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Nutella frosting on a cupcake

Chocolate Cupcakes with Creamy Nutella Frosting

★★★★★ 5 from 1 reviews
  • Author: Sally
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 18 minutes
  • Total Time: 3 hours
  • Yield: 14 cupcakes
  • Category: Cupcakes
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Super moist and rich homemade chocolate cupcakes topped with creamy Nutella buttercream frosting.

Ingredients

Chocolate Cupcakes

  • 1 cup (240ml) water
  • 1/2 cup (41g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 and 1/3 cups (166g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Creamy Nutella Frosting

  • 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 4 cups (460g) confectioners’ sugar
  • 3/4 cup (225g) Nutella
  • 1/3 cup (80ml) heavy cream or whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • pinch salt
  • optional: decorative candies

Instructions

  1. Make the cupcakes: Preheat oven to 375°F (191°C). Line 14 cups from 2 12-count muffin pans with liners.
  2. Over high heat, boil the water in a small saucepan. Pour the unsweetened cocoa powder into a medium sized bowl and mix with boiling water until smooth. Allow to cool to room temperature by placing in the refrigerator as you prepare the other ingredients.
  3. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium sized bowl. Set aside.
  4. In a large bowl, using an electric hand or stand mixer, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating until smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Beat in the vanilla extract. Slowly add the flour mixture and beat only until *just* combined. In a steady stream, add the cooled cocoa mixture and stir until smooth.
  5. Fill each muffin tin 3/4 of the way full with batter. Bake for 16-19 minutes, keeping an eye on them to avoid even the slightest burning (which will lend dry cupcakes). My cupcakes took 17 minutes and a toothpick inserted in the middle came out clean. Remove from oven and place on a wire rack to cool before frosting.
  6. Make the frosting: In a large bowl using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter on medium speed until smooth, about 2 minutes. Stop the mixer and add confectioners’ sugar, Nutella, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Beat on low speed for 30 seconds, then increase to medium-high speed and beat for 2 full minutes. Add up to 1/2 cup more confectioners’ sugar if frosting is too thin or another Tablespoon of cream if frosting is too thick. Add a pinch of salt if frosting is too sweet. (I always add 1/8 teaspoon salt.)
  7. Frost cooled cupcakes with a piping tip, knife, or icing spatula. I used Wilton #12 round tip. Decorate with candies, if desired.
  8. Serve immediately. Store leftover cupcakes in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Notes

  1. Make Ahead & Freezing Instructions: Plain cupcakes can be made ahead 1 day in advance, covered and stored in the refrigerator overnight. Frosting can also be made 1 day in advance, covered, and stored in the refrigerator until ready to use. Bring cupcakes and buttercream to room temperature before frosting. Freeze frosted or unfrosted cupcakes for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
  2. Special Tools (affiliate links): 12-Count Muffin Pan | Cupcake Liners | Mixing Bowl | Whisk | Electric Mixer (Handheld or Stand) | Cooling Rack | Piping Bag (Disposable or Reusable) | Wilton #12 Round Tip
  3. Be sure to check out my 10 tips for baking the BEST cupcakes before you begin!

Keywords: chocolate nutella cupcakes

Find it online: https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/chocolate-cupcakes-with-creamy-nutella-frosting/