Chocolate-Orange Cupcakes with Pistachio Buttercream

Ingredients and Weight:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp orange zest (orange peel)
• 1 cup pistachio buttercream (store-bought or homemade)
• Additional pistachios, chopped, for topping (optional)

Preparation Time:

• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes

Difficulty Level: Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix well.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, eggs, and orange zest until well combined.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Use a spoon or ice cream scoop to fill the cupcake liners about 3/4 full.
6. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Allow cupcakes to cool completely before frosting.
8. Spread or pipe the pistachio buttercream onto each cupcake and top with chopped pistachios (optional).

Nutritional Information: (per serving, assuming 8 cupcakes)

• Calories: Approx. 400 kcal (depending on the exact ingredients used)
• Fat: Approx. 20g
• Carbohydrates: Approx. 50g
• Protein: Approx. 5g

Dish Characteristics:

• Combination of chocolate and orange flavors creates a unique and delightful taste.
• Pistachio buttercream adds a rich and creamy texture to the cupcakes.
• The use of orange zest gives the cupcakes a fresh citrusy note.

User Comments:

1. "These cupcakes were a hit! The combination of chocolate and orange was unexpected but really tasty."
2. "The pistachio buttercream was so creamy and added a nice crunch from the pistachios."
3. "These cupcakes were a bit time-consuming to make, but they were worth it. The flavor combination was outstanding."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Be sure to use fresh eggs for the best results.
• If you are making the pistachio buttercream from scratch, be sure to follow the recipe instructions carefully for best results.
• Store cupcakes in a cool place to keep them fresh and prevent the buttercream from melting.