Decadent Chocolate Nutella Cupcakes with Creamy Trio Frosting
Indulge in these scrumptious Decadent Chocolate Nutella Cupcakes topped with a luscious trio of cream cheese frostings. Each moist chocolate cupcake is infused with Nutella, creating a rich flavor that pairs perfectly with the fluffy, creamy frostings. Choose from a classic vanilla cream cheese frosting, a rich Nutella cream cheese twist, or a delightful almond butter or peanut butter variation. These cupcakes make the perfect dessert for any occasion—from birthday parties to casual family gatherings. Bake once, and enjoy a delightful mix of flavors that will have you and your guests coming back for more!
N/A
Servings
360
Calories
25
Ingredients
Ingredients
Nutella
2/3 cup (no preparation needed)
All-purpose flour
1 cup (sifted)
Cake flour
1 1/2 cups (sifted)
Unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 cups (sifted)
Baking soda
2 teaspoons (no preparation needed)
Baking powder
1 teaspoon (no preparation needed)
Salt
3/4 teaspoon (no preparation needed)
Large eggs
3 (at room temperature)
Granulated sugar
1 1/2 cups (no preparation needed)
Butter, softened
3/4 cup (softened to room temperature)
Buttermilk
2 1/2 cups (no preparation needed)
Cream cheese
8 ounces (softened to room temperature)
Butter, softened for frosting
5 tablespoons (softened to room temperature)
Powdered sugar for frosting
3 3/4 cups (sifted)
Clear vanilla extract
2 teaspoons (no preparation needed)
Cream cheese for Nutella frosting
6 ounces (softened to room temperature)
Butter for Nutella frosting
2 tablespoons (softened to room temperature)
Nutella for Nutella frosting
1/2 cup (no preparation needed)
Powdered sugar for Nutella frosting
3 3/4 cups (sifted)
Vanilla extract for Nutella frosting
1 teaspoon (no preparation needed)
Cream cheese for peanut butter frosting
6 ounces (softened to room temperature)
Butter for peanut butter frosting
2 tablespoons (softened to room temperature)
Almond butter or peanut butter
1/2 cup (no preparation needed)
Powdered sugar for peanut butter frosting
3 3/4 cups (sifted)
Vanilla extract for peanut butter frosting
1 teaspoon (no preparation needed)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line three dozen muffin cups with cupcake liners or lightly grease them with non-stick spray.
2
Sift the all-purpose flour, cake flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl. Set this dry mixture aside.
3
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the eggs and sugar together for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes pale and thick. Slowly add in the softened butter, mixing until well combined.
4
Mix in the Nutella until fully incorporated, then add the buttermilk and continue to beat until the mixture is smooth.
5
Gradually add the sifted flour mixture in three increments, mixing well after each addition until you achieve a smooth batter.
6
Carefully divide the batter into the prepared cupcake tins, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake for approximately 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7
Remove the cupcakes from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
8
For the Vanilla Cream Cheese Frosting: In a clean mixing bowl, beat the butter and cream cheese together until smooth. Mix in the clear vanilla extract, then gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, beating until fluffy. Adjust consistency with milk or more sugar as necessary.
9
For the Nutella Cream Cheese Frosting: In another large mixing bowl, beat the remaining butter and cream cheese until smooth. Add in the Nutella and vanilla extract, then incorporate the sifted powdered sugar gradually until the frosting is fluffy and smooth. If desired, adjust with milk or sugar.
10
For the Almond Butter or Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Frosting: In a separate bowl, cream the remaining butter and cream cheese until smooth. Mix in the almond butter or peanut butter along with the vanilla extract. Gradually add the powdered sugar until achieving a fluffy, smooth consistency—adjust as necessary.
11
Once the cupcakes are completely cool, place all three frosting types into piping bags. Pipe the frosting decoratively onto each cupcake and sprinkle with chocolate jimmies if desired.
Nutrition Information
18g
Fat
52g
Carbs
3g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main flavor of these cupcakes?
These are decadent chocolate cupcakes infused with Nutella and topped with a trio of cream cheese frostings.
How many cupcakes does this recipe make?
This recipe yields approximately three dozen (36) cupcakes.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long do the cupcakes need to bake?
The cupcakes should bake for approximately 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
What types of flour are used in the batter?
The recipe uses a combination of 1 cup of all-purpose flour and 1 1/2 cups of cake flour.
Is there Nutella in the cupcake batter itself?
Yes, 2/3 cup of Nutella is mixed into the batter to create a rich chocolate-hazelnut flavor.
How long should I beat the eggs and sugar?
You should beat the eggs and sugar together for about 5 minutes until the mixture is pale and thick.
What kind of liquid is used to provide moisture in the batter?
The recipe calls for 2 1/2 cups of buttermilk to add moisture and a slight tang.
What are the three types of frosting included?
The recipe includes a classic vanilla cream cheese frosting, a Nutella cream cheese frosting, and an almond butter or peanut butter cream cheese frosting.
Should the cocoa powder be sifted?
Yes, the 1 1/2 cups of unsweetened cocoa powder should be sifted with the other dry ingredients.
What is the calorie count for one cupcake?
Each cupcake contains approximately 360 calories.
How much fat is in each cupcake?
Each serving contains 18g of fat.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
There are 52g of carbohydrates in each cupcake.
How much protein is in each cupcake?
Each cupcake provides 3g of protein.
How much powdered sugar is needed for the vanilla frosting?
The vanilla cream cheese frosting requires 3 3/4 cups of sifted powdered sugar.
Can I use peanut butter for the third frosting option?
Yes, you can use either 1/2 cup of almond butter or 1/2 cup of peanut butter for the third frosting variation.
Should the eggs be at room temperature?
Yes, the three large eggs should be at room temperature for better mixing.
How full should I fill the cupcake liners?
Fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full with the chocolate batter.
What should I do if the frosting consistency is too thick?
You can adjust the consistency of the frostings by adding a little milk until it reaches the desired fluffiness.
Why is clear vanilla extract used?
Clear vanilla extract is used in the vanilla frosting to maintain a bright white color.
Is the butter used in the batter softened?
Yes, the 3/4 cup of butter for the batter should be softened to room temperature.
How should I prepare the muffin tins?
Line the muffin cups with cupcake liners or lightly grease them with non-stick spray.
How much cocoa powder is required?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 cups of unsweetened cocoa powder.
Do the cupcakes need to cool before frosting?
Yes, allow the cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack before applying any frosting.
What is the recommended decoration for these cupcakes?
The recipe suggests piping the frostings decoratively and sprinkling with chocolate jimmies.
How much Nutella is needed for the Nutella frosting specifically?
You will need 1/2 cup of Nutella for the Nutella cream cheese frosting.
What is the total number of ingredients listed?
The recipe lists a total of 25 ingredients including those for the three frostings.
How much cream cheese is needed for the first vanilla frosting?
The vanilla cream cheese frosting uses 8 ounces of softened cream cheese.
Can I use granulated sugar in the frosting?
No, the frosting specifically requires sifted powdered sugar to ensure a smooth, non-gritty texture.
Are these cupcakes suitable for special occasions?
Yes, they are perfect for birthday parties, family gatherings, or any celebration.