Saffron Cupcakes Recipe with Luxurients Kashmiri Saffron | Rose Water & Pistachio
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Introduction
Bring elegance to your baking with these rich and fragrant saffron cupcakes made using Luxurients Kashmiri saffron— awarded 3 stars by the Great Taste Awards 2025. Each cupcake features a golden sponge infused with rose water and orange blossom, topped with a luxurious saffron buttercream and crunchy pistachios.
Whether for a celebration or a cosy teatime treat, these cupcakes offer a truly elevated experience using one of the world’s finest spices.
Why This Recipe Works
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Infused with 20 threads of Luxurients premium saffron for colour, aroma, and flavour
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Balanced floral notes from rose water and orange blossom
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Light sponge texture paired with silky saffron buttercream
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Pistachio topping for added crunch and contrast
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Perfect for festive bakes, gifting, or indulgent moments
Ingredients (Makes 12 Cupcakes)
For the Sponge
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125g self‑raising flour
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125g caster sugar
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¼ tsp baking soda
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125g unsalted butter (room temperature)
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2 large eggs
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1 tbsp + 1½ tsp milk
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1 tsp rose water
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1 tsp orange blossom water
For the Saffron Buttercream
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170g unsalted butter (room temperature)
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380g icing sugar
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2 tbsp whole milk
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20 Luxurients Kashmiri saffron threads
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Chopped pistachios (to garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Infuse the saffron: Crush saffron threads into a powder using a mortar and pestle. Add an ice cube and let it melt at room temperature for slow infusion and maximum extraction.
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Prepare the cupcake batter: In a bowl, sift flour and baking soda. Add caster sugar and butter. Mix in eggs, then beat on medium-high for one minute. Lower the speed and add milk, rose water, and orange blossom. Mix on high again briefly.
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Bake: Preheat oven to 170°C (fan). Line a 12-hole tray with cupcake cases and divide the batter evenly. Bake for 22 minutes or until golden and springy to the touch.
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Buttercream: While baking, cream the butter until smooth and pale. Slowly mix in icing sugar. Add the cooled saffron infusion and beat for 2 more minutes. Adjust texture with extra milk if needed.
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Decorate: Once cupcakes are cool, pipe or spread the saffron buttercream and top with crushed pistachios.
Tips for Best Results
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Use Grade 1 ISO 3632 certified saffron for the most vibrant results
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Always crush and infuse saffron before use — this improves colour and flavour dramatically
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Let cupcakes cool completely before frosting
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For extra depth, let the saffron infusion rest for a few hours before use
Why Use Luxurients Kashmiri Saffron?
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Great Taste 3-star winner (2025)
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Direct from Kashmir’s finest farms, ethically sourced
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Rich aroma, long threads, and vivid colour
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ISO 3632 Grade 1 certified — the highest quality available
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Trusted by chefs, bakers, and home cooks worldwide
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use powdered saffron instead of threads?
Threads are highly recommended for purity, potency, and authenticity. Powdered saffron is often diluted and doesn’t deliver the same result.
How do I know my saffron is high quality?
Look for deep red threads, ISO 3632 certification, and aroma. Luxurients meets all these standards.
How long can I store saffron buttercream?
You can store the frosting in the fridge for up to 3 days. Bring it to room temperature and re-whip before use.
Final Thoughts
These saffron cupcakes bring a touch of luxury to your baking. With warm floral notes, golden colour, and an indulgent texture, they’re a perfect showcase of the quality saffron can bring to your kitchen.
🛒 Order Luxurients Kashmiri Saffron or Get the Printable Recipe
Visit www.luxurients.com to shop pure saffron threads or download the recipe PDF.
📸 Don’t forget to share your creations and tag @luxurients using #LuxurientsSaffron!
