The last flavor people think of when they bake cupcakes is pistachio, but the truth is, this lovely green cupcake should be higher on the list of cupcake possibilities. A few notes before you begin: first,
stevia may be used, but only if you can deal with the aftertaste. I recommend that you do half or three-quarters agave and 1/4 or 1/2 stevia. Second, I highly recommend a
mixer for this recipe, it's very thick. Third, you can replace
butter with one of three items: 1) apple sauce: 1:1 ratio, 2) low-fat butter: try the french brand they sell at trader joes (it comes in a little white container), 3) substitute half the butter with low-fat vanilla yogurt - do not do a 1:1 substitute. Fourth, you do not have to integrate the rose - some people just can't get down with this
flavor - it's ok!
Finally, be sure to
frost these cupcakes!
Serving Size: 12 (1 Dozen Cupcakes)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- ½ cup pistachios, very finely ground
- 1 ½ tsps baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup skim milk (or soy milk)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp almond extract
- 2 large egg whites, room temperature
- 4 tsps low-fat butter (see substitution notes above)
- ½ cup agave (see substitution notes above)
- 1 tsp rose essence (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350º
- Insert cupcake liners (try foil ones instead of paper) in muffin pan or prepare liners on a flat tray (you don't need the muffin pan but do note that if you use the liners by themselves on a tray, your cupcakes will be a bit wider)
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, pistachios, baking powder and salt; set aside.
- Stir extracts into the milk; set aside.
- Beat the egg whites until fluffy
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and agave (or stevia) until it is light and fluffy
- On low speed, gradually add flour mixture.
- Slowly pour in milk-extract combination, and beat until mixed - avoid over-beating
- Fold in the beaten egg whites.
- Evenly spoon batter into prepared muffin pan or liners.
- Bake for 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.