Lime & pistachio AGAIN!

I have already posted a recipe for my Lime & pistachio cupcakes, but I have come to prefer this recipe. It has a fresh zesty tang about it and couldn't be easier to make. I have adapted it from my standard vanilla sour cream recipe, which I am finding so versatile it can accommodate the most delicate flavour combination. It also makes a larger batch, around 18-20 cupcakes.

Lime & Pistachio Cupcakes

2 eggs lightly beaten

1 cup vegetable oil

1 cup warm water

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup sour cream

2 cups flour

1  3/4  cups castor sugar

1 teaspoon bi carb soda

1 teaspoon baking soda

zest of 1 lime

1/4 cup finely chopped pistachio nuts

* Turn oven onto 180C. Prepare two muffin trays with papers.

* Whisk together eggs, oil, water, vanilla and sour cream. (I use a large hand whisk).

*In a separate bowl sift flour and add sugar, bi carb and baking soda.

*Add lime zest and pistachio nuts. Mix together with whisk or wooden spoon.

*Carefully pour wet mix into dry mix and continue whisking together until well combined.

* Scoop into prepared muffin trays and cook for 18 minutes or until firm to touch. Do not overcook.

* Cool in tin for five minutes before turning onto wire rack to cool completely. 

* When cold, frost cupcakes with lime cream cheese frosting.

Lime cream cheese frosting

125g butter softened

125g cream cheese softened

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Juice of one large lime (or 2 small ones)

500g bag icing sugar (you may need more. It makes a large mix)

2 tablespoons finely chopped pistachio nuts (optional)

Green food colouring

* Mix butter and cream cheese in electric mixer on med until well combined.

*Add vanilla and lime juice.

*Turn mixer onto low and slowly incorporate icing sugar until well combined. Check the consistency. You may need more icing sugar  (if too wet), or a few tablespoons of cream (or more lime juice), if too dry. You want a fairly stiff consistency. Stir in pistachio nuts if using. 

* Add drops of green food colouring and mix well. Decorate cupcakes as desired.

Enjoy!

XXX