Pistachio Buttercream

I love using this buttercream on cakes, cupcakes, and even as a layer in between two vanilla cookies! This recipe uses real pistachios so if you are a pistachio nut lover, then this is your recipe. 

If you love trying out new buttercream frosting recipes, then you have to have a look at this recipe for Salted Caramel Buttercream, Passionfruit Buttercream, or this recipe for Raspberry Buttercream.

If you love pistachio recipes then try out this Pistachio Tiramisu or these Pistachio Muffins.

Ingredients

To make this easy recipe, you will need the simple ingredients listed below. When baking remember to use fresh room temperature ingredients. 

Unsalted butter – choose unsalted butter rather than salted butter when baking, so that you can adjust the saltiness on your own if needed. Make sure your butter is at room temperature. 

Powdered sugar – the texture of your frosting can be affected by the confectioner's sugar brand you choose, for a smooth buttercream try to find one with a soft texture rather than a grainy one. I also always sift my icing sugar before using it to ensure there are no clumps.

Cream cheese - choose a full-fat cream cheese for this recipe. There are lots of different brands to choose from but i like using Philedelphia cream cheese. 

Pistachio butter – I used store-bought smooth pistachio butter, which is also called pure pistachio paste. If you have a high-powered blender, you can attempt to make your own pistachio paste using shelled pistachios if you can’t find any pistachio butter. 

Vanilla extract— choose a quality vanilla extract for this buttercream. If you can't find any then vanilla essence will also work. 

Green food coloring— since this recipe is made with natural pistachio flavor, it doesn’t have a deep green color. For aesthetics, you can choose to add a touch of green food coloring. 

See the recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

To make this pistachio buttercream frosting, follow the important steps below. 

STEP 1: Beat icing sugar and butter. Add the icing sugar and softened butter to a bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Beat at medium speed until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.

STEP 2: Add cream cheese. Add the cubed cream cheese and beat at medium-high speed until the frosting is smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and mix again for about 2 minutes.

STEP 3: Add the pistachio butter and vanilla. Add the pistachio butter and vanilla extract to the frosting and beat again until combined. 

STEP 4: Add food coloring. Add a tiny drop of green food coloring to the frosting and beat again. 

STEP 5: Decorate. The frosting is now ready to be added to a piping bag or spread over cake layers. Enjoy!

Hint: All good buttercreams start with room temperature butter, do not underestimate the importance of this. 

Variations

For this pistachio frosting recipe, I used pistachio nut butter, you can do the same or choose a nut butter made with cashews and pistachios as I have found these more common to find. You can also make your own nut butter by blending raw pistachios in a high-powered food processor. 

This fluffy pistachio buttercream pairs well with cakes that include berry or chocolatey flavors. Use this buttercream on this recipe for White Chocolate Cupcakes or swirl it over these Raspberry Cupcakes. If you'd like to attempt a layer cake then use this frosting on this recipe for a Naked Chocolate Cake. 

Equipment

To make this frosting, you will need an electric mixer, either a stand mixer or a hand mixer. I don’t recommend making this by hand as you need the mixers to help get the frosting light and fluffy. 

To use this buttercream to decorate cakes, you will also need decorating equipment such as a piping bag, an offset spatula, and piping nozzles.

Storage

To store this frosting before using it to decorate cakes or cupcakes, place it in an airtight container or a large bowl covered in plastic wrap in the fridge for up to 4 days. Remove the frosting from the fridge and allow it to come to room temperature before whipping it in a stand mixer and then using it to decorate your baked goods.

I do not recommend freezing this buttercream.

This frosting has a delicious pistachio flavor and is perfect for all of the pistachio lovers out there! I love the creamy nutty taste of pistachio butter and when added to a vanilla frosting it creates the most luxurious decadent frosting. 

If you love this recipe as much as I do, please leave a comment and star review at the end of this blog post, I love hearing from all of you! And if you'd like to see a pistachio cake recipe using this frosting, let me know in the comments below!

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Happy Baking 

With Love, 

Kitty