Nutella Cupcakes Recipe (Milk Chocolate)

Everybody loves Nutella. The creamy, chocolaty hazelnut spread clearly came from heaven. So what could be better than a cupcake that is almost doused in Nutella? Well, nothing.

I made these Nutella cupcakes for a professional event and I had so many rave reviews. In fact, I had several people ask me if they can special order cupcakes from me in the future.

This recipe is simple and easy to follow.

YOU WILL NEED:

For the Cake



1 MILK chocolate Cake Box Mix (do not settle for any other kind of chocolate cake, this one is the absolute best and most tasty, and will allow the Nutella flavor to come through best).

Apple Sauce (servings vary)- Apple sauce is healthier than oil or butter and it makes the cake very moist. The ratio is no different for the apple sauce, so be sure to use the same serving as the box instructs you to use for the oil. (servings vary by box brand).

3 eggs - If you would prefer egg whites, you can substitute 3 whole eggs for 4 egg whites.

1 Jar Nutella - you will be using it for both the cake and the frosting. Further details below.


For the Frosting
1/2 stick (or 1/2 cup) Shortening
1 lb (or 4 cups) powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla flavoring
1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened


DIRECTIONS:

1. Pre-heat oven to 340 degrees (or 10 degrees less than what it says on the cake box mix). This little tip works wonders. Place baking cups in cupcake trays.

2. Mix the cake mix, eggs and applesauce for several minutes until batter is rich and creamy.

3. Use an ice cream scooper to scoop in even and equal amounts of batter into each baking cup.

4. After all of the batter has been scooped into the trays, take 1 teaspoon (or tablespoon, to your preference) of NUTELLA and drop it into each baking cup. For best results, drop each scoop into the center. No need to push it down or into the batter - the batter will rise over it and it will slowly go down towards the bottom as it bakes.

5. Bake for 18-22 minutes.

While the cupcakes are baking, you can begin making the frosting:


6. Using a mixer, beat the shortening and the softened butter or margarine until creamy.

7.  Add vanilla.

8. Slowly begin to add the powdered sugar into the mix, cup by cup. Continue mixing until the frosting is thick and creamy.

9. Add two tablespoons of Nutella. Mix for 10 seconds more.

10. If you feel it is still too thick, you may add a tablespoon of milk to your preference.


Voila! Nutella Cupcakes!


Frost to your preference, using whatever methods you choose. For practical tips and tricks on icing cupcakes, stay tuned for my Tips & Tricks posts.