frosting, beat butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar. Mix in milk and rose water until frosting is fluffy.
Pipe swirls of frosting onto cooled cupcakes. Garnish with extra pistachios and rose petals.
Notes
If using strong rose water, start with ½ teaspoon and taste before adding more.
For extra moisture in this eggless cupcake, replace 2 tbsp butter with neutral oil.
Frosted cupcakes should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day, or refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Best served fresh, as floral flavors are most vibrant within the first 24 hours.