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Homemade Watergate Cupcakes photo

Watergate Cupcakes

Pistachio-flavored cupcakes made with instant pistachio pudding and crushed pineapple, topped with marshmallow frosting and chopped pecans.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Dessert
Servings 12 cupcakes

Equipment

  • Muffin pan
  • Cupcake liners
  • Electric Mixer
  • Mixing Bowls
  • Wire Rack
  • Spatula

Ingredients
  

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cupsall-purpose flour
  • 3/4 teaspoonbaking powder
  • 3/4 teaspoonbaking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoonsalt
  • 1/2 cupbutter softened
  • 2/3 cupgranulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 teaspoonsvanilla
  • 1/4 cupvegetable oil
  • 1/4 cupmilk
  • 1 box instant pistachio pudding 3.4-ounce
  • 1 can crushed pineapple 8-ounce
  • 3/4 cupsbutter softened
  • 1 jar marshmallow creme
  • 1 1/2 cupsconfectioners' sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoonvanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoonmilk
  • Chopped pecans for garnish

Instructions
 

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Line 12 muffin cups with cupcake liners.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 3/4 teaspoon baking powder, 3/4 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt; set aside.
  • In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat 1/2 cup softened butter and 2/3 cup granulated sugar until light and creamy.
  • Add 2 large eggs one at a time, beating after each addition and scraping down the sides of the bowl.
  • With the mixer on low speed, add 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract, 1/4 cup vegetable oil, 1/4 cup milk, 1 box (3.4 oz) instant pistachio pudding mix, and 1 can (8 oz) crushed pineapple. Increase mixer to medium and beat about 20 seconds, until the batter is evenly combined.
  • Divide the batter evenly among the 12 prepared cupcake liners (fill about two-thirds full). Bake 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Let cupcakes cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
  • To make the frosting, in a mixing bowl beat 3/4 cup softened butter and 1 jar marshmallow creme until smooth.
  • Gradually add 1 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar and beat until incorporated.
  • Add 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon milk; beat until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.
  • Frost the cooled cupcakes using a spatula or a pastry/plastic bag. Sprinkle chopped pecans on top to garnish.