Nutella Filled Chocolate Hazelnut Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

If you are a fan of rich, chocolatey treats with a luscious surprise inside, this Nutella Filled Chocolate Hazelnut Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is going to become your new favorite indulgence. These cupcakes combine the deep flavors of cocoa and hazelnut with a smooth, creamy filling that bursts with Nutella goodness, all topped with a tangy-sweet cream cheese frosting that perfectly balances every bite. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving an extraordinary dessert, this recipe delivers a show-stopping result that’s surprisingly simple to achieve.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting started with this recipe is a breeze because the ingredients are straightforward yet each plays a crucial role in making these cupcakes moist, flavorful, and absolutely irresistible. From the luscious hazelnut spread to the rich cream cheese frosting, every component contributes to the delicious complexity of the final treat.

• Hazelnut spread (¼ cup for cupcakes, ¾ cup for filling): The star ingredient that adds creamy nuttiness and chocolatey depth throughout.
• Boiling water (⅔ cup): Helps melt the hazelnut spread seamlessly and intensifies the cocoa flavor.
• Cocoa powder (½ cup): Brings a rich chocolate backbone essential for that irresistible taste.
• Instant coffee/espresso powder (1 teaspoon): Enhances the chocolate notes without adding a coffee taste.
• Heavy cream (⅔ cup): Adds silkiness and moisture to the cupcake batter.
• Coconut oil or light vegetable oil (⅔ cup): Keeps the cupcakes tender and moist with a delicate texture.
• Eggs (2): Provides structure and lift for perfectly fluffy cupcakes.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavors with its warm, sweet aroma.
• Granulated sugar (¾ cup): Sweetens the cupcakes perfectly without overpowering.
• All-purpose flour (1 cup): The base that supports the cupcake structure; gluten-free flour works great too.
• Baking soda (½ teaspoon): Helps the cupcakes rise beautifully.
• Salt (¼ teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
• Cream cheese (250 grams, softened): Essential for the tangy, creamy frosting that contrasts delightfully with the hazelnut filling.

How to Make Nutella Filled Chocolate Hazelnut Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Cupcake Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 320°F and line a cupcake tin with liners. Whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl, setting them aside to prepare your dry mix. In a large bowl, mix the hazelnut spread with boiling water until completely smooth—this is where the magic begins as the hazelnut melts into a rich liquid base. Whisk in cocoa powder and espresso powder until fully dissolved, intensifying the chocolate flavor magnificently.

Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients for Smoothness

Into your hazelnut mixture, whisk in the heavy cream, coconut oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. This blend ensures your cupcakes stay lusciously moist and tender. Then add sugar, whisking constantly until it dissolves fully—this step is key for a flawless texture without any graininess. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet just until incorporated; overmixing can hinder your cupcakes from fluffing up!

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Fill your cupcake liners about two-thirds full using a ladle or measuring cup with a lip for easy pouring. Bake for 18 to 24 minutes, but start testing at 18 minutes by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean or with only a few crumbs attached. Cooling is critical here—let them sit in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack, then allow them to cool completely before moving on to filling and frosting.

Step 4: Prepare the Cream Cheese and Hazelnut Filling

While the cupcakes cool, mix together the softened cream cheese, hazelnut spread, and vanilla extract in a large bowl until smooth and silky. Pop this mixture in the fridge for 20 minutes to firm up, making it easier to pipe into your cupcakes and creating a divine creamy center that surprises on every bite.

Step 5: Fill and Frost Your Cupcakes

Using a piping bag fitted with a thin tip, carefully insert the nozzle halfway into each cupcake and gently squeeze the filling inside. You’ll notice the cupcake swell slightly and filling might peek out at the top—this means you’ve hit the perfect amount! Top the filled cupcakes with the remaining filling, or cut the center cone out of the cupcake to fill and then frost neatly if you prefer. Either way, you are about to experience heaven in cupcake form!

How to Serve Nutella Filled Chocolate Hazelnut Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra pop, sprinkle some chopped toasted hazelnuts or chocolate shavings over the frosting. A light dusting of cocoa powder or edible gold dust can add a touch of elegance. These little details impress guests and make serving feel like a special event each time.

Side Dishes

Pair these cupcakes with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream to lighten the richness. A cup of coffee or hot chocolate is also fantastic, balancing the sweetness with warm, comforting notes that elevate the whole dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Nutella Filled Chocolate Hazelnut Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe on tiered cake stands for a classy touch at parties. Alternatively, wrap each cupcake in a decorative cupcake liner or place in small clear boxes tied with a ribbon for delightful edible gifts that will wow friends and family alike.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once frosted, store your cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator where they will stay fresh for up to 5 days. This keeps the cream cheese frosting and Nutella filling perfectly creamy and safe to eat without drying out.

Freezing

Unfrosted cupcakes freeze beautifully for 2 to 3 months when individually wrapped and placed in airtight containers. Thaw them overnight in the fridge, then fill and frost just before serving for the best texture and taste.

Reheating

For warmed cupcakes, remove frosting and filling before gently heating the plain cupcake in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Add filling and frosting back after warming so the cream cheese doesn’t lose its texture, allowing you to enjoy that freshly baked feel anytime.

FAQs

Can I use a different nut spread instead of hazelnut spread?

Absolutely! Almond or peanut butter can be great substitutes but will slightly change the flavor profile. Make sure the spread is smooth and not chunky for the best texture in your cupcakes and filling.

Is it possible to make these cupcakes gluten-free?

Yes! Simply replace the all-purpose flour with an equal amount of gluten-free flour blend. The texture and flavor will remain luscious, just ensure your gluten-free flour contains xanthan gum or another binder for structure.

How do I know when the cupcakes are perfectly baked?

The best test is the toothpick method—insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean or with a couple of dry crumbs, your cupcakes are done. Start checking a few minutes before the minimum baking time to avoid overbaking.

Can I make the frosting without cream cheese?

Cream cheese is key for the tangy balance in this recipe, but if you want an alternative, mascarpone can work for a similar texture. However, the signature cream cheese tang will be missing.

What’s the best way to pipe the filling into the cupcakes?

Use a piping bag fitted with a narrow tip and insert it halfway into the cupcake. Slowly squeeze as you pull the tip out to evenly distribute the filling inside. This technique ensures a neat, generous center without damaging the cupcake.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about the Nutella Filled Chocolate Hazelnut Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe that makes it perfect for all kinds of celebrations or simply treating yourself on a cozy night in. The delicious layers of flavor and texture show how a few simple ingredients, combined thoughtfully, can create magic. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—once you taste these cupcakes, they’ll undoubtedly become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire.

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