These delightful cupcakes combine the rich flavors of Nutella and strawberry, making them a perfect treat for Valentine’s Day or any special occasion. Each vanilla cupcake is filled with creamy Nutella and topped with a beautiful swirl of strawberry and Nutella buttercream. This recipe falls under the “Dessert” category.

FULL RECIPE:

Ingredients

For the Cupcakes:

1 and 3/4 cups (207g) cake flour
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
3 large egg whites, at room temperature
1 and 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup (120g) sour cream or plain yogurt, at room temperature
1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk, at room temperature
1/3 cup (100g) Nutella

For the Nutella & Strawberry Swirl Buttercream:

1 cup (about 25g) freeze-dried strawberries
1 and 1/2 cups (340g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
6 cups (720g) confectioners’ sugar
1/3 cup (80ml) heavy cream or milk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup (100g) Nutella

Optional for garnish:

Chocolate heart candies or strawberries

Directions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners. Line a second pan with 2-3 liners, as this recipe makes 14-15 cupcakes. Set aside.
Prepare the Cupcake Batter:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, beat the butter and sugar together on high speed until smooth and creamed, about 2 minutes.
- Add the egg whites and vanilla extract. Beat on high speed until combined, then beat in the sour cream. Scrape down the sides and up the bottom of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is incorporated.
- With the mixer on low speed, add the dry ingredients until just incorporated.
- Add the milk and mix until combined. Do not overmix.
Bake the Cupcakes: Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full. Bake for 19-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before filling and frosting.
Fill the Cupcakes with Nutella:
- Once the cupcakes are cool, use a small knife to cut a hole in the center of each cupcake, about 1 inch deep. The piece you remove will be cone-shaped; set it aside.
- Fill each cupcake with about 1-2 teaspoons of Nutella.
- Place the removed piece of cupcake back on top to seal the hole.
Prepare the Buttercream:
- Using a blender or food processor, process the freeze-dried strawberries into a fine powder. You should have about 1/2 cup.
- In a large bowl using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter on medium speed until creamy, about 2 minutes.
- Add the confectioners’ sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat on low speed for 30 seconds, then increase to high speed and beat for 3 full minutes.
- Divide the buttercream evenly into two bowls.
- To one bowl, add the strawberry powder and beat until combined.
- To the other bowl, add the Nutella and beat until combined.
Frost the Cupcakes:
- To create a swirled frosting effect, spoon the strawberry buttercream into one side of a piping bag fitted with a large star tip, and spoon the Nutella buttercream into the other side.
- Pipe the frosting onto each cupcake, creating a beautiful swirl.
Garnish (Optional): Top each cupcake with a chocolate heart candy or a fresh strawberry for a festive touch.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 550 kcal
Total Fat: 30 g
Saturated Fat: 18 g
Cholesterol: 70 mg
Sodium: 150 mg
Total Carbohydrates: 65 g
Dietary Fiber: 1 g
Sugars: 50 g
Protein: 4 g

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect Flavor Combination: The deep, nutty flavor of Nutella pairs perfectly with the bright and slightly tart taste of strawberries. This balance of flavors makes each bite irresistibly delicious.
Beautiful Presentation: The swirl of strawberry and Nutella buttercream creates a visually stunning effect, making these cupcakes as beautiful as they are tasty.
Moist and Tender Texture: The cake base is soft and moist, providing the perfect vessel for the creamy Nutella filling and rich frosting.
Great for Special Occasions: Whether it’s Valentine’s Day, a birthday, or a simple weekend indulgence, these cupcakes add a touch of elegance to any dessert table.

The Inspiration Behind Strawberry Nutella Cupcakes

Nutella has long been a favorite spread across the world, known for its creamy texture and deep chocolate-hazelnut flavor. Pairing it with strawberries brings in a refreshing fruitiness that enhances the overall taste. This cupcake recipe was designed to showcase the best of both ingredients while maintaining a light and fluffy cupcake base. The idea of stuffing cupcakes with Nutella elevates them beyond a simple dessert. Each cupcake has a hidden Nutella center that surprises and delights with every bite. The buttercream frosting, made from freeze-dried strawberries, brings in an intense strawberry flavor without making the frosting watery or heavy.

Tips for the Best Strawberry Nutella Cupcakes

Use High-Quality Ingredients: Fresh ingredients, especially real butter, high-quality vanilla extract, and good-quality Nutella, will make a noticeable difference in flavor.
Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can lead to dense and dry cupcakes. Mix just until the ingredients are combined to maintain a soft, fluffy texture.
Let the Cupcakes Cool Completely Before Filling and Frosting: Warm cupcakes can cause the Nutella filling to melt too much and the frosting to slide off. Ensure they are at room temperature before decorating.
Pipe the Frosting for a Professional Look: Using a piping bag with a star tip will create a beautiful swirl effect. Alternating the strawberry and Nutella buttercream adds an elegant touch.
Store Properly: These cupcakes are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days. Refrigerate if needed, but allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using Too Much Nutella Filling: While it’s tempting to add a lot of Nutella, overfilling can make the cupcake too soft and difficult to eat. A teaspoon or two is the perfect amount.
Skipping the Freeze-Dried Strawberries: Fresh strawberries contain water, which can make the frosting too runny. Freeze-dried strawberries provide a strong flavor without altering the texture.
Overbaking the Cupcakes: Even a few extra minutes in the oven can lead to dry cupcakes. Check for doneness with a toothpick and remove them as soon as it comes out clean.
Not Allowing the Buttercream to Blend Properly: Make sure the butter is fully creamed before adding the rest of the ingredients to get a smooth, airy frosting.

Serving Suggestions

Strawberry Nutella Cupcakes are perfect on their own, but you can take them to the next level with a few creative serving ideas:

With Fresh Strawberries: Garnishing each cupcake with a fresh strawberry adds extra fruitiness and enhances the presentation.
Paired with a Warm Beverage: These cupcakes pair wonderfully with coffee, hot chocolate, or even a glass of milk.
As Part of a Dessert Platter: Combine them with chocolate truffles, fruit tarts, and mini cheesecakes for an elegant dessert spread.
Drizzled with Extra Nutella: Warm a little Nutella and drizzle it over the cupcakes for an even richer chocolate-hazelnut experience.

Variations and Customizations

Want to put your own twist on this recipe? Here are a few fun ways to customize these cupcakes:

Make Them Gluten-Free: Use a high-quality gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour for a gluten-free version.
Add a Crunchy Topping: Sprinkle chopped hazelnuts or chocolate shavings over the frosting for added texture.
Try a Different Filling: Instead of Nutella, experiment with peanut butter, caramel, or even a strawberry jam filling.
Use a Different Base: Swap out the vanilla cupcake base for a chocolate one for an even more decadent dessert.

Conclusion

Strawberry Nutella Cupcakes are an absolute treat for dessert lovers, bringing together the rich taste of Nutella with the fresh sweetness of strawberries. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or just to satisfy a sweet craving, these cupcakes are sure to impress with their stunning look and mouthwatering taste. With their moist cake, creamy filling, and swirled frosting, they’re a show-stopping dessert that’s both easy to make and incredibly rewarding.

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