Decadent Nutella Cupcakes: Easy Recipe for the Ultimate Chocolate Hazelnut Treat
Indulge in the rich, creamy, and utterly irresistible flavor of these Nutella Cupcakes! Featuring a luxurious Nutella filling nestled within a moist chocolate cake base, and crowned with a luscious Nutella frosting, these cupcakes are a dream come true for any chocolate and hazelnut enthusiast. The harmonious blend of flavors creates a truly decadent experience, yet they are surprisingly simple to prepare, requiring just one bowl for the batter. Get ready to bake the ultimate treat that will impress everyone!
As a professional baker, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as crafting recipes that bring together truly delicious flavor combinations. These creamy and rich Nutella cupcakes perfectly embody that joy. The pairing of rich chocolate and smooth hazelnut from Nutella is a classic for a reason, creating an irresistible profile that appeals to nearly everyone, myself included! It’s this universal appeal that makes baking so rewarding.
What makes these Nutella cupcakes stand out isn’t just their incredible taste, but also their remarkable simplicity. You don’t need any special baking prowess or sophisticated equipment to achieve bakery-quality results. The recipe utilizes common pantry staples like granulated sugar, cake flour, cocoa powder, and, of course, a generous amount of Nutella. This means you can whip up a batch of these delectable treats whenever a craving strikes, or for any occasion that calls for a truly special dessert, without a trip to a specialty store.
The journey of flavor in these cupcakes begins with a deep, dark chocolate base, baked to perfection for a wonderfully moist and tender crumb. But the magic doesn’t stop there. Each cupcake is then generously stuffed with a thick, creamy dollop of Nutella, ensuring a delightfully gooey and intensely chocolaty hazelnut surprise in every single bite. This unexpected core provides a wonderful contrast to the fluffy cake. To complete this masterpiece, each cupcake is lavishly topped with a homemade, velvety Nutella frosting, providing an extra layer of that coveted chocolate-hazelnut goodness. It’s a triple threat of flavor that truly elevates the humble cupcake into an extraordinary indulgence.
If you’re a fan of exploring exciting chocolate baking combinations, I highly recommend trying out these other fantastic recipes: our comforting Hot Chocolate Cupcakes, or the refreshing Mint Chocolate Cupcakes! They are sure to delight any chocolate lover.
Why You’ll Absolutely Love Baking These Nutella Cupcakes
There are countless reasons why these Nutella cupcakes are destined to become your new favorite dessert. Beyond their sensational taste, they offer an approachable baking experience that yields incredibly rewarding results. Here’s why you should make this recipe your next baking project:
- **An Irresistible Nutella Core:** The hidden Nutella filling is the true game-changer here. It transforms a delicious chocolate cupcake into an extraordinary delight, providing an unexpected burst of creamy, chocolaty hazelnut flavor with every bite. This gooey, molten center is what truly sets these cupcakes apart, offering a delightful textural contrast to the tender cake and making each bite an adventure.
- **Perfectly Paired Homemade Frosting:** Our homemade Nutella frosting isn’t just any topping; it’s the ideal complement to the rich chocolate cupcakes. Its creamy texture and robust nutty flavor enhance the chocolate notes of the cake without overpowering them, creating a harmonious and utterly addictive finish. It’s light, fluffy, and pipes beautifully for a professional, bakery-style look that will impress all your guests.
- **Beginner-Friendly and Time-Saving:** Despite their decadent appearance, these cupcakes are surprisingly easy to make. The recipe is straightforward, designed to be executed efficiently in just one bowl for the batter, minimizing cleanup and effort. With a handful of basic ingredients and simple, clear steps, even a novice baker can create a show-stopping dessert without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s perfect for both seasoned bakers looking for a quick win and anyone eager to try something impressive.
- **The Ultimate Treat for All Occasions:** Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a gathering, or simply want to treat yourself to something special on a quiet evening, these Nutella cupcakes are always a hit. Their universal appeal, combining beloved chocolate with irresistible hazelnut, makes them a fantastic choice for any event, guaranteeing smiles and satisfied sweet cravings. Once you try them, you’ll find yourself making them again and again – they’re that good!
Essential Ingredients for Your Nutella Cupcakes
One of the best aspects of this recipe is that it relies on readily available ingredients, many of which you likely already have in your pantry. However, understanding the role each component plays can elevate your baking from good to truly exceptional. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need to create these heavenly cupcakes, and why each ingredient is important:
- Granulated Sugar – More than just a sweetener, sugar plays a crucial role in the overall texture and moisture of your cupcakes. It helps create a tender crumb by interfering with gluten development, contributes to a beautiful golden-brown color, and ensures the cupcakes remain moist and delightful for longer.
- Cake Flour – This is absolutely key for achieving that incredibly soft and tender crumb characteristic of a perfect cupcake. Cake flour has a lower protein content compared to all-purpose flour, which means less gluten development. The result is a lighter, more delicate, and melt-in-your-mouth texture that standard flour simply can’t achieve.
- Leavening Agents (Baking Soda & Baking Powder) – These are the magic behind fluffy, well-risen cupcakes. Baking soda reacts with acidic ingredients like cocoa powder and buttermilk, creating carbon dioxide bubbles that lift the batter. Baking powder provides an additional boost, ensuring your cupcakes are light and airy, not dense or flat. Using both ensures a perfect rise.
- Kosher Salt – Often overlooked, salt is a vital flavor enhancer in baking. It doesn’t just add saltiness; it balances the intense sweetness of the chocolate and Nutella, bringing out the depth of the cocoa and making all the flavors pop and taste more complex. Don’t skip this small but mighty ingredient!
- Large Eggs – Eggs serve multiple functions: they bind the ingredients together, providing essential structure to the cupcake. They also add moisture and richness, and contribute to the overall tender texture. Using room temperature eggs helps them emulsify better with other ingredients, leading to a smoother, more uniform batter and a finer crumb.
- Buttermilk – The acidity in buttermilk reacts powerfully with the baking soda, contributing to a superior rise and an incredibly tender, fluffy texture. It also adds a subtle tangy note that complements the rich chocolate flavor beautifully, preventing the cupcakes from being overly sweet. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can easily make a substitute by adding a tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to regular milk and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes until it slightly curdles.
- Pure Vanilla Extract – This essential ingredient adds a warm, comforting aroma and deepens the overall flavor profile of the cupcakes. It’s especially important in chocolate recipes, as it helps to accentuate the chocolate notes and adds complexity rather than simply being overshadowed by the cocoa.
- Hot Black Coffee (or Hot Water) – A secret weapon for enhancing chocolate flavor! Hot coffee doesn’t make your cupcakes taste like coffee; instead, it dramatically intensifies the cocoa, making the chocolate taste richer and more profound. It also provides necessary liquid for the batter. If you prefer, hot water works as a neutral liquid, but coffee truly takes the chocolate to the next level.
- Vegetable Oil – Unlike butter, which can solidify and make baked goods dense when cooled, vegetable oil remains liquid at room temperature. This characteristic contributes significantly to the moistness and tenderness of the cupcakes, ensuring they stay soft and delicious for several days. It also helps create a finer, more delicate crumb.
- Nutella for Stuffing – This is the heart of the surprise! A generous dollop of thick, creamy Nutella baked into the center of each cupcake creates a deliciously gooey, molten chocolate-hazelnut core that elevates the experience from a simple cupcake to a gourmet delight. It’s the ultimate hidden treasure.
- Nutella Frosting – The final touch! Our special Nutella frosting recipe is specifically designed to be light, creamy, and pipeable, adding another layer of rich chocolate hazelnut flavor and an appealing aesthetic.
How to Master the Art of Making Nutella Cupcakes
Creating these decadent Nutella cupcakes is a straightforward and enjoyable process. Follow these simple steps to ensure perfect, bakery-quality results every time:
Step 1: Prepare for Baking. Begin by preheating your oven to 350° F (175°C). This ensures your oven is at the correct temperature when the batter is ready, which is crucial for a proper rise. Line a standard twelve-cup muffin tin with paper or silicone muffin liners. This step ensures easy removal of the baked cupcakes and minimizes cleanup. Set the prepared tin aside.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, or the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, measure out the granulated sugar, cake flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and kosher salt. It’s essential to measure accurately. Mix these dry ingredients on low speed for about 30 seconds, or whisk them lightly by hand, until they are thoroughly combined and free of lumps. This even distribution of leavening agents and salt is crucial for a consistent rise and balanced flavor throughout your cupcakes.
Step 3: Mix in the Wet Ingredients. With your mixer still on low speed (or continuing by hand with a whisk), add the two large eggs, one at a time, mixing briefly after each addition until just incorporated into the dry ingredients. Next, slowly pour in the buttermilk, pure vanilla extract, warm black coffee (or hot water), and vegetable oil. Increase the mixer speed to medium and mix for just 1 minute. The batter should be smooth and well combined. Be careful not to overmix; overmixing can develop too much gluten in the flour, resulting in tough, dense cupcakes. A few small lumps are acceptable at this stage.
Step 4: Scoop and Bake. Using a cookie scoop or a measuring spoon, evenly distribute the cupcake batter into the prepared muffin tins. Consistency in filling ensures even baking and uniform cupcake sizes. Aim for about two-thirds to three-quarters full in each liner. This leaves enough room for the cupcakes to rise beautifully without overflowing, preventing messy spills in your oven. Transfer the muffin tin to the preheated oven and bake for approximately 18 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean, or with just a few moist crumbs attached. Avoid opening the oven door too frequently during baking, especially in the first 10 minutes, as this can cause the cupcakes to sink. Once baked, allow the cupcakes to cool in the muffin pan for about 10 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling completely is absolutely essential before proceeding to the next step.
Step 5: Fill and Frost the Cupcakes. Once the cupcakes are completely cooled to room temperature, it’s time for the delicious Nutella filling. Using a cupcake corer or a small pairing knife, carefully cut out a small cone-shaped section from the center of each cupcake. Be sure not to cut all the way down to the bottom, as this could cause the filling to melt and leak out. Next, fill a piping bag (or a sturdy zip-top bag with one corner snipped off) with your ¼ cup of Nutella. Pipe a generous amount of Nutella into the hollowed-out center of each cupcake. Finally, frost your filled cupcakes with the decadent Nutella frosting, using a piping bag fitted with your favorite tip for an elegant finish, or simply spreading it with an offset spatula for a rustic charm. Enjoy the ultimate chocolate hazelnut experience!
Expert Tips for Perfect Nutella Cupcakes Every Time
Achieving bakery-worthy cupcakes is easier than you think with these professional tips and tricks. Pay attention to these details, and you’ll be rewarded with incredibly moist, flavorful, and beautiful Nutella cupcakes that taste like they came from a gourmet patisserie:
- Room Temperature Ingredients are a Must: For the best emulsion and a smooth, consistent batter, always use room temperature eggs and buttermilk. Cold ingredients can cause the batter to curdle and affect the final texture of your cupcakes. Take them out of the fridge at least 30 minutes to an hour before you plan to start baking. This allows them to integrate more smoothly and evenly, leading to a lighter and more uniform crumb.
- The Golden Rule: Do Not Overmix! Overmixing the batter is one of the most common mistakes in baking. Once you’ve added the wet ingredients to the dry, mix only until just combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour too much, which can result in tough, dense, and dry cupcakes. A few small lumps in the batter are perfectly fine; it’s always better to slightly undermix than to overmix.
- Properly Fill Your Muffin Cups: Using a cookie scoop or a measuring cup ensures that each muffin cup is filled consistently. Aim for about 2/3 to 3/4 full. This allows the cupcakes enough space to rise beautifully without overflowing, preventing messy spills in your oven and ensuring uniformly sized baked goods.
- Wait for Complete Cooling Before Filling: This tip is crucial for the Nutella filling. Ensure your cupcakes are completely cool to the touch before coring and filling them. If the cupcakes are still warm, the Nutella filling can melt, seep into the cake, or even leak out the bottom. Patience is key here for that perfect gooey, contained center.
- Accurate Flour Measurement: For precise results, especially with delicate cake flour, always use the spoon-and-level method. Spoon the flour into your measuring cup until it overflows, then level off the excess with a straight edge (like a knife or the back of a spoon). Never scoop directly from the bag, as this can compact the flour and lead to using too much, resulting in dry cupcakes.
- Use Quality Cocoa Powder: The quality of your cocoa powder significantly impacts the depth of flavor in your chocolate cupcakes. Opt for a good quality unsweetened cocoa powder for a rich, intense chocolate taste that perfectly complements the creamy Nutella. Dutch-processed cocoa powder can offer a darker color and milder flavor.
- Test for Doneness Correctly: An inserted toothpick coming out clean (or with a few moist crumbs attached, but no wet batter) is the standard test. Overbaking, even by a minute or two, can quickly lead to dry, crumbly cupcakes. Start checking a minute or two before the suggested bake time and keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes of baking.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
To keep your delicious Nutella cupcakes fresh and enjoyable for as long as possible, follow these storage guidelines. Proper storage is essential for maintaining their moistness and decadent flavor:
Storing: Once completely cooled and frosted, place your Nutella cupcakes in an airtight container. They can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days, maintaining their moistness and rich flavor. If you wish to extend their freshness, especially in warmer climates or if they have dairy-based frosting, store them in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Remember to bring them back to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving for the best taste and texture – the frosting and cake will soften beautifully.
Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the UNFROSTED cupcakes. Freezing them unfrosted helps preserve their texture and prevents the frosting from getting smushed or sticky. Wrap each unfrosted cupcake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, ensuring no air can reach them, then place them in an airtight freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. They will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, remove the desired number of cupcakes from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature while still in their wrapping. Once thawed, you can then frost them freshly with your homemade Nutella frosting, making them taste as good as freshly baked!
Frequently Asked Questions About Nutella Cupcakes
Here are answers to some common questions that arise when baking these delicious Nutella cupcakes, helping you troubleshoot and customize your baking experience:
- What is the secret to making truly moist cupcakes?
Achieving perfectly moist cupcakes hinges on several crucial factors:
- Correct Ingredient Ratios: Ensure you use the precise amounts of wet and dry ingredients specified in the recipe. Too much flour or too little liquid can quickly lead to dry results.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: As mentioned in our tips, eggs and buttermilk at room temperature emulsify better, creating a smoother batter that bakes more evenly and retains moisture more effectively.
- Do Not Overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, which can make cupcakes tough and dry. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined; a few small lumps are perfectly fine.
- Don’t Overbake: This is perhaps the most critical factor. Cupcakes can go from perfectly baked to dry in a matter of minutes. Test for doneness with a toothpick inserted into the center – it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, but absolutely no wet batter.
- Inclusion of Oil: Vegetable oil (as opposed to solely butter) contributes significantly to long-lasting moisture, as it stays liquid even when cooled, keeping your cupcakes soft for days.
- Can I make these chocolate cupcakes without coffee?
Absolutely! While hot black coffee is highly recommended because it subtly intensifies and deepens the chocolate flavor without making the cupcakes taste like coffee, you can easily substitute it with an equal amount of hot water. The hot water will still provide the necessary liquid component for the batter, ensuring proper consistency, and your cupcakes will still be wonderfully chocolatey and delicious. However, for a truly deep, dark, and rich chocolate flavor, coffee is the preferred choice for its unique ability to enhance cocoa notes.
- Can I use a different filling in the center of the cupcakes?
Yes, feel free to get creative with the filling! If Nutella isn’t available, or if you simply want to try a different flavor combination, there are many delicious alternatives. Consider a rich chocolate ganache for an extra chocolatey punch, a dollop of your favorite fruit jam (raspberry or cherry would be fantastic with chocolate), creamy peanut butter for a classic combo, or even a swirl of dulce de leche for a caramel twist. Just ensure the filling isn’t too runny, or it might melt and leak out of the cupcake during or after baking. Make sure whatever you choose complements the rich chocolate base.
- Can I substitute cake flour with all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can, but there might be a slight difference in texture. Cake flour provides a lighter, more tender crumb due to its lower protein content. If using all-purpose flour, you can create a DIY cake flour substitute by removing 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour from each cup and replacing it with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Sift this mixture together several times to ensure it’s well combined. This substitute helps to replicate the lower protein content and achieve a more tender result, though it won’t be exactly the same as true cake flour.
- How can I achieve perfectly domed cupcakes?
Perfectly domed cupcakes are often a sign of even baking and proper leavening. Here are some tips to help you get those beautiful, rounded tops:
- Accurate Oven Temperature: Ensure your oven thermostat is accurate. An oven thermometer can help verify this, as many home ovens can be off by several degrees.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: As discussed, this aids in better emulsification and a smoother batter, which bakes more evenly and rises consistently.
- Fresh Leavening Agents: Baking soda and baking powder lose their potency over time. Always check their expiration dates and ensure they are fresh for maximum lift.
- Don’t Overfill: Filling cupcake liners 2/3 to 3/4 full is ideal. Overfilling can lead to flat tops, mushroom-shaped cupcakes, or even overflowing batter.
- Avoid Opening Oven Door: Resist the temptation to open the oven door during the first two-thirds of baking time, as sudden temperature drops can cause cupcakes to sink and lose their dome.
More Delicious Ways to Enjoy Your Cupcakes
While these Nutella cupcakes are undeniably perfect on their own, there are always exciting ways to elevate and customize your dessert experience. Here are some wonderful suggestions to try, adding new dimensions of flavor and texture:
- A Touch of Caramel Decadence: Drizzle the tops of your frosted Nutella cupcakes with a luscious Bourbon Caramel Sauce. The salty-sweet notes of caramel, especially with a hint of bourbon, will add an extra layer of sophisticated richness that pairs beautifully with chocolate and hazelnut, creating an unforgettable gourmet treat.
- Creamy Chocolate Twist: Instead of the classic Nutella frosting, try frosting the tops with a velvety Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting. The slight tang of cream cheese provides a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the cake and Nutella, creating a wonderfully balanced and rich flavor profile that’s both indulgent and refreshing.
- Perfect Beverage Pairing: Enhance your dessert experience by enjoying these delightful cupcakes with a refreshing cup of Caramel Iced Coffee. The cool, creamy coffee drink offers a lovely counterpoint to the rich, warm flavors of the cupcake, making for a truly satisfying and harmonious treat.
- Warm and Buttery Frosting Option: These cupcakes also pair exceptionally well with a homemade Brown Sugar Buttercream. The warm, molasses notes of brown sugar add a unique depth and a comforting, almost toffee-like flavor that harmonizes beautifully with the chocolate and hazelnut, creating a cozy and inviting dessert.
- Garnish with Toasted Hazelnuts: For an extra touch of elegance and crunch, sprinkle finely chopped or coarsely crushed toasted hazelnuts over the frosted cupcakes. This not only adds a wonderful textural element but also reinforces the delightful hazelnut flavor profile, making each bite even more satisfying.
Decadent and Easy Nutella Cupcakes
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Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 250g
- 1 1/4 cup cake flour, 144 g
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 40g
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/2 cup buttermilk, room temperature
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup hot black coffee, or hot water
- 2.5 tbsp vegetable oil
- ¼ cup Nutella, for stuffing cupcakes
- Nutella frosting, for topping cupcakes
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350° F (175°C) and line a 12 cup muffin tin with muffin liners. Set aside.
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In a large bowl or the bowl of a hand or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the 1 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 ¼ cup cake flour, 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp baking powder, and ¼ tsp kosher salt.
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Mix on low speed or whisk lightly for about 30 seconds to combine thoroughly.
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With the mixer on low speed, add in the 2 large eggs one at a time, mixing until each is fully combined before adding the next. Ensure eggs are at room temperature.
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Slowly pour in the 1/2 cup buttermilk, 1 tsp pure vanilla extract, 1/2 cup warm black coffee (or hot water), and 2.5 tbsp vegetable oil.
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Increase the mixer speed to medium and mix for just 1 minute until the batter is smooth and combined. Be careful not to overmix.
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Using a cookie scoop, scoop the batter ⅔ to ¾ way full into the muffin tins. Bake for 18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cool the cupcakes in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove them to a wire rack to cool completely before proceeding with the filling and frosting.
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Using a cupcake corer or pairing knife, cut out a small cone-shaped part of the center of each cupcake. Ensure you do not cut down to the very bottom of the cupcake, or the filling may leak.
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Fill a piping bag or a sturdy zip-top bag with the ¼ cup of Nutella and pipe a generous amount into the center of each cored cupcake.
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Finally, frost your delicious cupcakes with homemade Nutella frosting.