These Pistachio Citrus Muffins balance rich, nutty depth with bright citrus notes from Meyer lemon and orange. The combination of pistachio paste and cream creates a soft, tender crumb, while applesauce keeps them moist without feeling heavy. Finished with toasted pistachios folded into the batter, they bake up with a lightly domed top and a delicate, bakery-style interior.
Ingredients
| All-purpose flour | 1 | Cup |
| Cake flour | 1 | Cup |
| Baking powder | 1/2 | Teaspoon |
| Baking soda | 1/2 | Teaspoon |
| Meyer lemon zest | 1 | Teaspoon |
| Pistachio paste | 1 | Tablespoon |
| Unsweetened applesauce | 1/3 | Cup |
| Vegetable oil | 1 | Tablespoon |
| Granulated sugar | 1/2 | Cup |
| Honey | 2 | Tablespoons |
| Orange zest | 1 | Teaspoon |
| Meyer lemon juice | 1 | Teaspoon |
| Meyer lemon zest | 1/2 | Teaspoon |
| Vanilla extract | 1 | Teaspoon |
| Almond extract | 1 | Teaspoon |
| Citrus extract | 1/4 | Teaspoon |
| Oat milk | 2/3 | Cup |
| Mascarpone | 1/4 | Cup |
| Pistachio cream | 1/3 | Cup |
| Pistachio paste | 1 | Tablespoon |
| Toasted pistachios | 1/4 | Cup |
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450°F and prepare a muffin pan with liners or grease.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and Meyer lemon zest. Mix in the pistachio paste until evenly distributed.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the applesauce, vegetable oil, sugar, honey, orange zest, Meyer lemon juice, Meyer lemon zest, vanilla extract, almond extract, and citrus extract until smooth.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix gently until just combined.
- Fold in the oat milk, mascarpone, pistachio cream, and pistachio paste until the batter is smooth. Do not overmix.
- Fold in the toasted pistachios last.
- Fill muffin cups about 3/4 full.
- Bake at 450°F for 10 minutes, then reduce temperature to 375°F and continue baking for about 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Allow muffins to cool in the pan for 5–10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
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