Why You’ll Love These Nutella Cupcakes

There’s a reason Nutella is adored worldwide, and when it’s combined with a perfectly baked cupcake, magic happens. This recipe stands out for several compelling reasons:

• Incredibly Moist & Fluffy: Our cupcake batter uses a thoughtful blend of ingredients like sour cream and vegetable oil to ensure a soft, tender crumb that melts in your mouth.
• Rich Nutella Flavor: Not only is Nutella incorporated into the luscious cream cheese frosting, but each cupcake is also filled with a dollop of warm Nutella, delivering an intense hazelnut chocolate experience with every bite.
• Easy to Follow: Despite their gourmet appearance, these cupcakes are surprisingly simple to make, even for novice bakers. The steps are clear, concise, and yield professional-looking results.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: From birthday parties to afternoon tea, or simply a weekend treat, these Nutella cupcakes are versatile and always a hit.
• Visually Appealing: Topped with a beautiful swirl of frosting and a Ferrero Rocher candy, they are as delightful to look at as they are to eat.

Crafted by Julie Maestre, this recipe is a testament to the joy of baking with simple, delicious ingredients.

Nutella Cupcakes: Recipe Overview

These rich cupcakes are super easy to make and just require a dollop of Nutella on top to complete the look. The cake is moist and fluffy and perfectly complements the chocolate and hazelnuts.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 14 minutes

Yields: 12 servings

Course: Cupcakes

Cuisine: American

Keywords: Nutella Cupcakes, Stuffed Nutella Cupcakes

Ingredients for Nutella Cupcakes

For the Cupcakes:

• 1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/3 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 2/3 cup milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract

For the Nutella Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 4 oz unsalted butter, softened
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup Nutella

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners and set aside. This ensures your cupcakes bake evenly and don’t stick.
2. Sift Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Sifting helps to aerate the flour and remove any lumps, resulting in a lighter cupcake texture.
3. Whisk Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, sour cream, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until well combined. This liquid mixture will ensure a moist and flavorful cake.
4. Combine Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step incorporates air, which contributes to the cupcake’s light texture.
5. Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the butter and sugar mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix at this stage.
6. Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the dry mixture and continue to mix on low speed until just smooth. Again, avoid overmixing, as this can lead to tough cupcakes. A few small lumps are perfectly fine.
7. Fill Cupcake Liners: Using an ice cream scoop or a spoon, divide the batter evenly among the 12 lined muffin cups. Fill each liner about two-thirds full to prevent overflow.
8. Bake Cupcakes: Bake for approximately 14 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean. Baking times can vary, so keep an eye on them. Once baked, let the cupcakes cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. They must be completely cool before frosting.
9. Make the Frosting (Cream Butter and Cream Cheese): To prepare the Nutella Cream Cheese Frosting, beat the softened unsalted butter and softened cream cheese together in a large bowl with an electric mixer until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
10. Add Powdered Sugar and Nutella: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until fully incorporated. Then, add the Nutella and continue to mix until the frosting is smooth, creamy, and wonderfully spreadable.
11. Fill with Nutella: Once the cupcakes are completely cool, use a small knife or a cupcake corer to cut a small hole in the center of each cupcake, removing a small cone of cake. Spoon or pipe a small amount of Nutella into each hole, filling the center. This step is optional but highly recommended for an extra burst of Nutella flavor!
12. Frost and Decorate: Frost the cupcakes generously with the prepared Nutella Cream Cheese Frosting. You can use a piping bag with your favorite tip for a decorative swirl, or simply spread it with a knife. For an extra special touch, pop a Ferrero Rocher chocolate on top of each cupcake and drizzle with a little warm Nutella before serving. Enjoy your delicious creations!

Tips for Perfect Nutella Cupcakes Every Time

Achieving bakery-quality cupcakes at home is easier than you think with a few simple tricks:

• Room Temperature Ingredients are Key: Ensure your butter, cream cheese, and eggs are at room temperature. This allows them to cream together smoothly, creating a uniform batter and a light, airy frosting without lumps.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to tough, dense cupcakes. Mix just until the ingredients are combined, even if there are a few small lumps.
• Measure Flour Correctly: The best way to measure flour is to spoon it into your measuring cup and then level it off with a straight edge. Scooping directly from the bag can compact the flour, leading to too much flour and dry cupcakes.
• Use Fresh Baking Agents: Baking powder and baking soda lose their potency over time. Always check the expiration dates to ensure your cupcakes rise properly.
• Don’t Overfill Cupcake Liners: Filling liners more than two-thirds full can cause cupcakes to overflow or dome excessively, making them harder to frost.
• Cool Completely Before Frosting: Frosting warm cupcakes will cause the frosting to melt and slide off, creating a mess. Be patient and let your cupcakes cool completely on a wire rack.
• Warm Nutella for Drizzle: If you’re drizzling extra Nutella on top, warm it slightly in the microwave for a few seconds (about 10-15) until it’s more liquid. This makes it easier to drizzle and gives it a glossy finish.
• Adjust Frosting Consistency: If your cream cheese frosting is too thick, add a teaspoon of milk until desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add a tablespoon more powdered sugar.

Variations & Customizations for Your Nutella Cupcakes

While these Nutella cupcakes are perfect as they are, don’t hesitate to get creative and customize them to your liking:

• Different Fillings: Instead of plain Nutella, try filling the cupcakes with a homemade raspberry jam, salted caramel, or even a mini marshmallow.
• Topping Alternatives: Beyond Ferrero Rocher, consider chopped toasted hazelnuts, mini chocolate chips, sprinkles, a dusting of cocoa powder, or a dollop of whipped cream.
• Spiced Nutella: Add a pinch of cinnamon or a tiny dash of chili powder to your Nutella frosting or filling for an interesting flavor twist.
• Coffee Enhancement: A teaspoon of instant espresso powder added to the cupcake batter can deepen the chocolate flavor beautifully.
• Mini Cupcakes: Adjust baking time for smaller cupcakes, typically 9-12 minutes, for bite-sized treats.
• Dark Chocolate Frosting: For a richer chocolate experience, melt a small amount of dark chocolate and incorporate it into the cream cheese frosting along with the Nutella.
• Boozy Kick: A teaspoon of hazelnut liqueur (like Frangelico) or coffee liqueur in the frosting can elevate the adult version of these treats.

Storage and Make-Ahead Guide

Proper storage ensures your Nutella cupcakes remain fresh and delicious:

• Room Temperature: Unfrosted cupcakes can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days.
• Refrigeration: Once frosted with cream cheese frosting, the cupcakes should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days due to the perishable nature of cream cheese. Allow them to come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture.
• Freezing Unfrosted Cupcakes: Unfrosted cupcakes freeze wonderfully! Wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature before frosting.
• Freezing Frosted Cupcakes: While possible, freezing frosted cupcakes can sometimes affect the frosting’s texture. If you do freeze them frosted, place them in the freezer uncovered for about an hour until the frosting is firm. Then, loosely wrap each cupcake in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are answers to some common questions about making Nutella cupcakes:

Can I use a different type of oil?

Yes, you can use any neutral-flavored oil like canola oil or grapeseed oil in place of vegetable oil. Avoid oils with strong flavors, like olive oil, as they can alter the taste of the cupcakes.

My frosting is too runny, what should I do?

If your frosting is too runny, it might be because your butter and cream cheese were too warm, or you added too much liquid. Try adding more powdered sugar (one tablespoon at a time) and refrigerating the frosting for 15-30 minutes to firm it up before using.

Can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?

While this recipe uses all-purpose flour, you can often substitute a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend (ensure it contains xanthan gum) for similar results. Results may vary slightly in texture.

How do I get my cupcakes to have flat tops for easier frosting?

Using room temperature ingredients, not overmixing the batter, and baking at the correct temperature can help. Some ovens bake hotter or colder than others, so a good oven thermometer can be helpful. Also, try to fill the cupcake liners consistently.

Is it necessary to sift the dry ingredients?

While not strictly “necessary” for all recipes, sifting helps to break up any lumps in the flour, baking powder, and baking soda, ensuring they are evenly distributed. This leads to a smoother batter and a more consistent, tender crumb in your finished cupcakes.

Nutritional Information

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation. Actual nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Liked this recipe?

We’d love to hear from you! Please leave a comment below and share your experience. Your feedback helps other bakers too!

• Rate This Recipe
• Pin This Recipe
• Print This Recipe