Perfect chocolate cupcakes topped with rich and creamy Nutella buttercream to celebrate a special little boy’s birthday.

Chocolate Cupcakes with Nutella Buttercream from completelydelicious.com

I can’t believe my baby boy is two years old! Where has the time gone? He is no longer a baby, but a toddler in every way— running around playing make-believe, talking in phrases, and demanding that he do everything himself. It’s heartbreaking and exciting all at the same time.

I do miss my baby, but I love my toddler. He is so fun!

We kept his birthday celebration simple this year, since he’s young enough that we can get away with it. Lunch out with some family, presents, and then cupcakes. What more could you want in a birthday anyway?

Chocolate Cupcakes with Nutella Buttercream from completelydelicious.com

I’ve been sitting on this recipe idea for months, knowing it would be the perfect birthday cupcake. I took my favorite chocolate cake recipe, scaled it down for cupcakes, and then topped them with an incredible Nutella buttercream frosting. And sprinkles, of course.

Simply put, they are fabulous. I may have even hidden the last few from the birthday boy so I could eat them all myself. It’s our little secret, okay?

The cupcakes are perfect, but the Nutella buttercream really steals the show. There’s a whole container of Nutella in the frosting, so the flavor really comes through. If you’re a Nutella fan, you’ve got to try this!

Turns out, he’s a fan.

Chocolate Cupcakes with Nutella Buttercream from completelydelicious.com

Happy birthday, little man.

Chocolate Cupcakes with Nutella Buttercream from completelydelicious.com

baking tip:Cupcake baking tips

  • Use a measuring scoop to portion equal amounts of batter into each cup so they bake evenly. (This is the one I use.)
  • Don’t fill more than 2/3 full. Cupcakes use the walls of the cupcake liners or muffin pan to help them rise. If you overfill the liners, there’s too much batter and not enough space to climb. The batter can spill over the sides and you’ll be left with flat cupcakes.
  • Resist the urge to open the oven and peek during baking. The small cupcakes are more susceptible to sinking due to a drop in temperature.
  • Using your oven light, look to see when the cupcakes are domed and appear to be set. Then open and touch lightly. If they spring back, they’re done.
  • Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes, or until they’re cool enough to handle, then transfer them to a cooling rack. The heat from the pan will overcook and dry out the cupcakes if left in too long.

Chocolate Cupcakes with Nutella Buttercream from completelydelicious.com

5 from 1 review

Chocolate Nutella Cupcakes

Servings: 20 cupcakes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Frosting Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Soft chocolate cupcakes topped with a rich Nutella buttercream frosting.

Ingredients
 

For the cupcakes:

  • cup hot coffee , see Note (160 ml)
  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (42 grams)
  • 1 ¼ cup all-purpose flour (150 grams)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (200 grams)
  • 2 large eggs
  • cup sour cream (150 grams)
  • ½ cup vegetable oil (120 ml)

For the frosting:

  • 4 cups powdered sugar , sifted (908 grams)
  • ½ cup unsalted butter , at room temperature (113 grams)
  • 13 oz jar Nutella or chocolate hazelnut spread (370 grams)
  • ⅓-½ cup sour cream (75-113 grams)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a muffin pan with paper liners or grease with cooking spray.
  • In a small bowl, combine the hot coffee and cocoa powder. Whisk until smooth. Set aside to cool. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, salt and baking soda.
  • In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, or in a bowl with a hand-held mixer, beat the sugar and eggs until pale and thick, about 3 minutes. Add the sour cream, and then add the vegetable oil. Add the dry ingredients in 3 additions, alternating with the cocoa mixture. Mix until smooth.
  • Fill the muffin cups ⅔ full. Bake for 17-20 minutes, or until the tops of the cupcakes bounce back when touched. Let cool in the pan 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool cool completely.

!To make the frosting:

  • Beat the powdered sugar, butter, Nutella and ⅓ cup of the sour cream on medium speed until smooth. Add more sour cream if necessary to achieve a spreadable consistency. Increase speed to high and beat for an additional 1-2 minutes until light and fluffy. Frost cupcakes as desired.
  • Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Notes

Note: Using coffee enhances the chocolate flavor in the cupcakes. If desired, you can substitute with hot water.
Calories: 381kcal, Carbohydrates: 53g, Protein: 3g, Fat: 19g, Saturated Fat: 14g, Cholesterol: 35mg, Sodium: 165mg, Potassium: 142mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 44g, Vitamin A: 237IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 40mg, Iron: 2mg
Cuisine: American
Course: Dessert
Author: Annalise
Have you tried this recipe?I’d love to hear about it! Leave a rating and review below, or take a photo and tag it on Instagram @completelydelicious with #completelydelicious.