These Nutella Cupcakes are a chocolate lover’s dream! Made with Nutella as the main ingredient, these rich and moist cupcakes are packed with a deep chocolate hazelnut flavor.
FULL RECIPE:
Ingredients
Nutella Cupcakes
- ½ cup Nutella
- 1 egg
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup flour
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Nutella Buttercream Frosting
- ½ stick butter
- ½ cup Nutella
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons milk
Directions
Nutella Cupcakes
- Preheat oven to 350℉ (175℃) and line a cupcake pan with 6-8 paper liners.
- In a mixing bowl, combine Nutella, egg, and milk, and mix until fully incorporated.
- Add the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt, then mix until just combined.
- Evenly divide the batter into the cupcake liners.
- Bake for about 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutella Buttercream Frosting
- Beat the butter until soft and smooth.
- Add Nutella, powdered sugar, and 1 tablespoon of milk, then beat until smooth.
- If the frosting is too thick, add another tablespoon of milk until desired consistency is reached.
- Pipe or spread the frosting onto the cooled cupcakes.
Nutrition Facts (Per Cupcake)
- Calories: 477 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0.3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 261mg
- Potassium: 262mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 48g
- Vitamin A: 313 IU
- Calcium: 100mg
- Iron: 3mg
Why You’ll Love These Nutella Cupcakes
Nutella Cupcakes are the perfect fusion of rich chocolate and creamy hazelnut flavors, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a party, a holiday, or just to satisfy a sweet craving, these cupcakes are a guaranteed hit. The moist, fluffy texture combined with the decadent Nutella Buttercream Frosting creates a balance of flavors that chocolate enthusiasts will adore. What makes this recipe stand out is its simplicity. With just a few ingredients, you can create bakery-quality cupcakes without any complicated steps. The Nutella adds both sweetness and depth, making these cupcakes taste gourmet while still being incredibly easy to make at home.
The Magic of Nutella in Baking
Nutella is a versatile ingredient that enhances baked goods with its unique blend of cocoa and hazelnuts. Unlike traditional chocolate cupcakes that rely on cocoa powder or melted chocolate, these cupcakes use Nutella as the primary source of chocolate flavor. This results in a more complex and indulgent taste, with the nutty undertones elevating the overall richness of the cupcake. Another advantage of using Nutella in baking is its smooth, creamy consistency. It blends effortlessly into the batter, ensuring a uniform texture in every bite. The frosting also benefits from Nutella’s spreadable nature, creating a silky and luscious topping that complements the cake perfectly.
Tips for the Best Nutella Cupcakes
To achieve the best results, here are some essential tips:
- Use High-Quality Nutella: Since Nutella is the star ingredient, using authentic Nutella ensures the best flavor and texture. Avoid off-brand alternatives that may alter the taste.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Bringing your milk, eggs, and butter to room temperature before baking helps the batter mix evenly and results in softer, more consistent cupcakes.
- Avoid Overmixing: Mixing the batter just until the ingredients are combined helps keep the cupcakes light and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to dense and dry cupcakes.
- Perfect Baking Time: Check your cupcakes around the 18-minute mark. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs, but not wet batter. Overbaking can lead to dryness.
- Filling the Cupcakes with Extra Nutella: For an extra burst of flavor, consider filling each cupcake with a small spoonful of Nutella before frosting. This adds a gooey, delicious surprise inside every bite.
- Adjusting the Frosting Consistency: If your frosting is too thick, add a small amount of milk. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar until the desired texture is reached.
Creative Variations of Nutella Cupcakes
One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. You can easily customize these cupcakes to suit different tastes and occasions. Here are a few fun variations:
- Nutella and Banana Cupcakes: Add mashed banana to the batter for a fruity twist that pairs beautifully with the chocolate hazelnut flavor.
- Nutella Mocha Cupcakes: Add a teaspoon of espresso powder or brewed coffee to the batter for a subtle coffee kick that enhances the chocolate notes.
- Nutella Strawberry Cupcakes: Top each cupcake with fresh strawberries or mix finely chopped strawberries into the frosting for a fresh, fruity contrast.
- Nutella Peanut Butter Cupcakes: Swirl peanut butter into the frosting for an irresistible combination of peanut butter and Nutella.
- Nutella S’mores Cupcakes: Add crushed graham crackers to the batter and top the frosting with mini marshmallows for a fun s’mores-inspired treat.
Best Occasions to Serve Nutella Cupcakes
These cupcakes are incredibly versatile and can be served at a variety of events. Some of the best occasions to enjoy them include:
- Birthday Parties: A guaranteed crowd-pleaser that both kids and adults will love.
- Holiday Gatherings: Perfect for Christmas, Easter, or Valentine’s Day, especially when decorated with festive sprinkles.
- Bridal and Baby Showers: Their elegant look and rich flavor make them a great choice for special celebrations.
- Bake Sales and Potlucks: Easy to transport and universally loved, making them a great option for group events.
- Casual Dessert for Family and Friends: When you just want a comforting, homemade sweet treat.
How to Store Nutella Cupcakes
To keep your cupcakes fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:
- Room Temperature: Store unfrosted cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: If frosted, store them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
- Freezing: You can freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 2 months. Wrap each cupcake individually in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight container. When ready to serve, thaw at room temperature and frost as desired.
Pairing Nutella Cupcakes with Other Desserts
If you’re serving these cupcakes as part of a dessert spread, consider pairing them with other complementary treats:
- Nutella Hot Chocolate: A warm and creamy drink that enhances the chocolate-hazelnut flavors.
- Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: The perfect contrast to the richness of the cupcakes.
- Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: A fresh and elegant addition to any dessert table.
- Hazelnut Cookies: To further emphasize the hazelnut element in Nutella.
Conclusion
Nutella Cupcakes are an indulgent yet easy-to-make treat that combines the best of chocolate and hazelnut flavors. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is foolproof and delivers consistently delicious results. With endless possibilities for customization and decoration, these cupcakes can be adapted for any occasion. Baking a batch of Nutella Cupcakes is a great way to treat yourself and your loved ones. Their rich, moist texture and creamy Nutella Buttercream Frosting make them a dessert that no one can resist. Try them once, and they’ll quickly become a go-to favorite in your recipe collection!