Nutella Cupcakes

We had a bake sale at work this week and these Nutella cupcakes were by far the most popular, selling out in just 15 minutes. Unfortunately I didn't even get to try one as I wasn't quick enough but I was told they were scrummy so I will have to bake them again very soon!


To avoid chocolate overload, rather than using a chocolate sponge I used a plain sponge with cinnamon for added flavour. I then simply swirled some Nutella into the uncooked batter before putting them into the oven.


The icing is a delicious combination of melted chocolate and Nutella....divine!


This recipe makes 12 cupcakes:


Cream 175g margarine and 175g caster sugar in a bowl until smooth. Add 3 eggs, one at a time and beat well after each addition.


Add 200g self-raising flour (sifted), a teaspoon of baking powder and 2 teaspoons cinnamon and beat well. Stir in 4 tablespoons milk.


Line a 12 muffin tin with paper cases and divide the batter evenly across the cases. Now it's time to add the Nutella, warm 12 teaspoons of Nutella in a bowl in the microwave until it's easy to stir (be careful not to burn it). Add a teaspoon of Nutella to each cupcake but don't mix fully as you want to create a marbled effect (see below), I used a cocktail stick to do this but you could also use a small spoon.

Pop into a preheated oven (gas mark 4 / 180°C) for 20-25 mins. When they're ready to come out of the oven the cupcakes will be raised and golden brown. Leave the cupcakes to cool for 5 mins before you turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely.


To make the icing you need to melt 300g chocolate, i find it's easiest to do this in the microwave but you can also do it in a pan on the hob if you prefer. When ready put the chocolate into a mixing bowl and add 100ml double cream, 100g unsalted butter and half a teaspoon of vanilla extract/essence. Beat well with an electric whisk. Add 250g of Nutella and beat well until smooth.


Once the cupcakes are completely cool they are ready to be iced. I used a piping bag and a Wilton 1M nozzle to create the nice rose design on mine.