These Lemon Raspberry Pistachio Cupcakes are bakery-worthy treats featuring a soft, moist lemon cake, a surprise raspberry jam center, and a silky lemon buttercream frosting. With a touch of chopped pistachios and fresh raspberries for garnish, these cupcakes are a stunning and flavorful dessert perfect for any celebration or afternoon indulgence.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

Lemon Cupcake Batter:

• ¾ cup granulated sugar

• 1 tbsp packed lemon zest

• 1½ cups cake flour

• ⅓ cup finely chopped pistachios

• 2 tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp fine sea salt

• 6 tbsp unsalted butter, cubed and room temperature

• ½ cup sour cream, room temperature

• ½ cup whole milk, room temperature

• ⅓ cup vegetable oil

• 1 large egg, room temperature

• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Raspberry Jam Filling:

• 3 cups fresh or frozen raspberries

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• 2 tsp fresh lemon juice

• 1 tbsp + 1 tsp cornstarch

• 1 tbsp water

Lemon Buttercream:

• 1½ cups unsalted butter, room temperature

• 2 cups powdered sugar

• 3 tbsp heavy cream

• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

• 2 tsp lemon zest

• Chopped pistachios, for decoration

• Fresh raspberries, for decoration

Directions

1. Prepare the Cupcakes:
   Line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners and preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
   Rub lemon zest into the sugar until it resembles wet sand. In a mixing bowl, whisk together cake flour, lemon sugar, pistachios, baking powder, and salt.
   Add cubed butter and mix on low for 3 minutes until the texture resembles coarse sand.
   In another bowl, whisk sour cream, milk, oil, egg, lemon juice, and vanilla. Add to the dry mixture and mix until just combined.
   Fill liners ¾ full and bake for 15–20 minutes. Cool in pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack.

2. Make the Raspberry Filling:
   In a saucepan, cook raspberries, sugar, and lemon juice over medium heat for 10–12 minutes until thick and bright red.
   Mix cornstarch with water, add to the saucepan, and cook for 1–2 minutes until thickened. Let cool.

3. Make the Lemon Buttercream:
   Cream butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, then mix in heavy cream, lemon juice, and zest. Beat for 2–3 minutes until fluffy.

4. Assemble the Cupcakes:
   Core each cooled cupcake and fill with raspberry jam. Pipe lemon buttercream around the filled center. Top with more jam, chopped pistachios, and a fresh raspberry.

Nutrients (Per cupcake)

• Calories: 589 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 55g

• Protein: 4g

• Fat: 41g

• Saturated Fat: 21g

• Cholesterol: 101mg

• Sodium: 186mg

• Fiber: 3g

• Sugar: 39g

• Calcium: 90mg

• Vitamin A: 1055 IU

• Vitamin C: 11mg

• Iron: 1mg

Lemon Cake That’s Soft, Fluffy, and Fragrant

The base of these cupcakes starts with a lemon-scented cake that is wonderfully light and moist. Using cake flour ensures a soft crumb, while sour cream and milk add richness and tender texture. The combination of lemon zest and juice infuses each cupcake with vibrant citrus flavor that lingers on the palate. These aren’t overly sweet cupcakes—the lemon adds just enough brightness to balance the flavors, giving you a refreshing dessert that won’t overwhelm your taste buds. Each bite is a reminder of sunny spring days, fresh lemons, and homemade comfort.

A Hidden Surprise of Raspberry Jam

What takes these cupcakes to the next level is the hidden core of raspberry jam nestled within the center of each one. As you take a bite, the jam spills out with a bold burst of fruity goodness, offering a tart contrast to the mellow lemon cake. This surprise raspberry center not only adds a layer of complexity but also keeps the cupcakes moist and flavorful. The jam is made with real raspberries, lemon juice, and just enough sugar to create that perfect balance of tart and sweet. Whether made fresh or prepped ahead, the jam transforms a simple cupcake into a dynamic flavor experience.

Silky Lemon Buttercream Frosting That Completes the Bite

Topping off the cupcakes is a smooth lemon buttercream frosting that complements both the cake and the filling. This frosting is luscious without being too heavy, thanks to the perfect ratio of butter to sugar, along with the tang of lemon juice and zest. The result is a creamy, airy finish that spreads beautifully and holds its shape whether piped into elegant swirls or spread in rustic peaks. The lemon flavor continues the theme of brightness, tying the entire cupcake together into one cohesive, mouthwatering package. It’s the kind of frosting that invites you to lick the spoon after decorating—and no one will blame you if you do.

Pistachios Add Nutty Contrast and Crunch

A scattering of finely chopped pistachios adds a sophisticated twist to these cupcakes. Not only do pistachios provide a visual contrast with their soft green hue, but they also bring a pleasant crunch and subtle nutty flavor that offsets the sweetness of the cake and frosting. Their inclusion in the batter adds texture to each bite, while a sprinkle on top offers a satisfying finish. Pistachios are naturally buttery and slightly earthy, making them the ideal complement to the fruity and citrusy profile of these cupcakes. For a polished presentation, they also add a pop of color that’s sure to catch the eye.

Beautiful Presentation with Minimal Effort

With their pastel-colored frosting, ruby red raspberry centers, and green pistachio garnish, these cupcakes are as beautiful as they are tasty. You don’t need to be a professional baker to make them look stunning—just a swirl of frosting and a few fresh raspberries on top can turn each cupcake into an Instagram-worthy dessert. The natural colors from the ingredients speak for themselves, making these cupcakes perfect for holidays like Easter, Mother’s Day, or springtime parties. You can also adapt the decorations to suit different themes or occasions, using cupcake toppers, edible flowers, or even a dusting of powdered sugar for extra flair.

Perfectly Portion-Sized and Shareable

Cupcakes are always a popular dessert choice because they offer individual portions that are easy to serve and enjoy. These Lemon Raspberry Pistachio Cupcakes are no exception—they’re great for parties, picnics, potlucks, or casual get-togethers where guests can simply grab and go. No slicing or extra utensils needed. Their elegant look and layered flavors also make them a standout addition to dessert tables or sweet trays. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or preparing a special treat for someone you love, these cupcakes are an easy yet impressive dessert option that delivers both form and function.

Customizable for Any Preference

While the lemon, raspberry, and pistachio combination is a winning trio, these cupcakes are also flexible enough to personalize. Swap the raspberry jam for strawberry or blackberry if you’re in the mood for something different. Prefer almonds over pistachios? Go ahead and make the switch—they’ll bring a slightly sweeter, smoother finish. You can also experiment with different frostings, like a cream cheese base or a vanilla bean buttercream, depending on your flavor preferences. Even the jam center can be adapted with a hint of rose water or orange zest to make each batch your own unique creation.

Make-Ahead and Storage Friendly

Another advantage of this recipe is that it holds up well over time. You can bake the cupcakes a day in advance and store them unfrosted at room temperature in an airtight container. The raspberry jam can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to a week, and the frosting can be whipped and stored in the fridge until you’re ready to decorate. Once assembled, the cupcakes stay moist for several days when stored properly. This makes them a great option for events where you need to prep ahead without compromising on freshness or presentation.

A Flavor Journey Worth Savoring

Each cupcake delivers a complete journey in just a few bites. First, you get the soft, citrusy sponge, then the tart explosion of raspberry jam, followed by the creamy swirl of lemon buttercream and the nutty finish of pistachio. It’s an orchestrated dance of flavor and texture that feels indulgent yet refreshing. The contrast between the zingy lemon, sweet berry, and salty nuttiness makes these cupcakes far more than the sum of their parts—they become a memorable dessert that lingers on your palate and in your mind.

Conclusion

Lemon Raspberry Pistachio Cupcakes are a celebration of texture, color, and flavor. From the airy lemon cake to the juicy raspberry core and smooth lemon buttercream, each element is thoughtfully crafted to deliver a well-rounded and irresistible dessert. The addition of pistachios elevates them with a gourmet touch, while their charming appearance makes them perfect for everything from bridal showers to lazy Sunday afternoons. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just love experimenting in the kitchen, these cupcakes offer a satisfying, foolproof way to impress. Beautiful, delicious, and customizable, they’re a must-try treat that will quickly earn a permanent place in your recipe collection.