Welcome to the most irresistible nutella cupcakes recipe you'll ever try! As someone who has spent countless hours perfecting the art of chocolate hazelnut baking, I can confidently say these nutella cupcakes will become your go-to dessert for every occasion. The rich, creamy hazelnut spread combined with fluffy chocolate cake creates a match made in dessert heaven.
These homemade nutella cupcakes aren't just another sweet treat; they're a celebration of flavor that brings families together around the kitchen table. Whether you're baking for a birthday party, weekend treat, or simply satisfying that chocolate craving, this nutella cupcakes recipe delivers consistently perfect results every single time.
The Magic Behind These Incredible Nutella Cupcakes
What makes these nutella cupcakes truly stand out from ordinary chocolate cupcakes is the perfect balance of textures and flavors. The secret lies in incorporating the hazelnut spread both into the batter and as a luscious filling, creating layers of indulgent taste that dance on your palate. Unlike store-bought alternatives, these homemade nutella cupcakes maintain their moisture for days while delivering that signature chocolate-hazelnut punch.
The beauty of this nutella cupcakes recipe is its versatility and foolproof nature. Even novice bakers can achieve professional-looking results, thanks to simple techniques that maximize flavor while minimizing effort. Each bite offers the perfect combination of fluffy cake, creamy nutella filling, and rich frosting that makes these cupcakes absolutely unforgettable.
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Ingredients
- All-purpose flour
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Large eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Buttermilk
- Vegetable oil
- Hot water
- Nutella hazelnut spread
- Butter
- Powdered sugar
- Heavy cream
- Chocolate chips
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Prepare the Cupcake Base
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line cupcake pan with paper liners
- Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in large bowl
- Combine sugars, eggs, vanilla, buttermilk, and oil in separate bowl
- Gradually mix wet ingredients into dry ingredients until smooth
- Slowly add hot water to create silky batter consistency
Create Nutella Magic
- Fill cupcake liners halfway with chocolate batter
- Add generous spoonful of Nutella to center of each cupcake
- Top with remaining batter to cover hazelnut spread completely
- Bake for 18-20 minutes until toothpick inserted in cake portion comes out clean
- Cool completely on wire rack before frosting
Perfect Finishing Touches
- Beat butter until light and fluffy for frosting base
- Gradually add powdered sugar, Nutella, and cream until smooth
- Pipe or spread frosting generously on cooled cupcakes
- Garnish with chocolate chips or chopped hazelnuts
- Store in airtight container for optimal freshness
Equipment For Nutella Cupcakes
- Standard 12-cup muffin tin
- Paper cupcake liners
- Large mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wire cooling rack
- Piping bag with decorating tips
- Ice cream scoop for even batter distribution
Expert Cooking Tips
- Room temperature ingredients blend more easily for smoother batter
- Don't overmix the batter to maintain light, fluffy texture
- Use high-quality Nutella for best flavor results
- Fill liners only ⅔ full to prevent overflow during baking
- Test doneness by inserting toothpick into cake, not Nutella center
- Allow complete cooling before frosting to prevent melting
- Warm Nutella slightly for easier mixing and spreading
Recipe Variations
- Banana Nutella: Add mashed bananas to batter for tropical twist
- Peanut Butter Swirl: Replace half the Nutella with peanut butter
- Espresso Enhancement: Add instant coffee to intensify chocolate flavor
- Strawberry Surprise: Include fresh strawberry pieces with hazelnut filling
- Salted Caramel: Drizzle caramel sauce over finished nutella cupcakes
- Vegan Option: Substitute plant-based milk and egg replacers
- Gluten-Free: Use almond flour blend instead of regular flour
Storage
- Store covered cupcakes at room temperature for up to 3 days
- Refrigerate frosted cupcakes for extended freshness up to 1 week
- Freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 3 months in airtight containers
- Bring refrigerated cupcakes to room temperature before serving
- Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources
- Separate layers with parchment paper when stacking for storage
Sweet Secrets: Pro Baker's Hidden Tips
The real magic happens when you understand the science behind perfect nutella cupcakes. Professional bakers know that slightly underbaking these treats creates that coveted fudgy center while maintaining structural integrity. The key is recognizing that the Nutella filling will continue cooking from residual heat, so removing them just as the cake portion sets ensures optimal texture.
Temperature control is everything when working with hazelnut spread in baking. I've discovered that warming the Nutella slightly before incorporating it into batters or frostings creates smoother distribution and prevents those frustrating lumps. This simple trick transforms good nutella cupcakes into extraordinary ones that rival expensive bakery versions.
FAQ
Can you put Nutella in cupcake mix?
Absolutely! Adding Nutella directly to cupcake mix creates rich, moist nutella cupcakes with incredible flavor. Simply warm ½ cup Nutella until spreadable, then fold into your prepared batter. The hazelnut spread enhances both texture and taste, creating decadent cupcakes that are perfectly chocolatey. This method works beautifully with both homemade and boxed cake mixes for consistent results.
What happens to Nutella if you bake it?
When baked, Nutella becomes wonderfully gooey and intensifies in flavor, making it perfect for nutella cupcakes. The hazelnut spread softens during baking but doesn't lose its creamy texture or rich taste. Instead, it creates pockets of molten chocolate-hazelnut goodness that burst with flavor in every bite. The heat actually enhances the cocoa and hazelnut notes for even more delicious results.
What is a 2 ingredient dessert with Nutella?
The simplest 2-ingredient Nutella dessert combines equal parts Nutella and eggs, whisked together and baked into flourless nutella cupcakes. This creates incredibly rich, fudgy treats that satisfy any chocolate craving. Simply mix 1 cup Nutella with 4 large eggs, pour into cupcake liners, and bake at 350°F for 12-15 minutes. These naturally gluten-free cupcakes are surprisingly satisfying and deliciously decadent.
How to bake Nutella cupcakes?
Baking perfect nutella cupcakes requires combining chocolate cupcake batter with strategic Nutella placement. Start with quality chocolate cupcake base, fill liners halfway with batter, add a spoonful of Nutella to center, then top with remaining batter. Bake at 350°F for 18-20 minutes until cake springs back lightly. The key is ensuring the Nutella stays centered for that perfect surprise filling.
Sweet Endings: More Delicious Adventures Await
These incredible nutella cupcakes represent just the beginning of your baking journey toward creating memorable desserts that bring joy to every table. The techniques you've mastered here—from perfectly incorporating hazelnut spread to achieving ideal moisture levels—will serve you well in countless other recipes. Remember, the best nutella cupcakes come from bakers who aren't afraid to experiment and add their personal touch to each batch.
As you continue exploring the wonderful world of homemade desserts, consider trying our Traditional German Apple Cake Recipe for a delightful fruit-forward option that pairs beautifully with afternoon tea. For those seeking another cupcake adventure, our Simple Steps to the Ultimate Pistachio Cupcake Recipe offers an elegant twist with sophisticated flavors. These nutella cupcakes will always hold a special place in your recipe collection, serving as the perfect foundation for countless delicious variations and cherished baking memories.
From my kitchen, with heart.
Nicole Harper ❤️
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Nutella Cupcakes
Nutella Cupcakes
Equipment
- 1 12-cup muffin tin standard size
- 12 Paper cupcake liners
- 2–3 Mixing bowls large
- 1 Electric mixer or whisk for batter + frosting
- 1 set Measuring cups/spoons
- 1 Wire cooling rack
- 1 Piping bag with tips for frosting
- 1 Ice cream scoop for even batter
Ingredients
Cupcake Batter
- 1 ½ cups All-purpose flour
- ½ cup Unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon Baking powder
- ½ teaspoon Baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon Salt
- ½ cup Granulated sugar
- ½ cup Brown sugar packed
- 2 large Eggs room temp
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- ½ cup Buttermilk room temp
- ½ cup Vegetable oil
- ½ cup Hot water
- 1 cup Nutella divided (batter + filling + frosting)
Frosting & Garnish
- ½ cup Butter softened
- 1 ½ cups Powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoon Heavy cream adjust for texture
- ¼ cup Chocolate chips garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F, line pan with liners.
- Combine dry ingredients (flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, salt).
- Whisk sugars, eggs, vanilla, buttermilk, and oil.
- Mix wet into dry ingredients, then stir in hot water until smooth.
- Scoop batter halfway into liners, add spoonful of Nutella, cover with more batter.
- Bake 18–20 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely.
- Beat butter, Nutella, powdered sugar, and cream until fluffy for frosting.
- Frost cupcakes and garnish with chocolate chips or hazelnuts.
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