Nutella Chocolate Cupcakes Recipe

Heavenly Nutella Chocolate Cupcakes Recipe: Sweet Joy in Every Bite

Rich, decadent chocolate swirls meet creamy nutella chocolate cupcakes in this irresistible dessert dream.

These cupcakes pack a punch of indulgent flavor that melts hearts instantly.

Chocolate lovers will swoon over the deep, velvety texture and luxurious nutella undertones.

Every bite promises a perfect balance of sweetness and intense cocoa richness.

The recipe delivers bakery-quality treats you can easily whip up at home.

Simple ingredients transform into an elegant dessert that sparks joy with each delectable mouthful.

FAQs

  • Can I use a different type of chocolate instead of cocoa powder?

Yes, you can substitute cocoa powder with melted dark chocolate, but adjust the liquid content accordingly to maintain the right batter consistency.

  • Is it necessary to use both butter and shortening in the frosting?

While you can use all butter, the combination creates a smoother, more stable frosting that holds its shape better when piped.

  • How do I prevent my cupcakes from becoming dry?

Be careful not to overmix the batter and avoid overbaking. Check doneness with a toothpick at the minimum baking time and remove from the oven as soon as it comes out clean.

  • Can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?

Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking, ensuring it contains xanthan gum for proper texture.

Nutella Cupcakes – Why You’ll Want Seconds!

  • Bake with Minimal Effort: Perfect for bakers of all skill levels, these Nutella chocolate cupcakes require basic mixing techniques and simple ingredients anyone can handle.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Guaranteed to wow both kids and adults with rich chocolate flavor and creamy Nutella frosting, making it ideal for parties, gatherings, or weekend treats.
  • Customizable Indulgence: Easily personalize by adding extra toppings like hazelnut crumbs or chocolate drizzle, allowing creative freedom while maintaining a delicious core recipe.
  • Quick Preparation: Straightforward steps and standard kitchen tools mean you can whip up these decadent cupcakes without spending hours in the kitchen, delivering maximum taste with minimal complexity.

Shopping List For Nutella Chocolate Cupcakes

Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: The base of the cupcake that provides structure and texture.
  • Cocoa Powder: Gives a rich chocolate flavor to the cupcakes.
  • Baking Soda: Helps the cupcakes rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cupcakes.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Water: Helps to create moisture in the cupcake batter.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds a deep, warm flavor to the cupcakes.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide richness.
  • Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a tender crumb.
Frosting and Filling Ingredients:
  • Nutella, Butter, Shortening: Form the base of the creamy and decadent frosting.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and helps thicken the frosting.
  • Hazelnut Crumbs: Optional topping that adds crunch and extra nutty flavor.

Easy Directions For Rich Nutella Cupcakes

Step 1: Prepare Baking Space

Get your oven warmed up to 350°F.

Line a cupcake pan with pretty paper liners, making sure they’re evenly spaced and ready for delicious chocolate magic.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Grab a medium bowl and combine:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking soda
  • Salt

Whisk these ingredients together until they’re perfectly blended.

Step 3: Create Chocolate Base

In another bowl, whisk together:
  • Water
  • Cocoa powder
  • Vanilla extract

Stir until the mixture becomes rich and thick with a deep chocolate color.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using an electric mixer, beat butter and sugar together.

Whip until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and looks like a cloud of sweetness.

This should take about 3-4 minutes.

Step 5: Add Eggs

Crack eggs into the butter mixture one at a time.

Mix thoroughly after each addition, ensuring a smooth and creamy batter.

Step 6: Combine Chocolate Mixture

Pour the chocolate mixture into the batter.

Mix completely, scraping down the sides of the bowl to incorporate every delicious bit.

Step 7: Alternate Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add dry ingredients and milk to the batter, alternating between the two.

Mix gently after each addition to create a silky smooth consistency.

Step 8: Bake Cupcakes

Fill each cupcake liner about 3/4 full with batter.

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 15-17 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean.

Step 9: Cool Cupcakes

Let cupcakes rest in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to reach room temperature.

Step 10: Prepare Nutella Frosting

Beat together:
  • Butter
  • Shortening

Add Nutella and mix until smooth and creamy.

Step 11: Finish Frosting

Gradually incorporate:
  • Powdered sugar
  • Milk

Blend until the frosting reaches a silky, spreadable consistency.

Step 12: Fill Cupcakes

Core the cooled cupcakes and fill with luscious Nutella.

Step 13: Decorate and Serve

Pipe Nutella frosting on top of each cupcake.

For extra indulgence, drizzle with Nutella and sprinkle with crushed hazelnuts.

Bake Nutella Cupcakes Like A Pro Baker

  • Use premium Dutch-processed cocoa powder for richer, deeper chocolate flavor that elevates the entire cupcake.
  • Mix batter just until ingredients combine to avoid overworking, which can create dense, tough cupcakes.
  • Allow eggs, butter, and milk to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before mixing to ensure smoother, more even batter.
  • Use a small knife or cupcake corer to create precise centers, preventing overflow and ensuring consistent Nutella distribution.
  • Toast chopped hazelnuts before sprinkling on top to intensify their nutty flavor and add delightful crunch to the cupcakes.

Nutella Cupcake Upgrades & Variation Ideas

  • Gluten-Free Nutella Cupcakes: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend for celiac or gluten-sensitive bakers. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Vegan Chocolate Nutella Cupcakes: Swap eggs with flax eggs, use plant-based milk, and replace butter with coconut oil. Choose vegan Nutella alternative or homemade vegan chocolate spread.
  • Low-Sugar Nutella Cupcakes: Substitute sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Use dark cocoa powder and reduce Nutella quantity. Consider adding Greek yogurt for moisture.
  • Dairy-Free Nutella Cupcakes: Use coconut milk instead of regular milk. Replace butter with dairy-free margarine or coconut oil. Select dairy-free Nutella or chocolate spread for topping.

Creative Ways To Plate Nutella Cupcakes

Steps to Make Fall Poke Cake
  • Chocolate Lover's Dream: Top the cupcakes with a generous swirl of Nutella frosting and sprinkle crushed hazelnuts for an extra crunch and gourmet touch.
  • Party Pleaser Platter: Arrange cupcakes on a beautiful stand, creating a stunning chocolate centerpiece that will wow guests at birthdays or special gatherings.
  • Instagram-Worthy Finish: Drizzle warm Nutella in zigzag patterns over the frosted cupcakes and garnish with chocolate shavings for a picture-perfect dessert that looks professionally made.
  • Decadent Pairing Suggestion: Serve alongside a cold glass of milk or a rich espresso to complement the intense chocolate and Nutella flavors, creating a delightful taste experience.

How To Store Nutella Cupcakes For Later

  • Store frosted cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover loosely with plastic wrap to prevent frosting from smearing.
  • Wrap unfrosted cupcakes individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for 1-2 hours before frosting.
  • Keep unfrosted cupcakes at room temperature in a sealed container for 2-3 days. Avoid direct sunlight or heat sources.
  • Warm refrigerated cupcakes in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. For frozen cupcakes, let thaw completely before gently reheating to maintain moisture and texture.
Print
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Nutella Chocolate Cupcakes Recipe

Nutella Chocolate Cupcakes Recipe


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4.5 from 24 reviews

  • Total Time: 42 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Indulgent Nutella chocolate cupcakes deliver pure bliss with rich chocolate layers and creamy Nutella frosting. Chocolate enthusiasts will savor each heavenly bite of this irresistible dessert that promises pure decadence in every delightful mouthful.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (130g) all-purpose flour
  • 6 tablespoons (43g) natural unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 cup (207g) sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup (308g) Nutella
  • 1 cup (308g) Nutella (for frosting)

Wet Ingredients:

  • 6 tablespoons (90ml) water
  • 1/2 cup (112g) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 6 tablespoons (90ml) milk
  • 1/2 cup (112g) salted butter, room temperature
  • 1/4 cup (48g) shortening
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) heavy whipping cream

Finishing Ingredients:

  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 1/2 cups (403g) powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup (77g) Nutella
  • Hazelnut crumbs

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to 350°F and prepare a cupcake pan with decorative liners.
  2. Sift together dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, salt) in a medium mixing bowl.
  3. Create a rich chocolate base by whisking water, cocoa powder, and vanilla until smooth and glossy.
  4. Cream butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light, airy, and pale, approximately 3-4 minutes.
  5. Incorporate eggs individually, ensuring thorough blending after each addition.
  6. Fold the prepared chocolate mixture into the butter mixture, scraping down the sides to create a uniform batter.
  7. Gradually integrate dry ingredients and milk, alternating between the two to maintain a consistent texture.
  8. Distribute batter evenly into cupcake liners, filling each about 3/4 full.
  9. Bake for 15-17 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick that should emerge clean when inserted.
  10. Allow cupcakes to cool briefly in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.
  11. Prepare frosting by blending butter and shortening until completely smooth.
  12. Incorporate Nutella into the butter mixture, creating a rich, creamy base.
  13. Slowly add powdered sugar and milk, adjusting consistency until frosting is silky and spreadable.
  14. Carefully core the cooled cupcakes and fill with additional Nutella.
  15. Pipe the Nutella frosting generously on top of each cupcake.
  16. Optionally, embellish with a Nutella drizzle and sprinkle of crushed hazelnuts for extra decadence.

Notes

  • Swap cocoa powder with Dutch-processed cocoa for deeper, richer chocolate flavor without bitterness.
  • Replace milk with non-dairy alternatives like almond or oat milk to create a vegan-friendly version of these decadent cupcakes.
  • Check cupcake doneness early by gently pressing the center – it should spring back lightly without leaving an indentation, preventing potential overbaking.
  • Toast hazelnuts before crumbling to enhance their nutty profile and add a delightful crunch to the Nutella frosting topping.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 17 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 389 kcal
  • Sugar: 38 g
  • Sodium: 120 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 43 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg
Natalie Brooks

Natalie Brooks

Co-Founder & Content Strategist

Expertise

  • Vegan and plant-based recipe creation
  • Meal planning and nutritional analysis
  • Storytelling through blog content, video, and social media

Education

eCornell

  • Program: Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate
  • Focus: Whole-food, plant-based cooking, with a foundation in nutritional science and sustainable eating habits.

Natalie brings the vibrant, plant-powered side to Culinary Duo. After earning her Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate from eCornell, she combined her love for fresh ingredients with a passion for storytelling, aiming to make healthy cooking simple and satisfying.
Her kitchen motto: good food doesn’t need a fancy label, it just needs fresh ideas and a little creativity. Outside of writing and recipe testing, Natalie’s happiest in her garden, exploring farmers’ markets, or mixing global flavors into new kitchen experiments.

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