Rich & Creamy Nutella Cupcakes Kids Will Love

Rich, nutty, and utterly irresistible, nutella cupcakes combine soft chocolate or vanilla cake with the creamy indulgence of Nutella.

Each bite offers a luscious chocolate-hazelnut flavor that’s hard to resist, topped with a swirl of Nutella frosting or a sprinkle of hazelnuts for texture.

How to Make Nutella Cupcakes

These cupcakes are surprisingly simple to make and perfect for anytime you want a sweet, indulgent treat.

Whether for a birthday, casual dessert, or a fun weekend baking project, they deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Bake a batch of nutella cupcakes and enjoy the rich, chocolatey-hazelnut goodness in every single bite.

How to Get Your Nutella Cupcakes Just Right

Achieving perfectly moist, flavorful Nutella cupcakes requires attention to a few key details.

Here’s how to get consistently great results:

1. Properly Melt and Cool the Chocolate

When combining the chopped chocolate, cocoa, and espresso with hot water, allow it to sit for a few minutes before whisking.

This ensures smooth incorporation and prevents graininess. Let the mixture cool slightly before adding eggs or dairy to avoid curdling.

2. Measure Ingredients Accurately

Use a kitchen scale for flour, sugar, and cocoa powder to prevent dense or dry cupcakes.

Too much flour can weigh down the batter, while too little may cause cupcakes to collapse.

3. Don’t Overmix the Batter

Once the wet and dry ingredients are combined, mix just until no streaks of flour remain.

Overmixing can develop gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cupcakes instead of tender, soft ones.

4. Fill Muffin Cups Properly

Fill the liners about three-quarters full. Overfilling can cause cupcakes to spill over, while underfilling may lead to flatter, less moist cupcakes.

5. Bake Evenly

Check your oven temperature with an oven thermometer, if possible.

Cupcakes should be set and spring back slightly when touched.

Avoid opening the oven door frequently, which can cause uneven baking or sinking in the center.

6. Cooling Matters

Allow cupcakes to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This prevents them from breaking apart and helps retain moisture.

7. Handling Nutella Filling

When piping Nutella into the cupcake centers, make sure the cupcakes are completely cooled.

Warm cupcakes may cause the filling to melt and ooze out, resulting in messy presentation.

8. Frosting Tips

Ensure your melted chocolate for the buttercream is fully cooled before combining with butter and Nutella.

If it’s too warm, it can melt the butter, making the frosting runny.

Beat the buttercream until fluffy and smooth for easy piping and a beautiful finish.

By following these expert tips, you’ll end up with cupcakes that are soft, rich, and perfectly balanced between chocolate and Nutella flavors every time.

Variation Tips

Nutella cupcakes are wonderfully versatile, and you can easily tweak the recipe to suit your taste, dietary preferences, or add a creative twist. Here are some ideas:

1. Chocolate Variations

• Swap the bittersweet chocolate with milk chocolate for a sweeter, creamier cupcake.
• Add 1–2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to intensify the chocolate flavor.
• Mix in mini chocolate chips to the batter for extra bursts of chocolate in every bite.

2. Nutella Twists

• Swirl a little peanut butter or almond butter into the Nutella filling for a nutty twist.
• Replace the Nutella with a flavored chocolate-hazelnut spread or a sugar-free version to reduce sugar.

3. Flavor Enhancements

• Add 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the batter to deepen the chocolate flavor.
• Fold in a pinch of cinnamon, cardamom, or chili powder for a subtle, unexpected spice.
• Add a teaspoon of hazelnut liqueur or Frangelico to the batter for a boozy adult version.

4. Texture Tweaks

• Fold in chopped toasted hazelnuts or walnuts to add crunch to the cupcakes.
• Mix crushed Ferrero Rocher or chocolate cookie pieces into the batter for extra texture.

5. Dietary Substitutions

• For dairy-free cupcakes, replace butter with vegan margarine and use a plant-based yogurt or sour cream substitute.
• For egg-free cupcakes, use a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg) or a commercial egg replacer.
• Swap all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend to make them gluten-free.

6. Frosting Options

• Replace part of the Nutella in the buttercream with cream cheese for a tangy twist.
• Add a drizzle of caramel or chocolate ganache over the Nutella frosting for a decadent finish.
• Top with crushed cookies, chocolate shavings, or toasted hazelnuts instead of Ferrero Rocher for a fun variation.

These adjustments allow you to experiment while keeping the cupcakes tender, rich, and full of Nutella goodness.

Storage Tips

Proper storage is key to keeping your Nutella cupcakes fresh, moist, and flavorful.

Here’s how to store them safely and maintain their best texture:

1. Room Temperature

• Store unfrosted cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day.
• If cupcakes are already frosted, avoid leaving them at room temperature for more than a few hours, as the Nutella buttercream can soften too much in warm environments.

2. Refrigeration

• Place frosted cupcakes in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• To prevent the frosting from sticking or getting damaged, arrange cupcakes in a single layer and, if needed, place a sheet of parchment paper between layers.
• Before serving, allow refrigerated cupcakes to sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes so the frosting softens and the flavor is fully pronounced.

3. Freezing

• Unfrosted cupcakes: Wrap individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before filling and frosting.
• Frosted cupcakes: Freeze in a single layer in an airtight container for up to 1 month. For best results, freeze without toppings like Ferrero Rocher, which can be added after thawing. Thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight, then bring to room temperature before serving.

4. Packaging Tips

• Use airtight containers to prevent moisture loss and avoid dry cupcakes.
• Avoid stacking frosted cupcakes without a barrier to prevent smudging.
• For extra protection, wrap cupcakes individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a container.

Common Storage Mistakes to Avoid

• Leaving cupcakes exposed to air, which can dry them out.
• Freezing or refrigerating cupcakes without proper wrapping, leading to freezer burn or frosting damage.
• Attempting to store frosted cupcakes at room temperature for too long in warm climates, which can cause the frosting to melt and separate.

Following these tips ensures your Nutella cupcakes stay soft, moist, and delicious, even days after baking.

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