Ingredients:
- Cupcakes:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 5 tablespoons pistachio instant pudding
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1 1/4 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 2 cups sugar
- 4 ounces (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 dram (1/16-ounce) pistachio flavored oil
- 5 large eggs
- 1/2 cup chopped salted pistachios
- 1 cup pitted chopped dates
- 1 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons ground cardamom
- 1 pound unsalted butter
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 2 tablespoons orange extract
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 orange, zested
- 2 pounds powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup toasted pistachios, seasoned with salt and pepper, for garnish.