Decadent Nutella Cupcakes: An Irresistible Chocolate Hazelnut Treat

Prepare to fall in love with these incredibly moist chocolate cupcakes, generously stuffed with a creamy Nutella filling, and crowned with a light, fluffy Nutella frosting. If you’re a devoted fan of that iconic chocolate hazelnut spread, this Nutella Cupcakes recipe is an absolute must-try that promises to delight your taste buds.

The harmonious blend of rich chocolate cake, a luscious Nutella core, and a dreamy Nutella buttercream creates a flavor profile that is simply divine. Each bite offers an exquisite combination of textures and tastes that will leave everyone craving more. These cupcakes are not just delicious; they are a truly memorable dessert experience.

The secret weapon in these cupcakes is the generous dollop of Nutella nestled in the center. This decadent surprise elevates the entire treat, adding an extra layer of hazelnut goodness that complements the chocolate perfectly. What’s even better is that this recipe is surprisingly simple to follow, yet it yields professional-looking and tasting cupcakes that could easily be mistaken for bakery masterpieces. I whip these up frequently for gatherings, and they never fail to impress!

These versatile chocolate hazelnut cupcakes are perfect for any occasion, from casual family desserts to elaborate celebrations. Their universal appeal makes them an instant hit. Beyond traditional cupcakes, you can also adapt the Nutella theme to other delightful desserts like our Football Cupcakes Recipe (imagine a Nutella surprise!), Nutella Stuffed Cookies, and our quick Nutella Mug Cake.

If you’re an avid cupcake baker or just love trying new flavors, explore some of our other fantastic recipes. You might enjoy our Chocolate Chip Cupcakes, the sophisticated Salted Caramel Cupcakes, or the invigorating Mocha Cupcakes. For more indulgent options, don’t miss our Black Forest Cupcakes, the celebrated Best Red Velvet Cake Recipe (which can easily be adapted into cupcakes), and the unique Guinness Cupcakes. There’s a perfect cupcake for every palate!

What is Nutella?

Nutella is a globally celebrated brand of sweetened hazelnut cocoa spread, renowned for its incredibly smooth and creamy texture, similar to peanut butter but with a distinct chocolate and hazelnut flavor profile. Originating in Italy, it quickly became a beloved pantry staple worldwide. Made from sugar, palm oil, hazelnuts, cocoa powder, skim milk powder, lecithin (an emulsifier), and vanillin (an artificial flavor), Nutella offers a rich, sweet, and nutty taste that is both comforting and indulgent.

While Nutella is the most popular name brand, many generic or artisanal chocolate hazelnut spreads are available, and you can certainly use any brand you prefer for this recipe. The key is that delightful combination of chocolate and roasted hazelnuts, which adds an unparalleled richness and depth of flavor to every bite of these amazing cupcakes. It’s truly a magical ingredient that transforms ordinary desserts into extraordinary experiences.

Why You’ll Adore This Nutella Cupcake Recipe

• Effortlessly Moist and Delicious Cupcakes: Using a readily available cake mix as our base ensures these cupcakes are incredibly moist and easy to make, even for novice bakers. The instant chocolate pudding mix further enhances the moisture and richness, resulting in a tender crumb that melts in your mouth.
• The Best Nutella Frosting You’ll Ever Taste: Our homemade Nutella buttercream isn’t just visually stunning with its perfect piping consistency; it’s a creamy, dreamy masterpiece of flavor. It strikes the ideal balance between sweet and nutty, providing a luxurious topping that perfectly complements the chocolate cake.
• A Decadent Nutella Surprise in Every Center: What makes these cupcakes truly special is the hidden treasure within! Each cupcake is cored and filled with a generous amount of pure Nutella spread, ensuring a burst of chocolate hazelnut goodness with every bite. This surprise filling elevates the entire dessert from delicious to utterly irresistible.
• Bakery-Quality Taste and Appearance, Minus the High Cost and Hard Work: Achieve professional-level results without the hefty price tag or the intensive labor usually associated with gourmet treats. This recipe is designed to be straightforward, allowing you to create beautiful, delicious cupcakes that are perfect for any celebration or simply to treat yourself. Your friends and family will be convinced they came from a high-end bakery!

Ingredients

For the Moist Chocolate Cupcakes

• Devil’s Food Cake Mix: This provides a rich chocolate base that’s both easy and consistent. A standard 15.25-ounce box is perfect for 24 cupcakes.
• Instant Chocolate Pudding Mix: A crucial ingredient for moisture and enhanced chocolate flavor. Using a 3.4-ounce box of instant pudding mix (not cooked pudding) guarantees a wonderfully tender and moist cake. You can also make Chocolate Pudding from scratch if preferred, but for ease, the instant mix is ideal.
• Large Eggs: Essential for structure and richness in the cake batter. Ensure they are at room temperature for better incorporation.
• Water & Milk: These liquids hydrate the cake mix, creating a smooth batter. Using a combination of water and milk helps achieve the perfect consistency and adds to the richness.
• Vegetable Oil: Contributes to the moist texture of the cupcakes, keeping them tender for longer.
• Nutella: This is the star for the delicious filling! You’ll need about 1 cup for stuffing the baked cupcakes.

For the Dreamy Nutella Frosting

• Salted Butter: Softened at room temperature, salted butter balances the sweetness of the frosting and provides a rich, creamy base.
• Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract is always recommended for the best flavor, complementing the chocolate and hazelnut beautifully.
• Powdered Sugar: Also known as confectioners’ sugar, this provides the structure and sweetness for the frosting. Sifting it before use is key to preventing lumps and achieving that perfectly smooth, fluffy texture.
• Nutella: The second star of the show! Incorporating Nutella directly into the frosting gives it that unmistakable chocolate hazelnut flavor and silky consistency.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: Adjusts the frosting’s consistency, making it light, airy, and perfect for piping. Add it gradually until your desired texture is reached.
• Mini Chocolate Chips: These are for topping the finished cupcakes, adding a delightful crunch and extra chocolatey appeal. The mini size is perfect for garnish.

You can find the precise measurements for the entire ingredient list, along with step-by-step instructions, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page.

Creative Variations and Easy Substitutions

While these Nutella cupcakes are perfect as-is, feel free to get creative and customize them to your liking with these variations:

• Peanut Butter Bliss: If you’re a fan of the classic chocolate and peanut butter combination, consider filling the cupcakes with creamy peanut butter instead of Nutella. Alternatively, you could whip up a batch of our delicious peanut butter frosting to top them, creating a whole new flavor experience.
• Elegant Chocolate Drizzle: For an extra touch of sophistication and indulgence, skip the mini chocolate chips and instead drizzle a rich chocolate sauce or ganache over the top of the Nutella frosting. If you’re feeling truly decadent, you can even use both the chocolate chips and a drizzle!
• Vanilla Cake Base: While a chocolate cake base is traditional for Nutella cupcakes, this recipe is also incredibly delicious using a vanilla cake mix for the cupcakes. This option is great if you prefer a less intensely chocolatey flavor, allowing the hazelnut notes of the Nutella to shine through even more prominently.
• Fancy Toppings: Beyond mini chocolate chips, there are many delightful topping ideas. Try sprinkling chopped toasted hazelnuts over the frosting for added texture and an intensified nutty flavor. For a truly gourmet touch, place a Ferrero Rocher candy on top of each cupcake. Both options make these treats even more delicious and visually stunning.
• Homemade Cake from Scratch: For those who enjoy baking from the ground up, you can certainly use a homemade chocolate cake recipe for these cupcakes instead of a box mix. This allows for greater control over ingredients and can add a personal touch. It’s totally up to your preference and how much time you have!
• White Chocolate Accents: For a different flavor profile, consider adding white chocolate chips to the batter or drizzling melted white chocolate over the finished cupcakes. The creamy sweetness of white chocolate pairs wonderfully with the hazelnut.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Nutella Cupcakes

Creating these delightful Nutella cupcakes is a straightforward process. Follow these detailed steps for a perfect batch every time.

• Step 1. Prepare Your Baking Station: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). Line two standard 12-cup muffin pans with cupcake liners, ensuring they are ready for the batter. This preparation ensures a smooth baking process.

Step 2. Mix the Cupcake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, instant chocolate pudding mix, large eggs, water, milk, and vegetable oil. Using a stand mixer with the paddle attachment or a hand-held mixer, beat the ingredients together until they are just combined and smooth. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dry cupcakes. Use a rubber spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure all ingredients are incorporated. Carefully pour the prepared batter into the lined muffin cups, filling each approximately half to two-thirds full.

Step 3. Bake, Cool, and Fill: Place the muffin tins into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean. Once baked, remove the muffin tins from the oven and allow the cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack. This step is crucial before filling. Once thoroughly cooled, use a small spoon, a cupcake corer, or a paring knife to carefully remove a small hole from the center of each cupcake. Be sure not to go all the way through the bottom. Then, using a piping bag (or a spoon), pipe or spoon the Nutella into the center of each cored cupcake, filling the cavity generously.

Step 4. Prepare the Frosting Base: In a clean large mixing bowl, beat the softened salted butter and vanilla extract together using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment or a hand-held mixer. Beat on medium speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and smooth. This typically takes about 2-3 minutes, creating the perfect foundation for your creamy frosting.

Step 5. Incorporate Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar to the butter mixture, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until each addition is fully incorporated. The mixture will become quite thick. Continue adding until all the powdered sugar is combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure an even consistency. This slow addition prevents a cloud of sugar from engulfing your kitchen!

Step 6. Add Nutella and Adjust Consistency: Finally, add the cup of Nutella to the butter and powdered sugar mixture. Mix on low speed until it is thoroughly combined and the frosting takes on a uniform chocolate hazelnut hue. Then, slowly add the heavy whipping cream, one tablespoon at a time, continuing to mix on low speed. The goal is to reach a smooth, creamy consistency that is ideal for piping. You may need 4-5 tablespoons, depending on your desired thickness and the humidity in your kitchen.

Step 7. Frost and Garnish: Transfer the creamy Nutella frosting into a piping bag fitted with your favorite star tip (or any decorative tip you prefer). Pipe beautiful swirls or rosettes of frosting onto each of the filled cupcakes. Finish by sprinkling mini chocolate chips over the top of the frosting for an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal. Your decadent Nutella cupcakes are now ready to be served and savored!

Proper Storage for Freshness

To keep your Nutella cupcakes at their best, any leftovers should be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated for up to 3-5 days. The frosting, being buttercream, benefits from chilling. For optimal taste and texture, allow the cupcakes to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. This will ensure the cake is soft and moist, and the frosting is perfectly creamy.

Can You Freeze These Delicious Cupcakes?

Yes, absolutely! Freezing cupcakes is a fantastic way to prepare them in advance or save leftovers. For the best results, we recommend freezing unfrosted cupcakes. Place them in a freezer-safe container or tightly wrap each cupcake individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply allow them to thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then proceed with filling and frosting as normal.

If you need to freeze cupcakes that are already frosted, flash freezing is the key to preventing damage. Arrange the frosted cupcakes on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer for about 30 minutes to an hour, or until the frosting is firm. Once firm, individually wrap each cupcake in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Place the wrapped cupcakes inside a freezer bag or an airtight container to prevent freezer burn. Thaw them in the refrigerator, then let them come to room temperature before serving.

Pro Tips for Perfect Nutella Cupcakes

Achieving bakery-quality Nutella cupcakes is easier than you think with these expert tips:

• Achieve the Perfect Frosting with Room Temperature Butter: Always ensure your butter is softened to room temperature when preparing the frosting. This makes it much easier to beat into a smooth, creamy consistency without lumps, ensuring your Nutella buttercream is light and airy. Cold butter will result in a stiff, crumbly frosting.
• Prevent Dry Cupcakes: Don’t Overbake! Overbaking is the number one culprit for dry, dense cupcakes. Keep a close eye on your oven and start checking for doneness at the lower end of the recommended baking time. Insert a toothpick into the center of a cupcake; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached, they are ready. Even a minute or two can make a difference.
• Blend Batter Until Just Combined: When mixing your cupcake batter, only combine the ingredients until they are just smooth. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to tough and chewy cupcakes. Stop mixing as soon as you no longer see streaks of dry ingredients.
• Core with Care for Perfect Filling: When removing the center of the cupcakes for the Nutella filling, use a small paring knife or a dedicated cupcake corer. Be gentle and precise. It’s crucial not to cut all the way through to the bottom of the cupcake, as this will allow your delicious Nutella filling to seep out. Leave a small layer of cake at the base to create a perfect little well.
• Sift Your Powdered Sugar: For the smoothest, lump-free frosting, always sift your powdered sugar before adding it to the butter mixture. This simple step eliminates any clumps, ensuring a silky-smooth buttercream that pipes beautifully.
• Use Quality Ingredients: While a box mix makes the cake easy, using good quality ingredients for your Nutella, butter, and vanilla extract will significantly elevate the overall flavor of your cupcakes. The better the ingredients, the more delicious the end result!

Can I Prepare Nutella Cupcakes in Advance?

Absolutely! This recipe is incredibly adaptable for advance preparation, making it a perfect choice for parties, holidays, or any special occasion where you want to save time on the day of serving. Being able to spread out the tasks makes baking much less stressful.

You can bake the cupcakes a day or two ahead of time and store them unfrosted in an airtight container at room temperature. Alternatively, as mentioned in the freezing section, you can freeze the baked, unfrosted cupcakes for up to two months. When you’re ready, simply thaw them, then proceed to fill them with Nutella and decorate them with the freshly made frosting.

The Nutella frosting can also be prepared in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. When you’re ready to use it, let it come to room temperature for about an hour. If it’s too stiff, give it a quick whip with your stand mixer or hand mixer for a minute or two until it regains its creamy, smooth consistency. Then, transfer it to a piping bag and decorate your cupcakes as normal. This flexibility makes these Nutella cupcakes a fantastic option for busy schedules!

More Easy Cupcake Recipes to Explore

• Butterfinger Cupcakes
• Cookie Monster Cupcakes
• Chocolate Chip Cupcakes
• Apple Pie Cupcakes
• Cherry Almond Cupcakes
• Oreo Cupcake Recipe

Once you try this recipe, it’s sure to become a beloved staple in your dessert repertoire. The irresistible combination of chocolate and hazelnut makes these cupcakes an absolute crowd-pleaser that everyone will ask for time and again. Don’t hesitate – bake a batch today and let us know what you think in the comments below!