Indulge in the sweet delight of coffee and chocolate with these Mocha Nutella Cupcakes. The rich flavors of espresso and Nutella harmoniously blend, creating a dessert that's both sophisticated and irresistible. If you're a fan of coffee-infused desserts or just looking for a fun twist on traditional cupcakes, this recipe is perfect for you.
The key ingredient in this recipe is the instant espresso coffee powder. It may not be a staple in every household but can be found in most supermarkets. The espresso powder gives the cupcakes a distinct, robust flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of Nutella. Another ingredient to note is Nutella, a delicious hazelnut cocoa spread. If you're unable, to find Nutella, a similar hazelnut spread will work just as well.
Ingredients for Mocha Nutella Cupcakes
all-purpose flour: This is the base of the cupcake batter, giving it structure.
baking powder: Acts as a leavening agent, helping the cupcakes rise.
salt: Enhances the flavors of other ingredients.
unsalted butter: Adds moisture and flavor to the cupcakes.
granulated sugar: Sweetens the cupcakes.
egg whites: They're used in this recipe to create a lighter texture.
vanilla extract: Complements the flavors of the chocolate and coffee.
sour cream: Adds moisture and a subtle tang to the cupcakes.
instant espresso coffee powder: Intensifies the mocha flavor in the cupcakes.
hot water: Used to dissolve the espresso powder.
whole milk: Adds moisture to the cupcake batter.
confectioners’ sugar: Used in the nutella frosting for sweetness and smoothness.
nutella: Provides a creamy, hazelnut chocolate flavor to the frosting.
heavy cream or whole milk: Adds creaminess to the frosting.
chocolate sprinkles and raspberries: Used as toppings for decoration and added flavor.
One reader, Lanny Skidmore says:
These mocha Nutella cupcakes are a dream come true! The rich, chocolatey flavor combined with the creamy Nutella frosting is simply divine. The recipe was easy to follow, and the end result was a hit with everyone. I'll definitely be making these again!
Techniques Required for Making Mocha Nutella Cupcakes
How to prepare the cupcake batter: Combine the dry ingredients and wet ingredients separately, then mix them together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
How to make the nutella frosting: Beat the butter until smooth, then gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, nutella, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Adjust the consistency with additional sugar or cream as needed.
Mocha Nutella Cupcakes
Coffee and Nutella make an impeccable combination and these fluffy mocha Nutella cupcakes have both for a perfect bitter-sweet balance!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1¼cupsall-purpose flour,spoon and leveled
- 2tspbaking powder
- ¼tspsalt
- 6tbspunsalted butter,softened to room temperature
- ¾cupgranulated sugar
- 3large egg whites,room temperature
- 1tsppure vanilla extract
- 6tbspfull-fat sour cream,room temperature
- 3tbspinstant espresso coffee powder
- 2tbsphot water
- 6tbspwhole milk,room temperature
For Nutella Frosting:
- 1cupunsalted butter,softened to room temperature
- 4cupsconfectioners’ sugar
- ¾cupNutella
- ⅓cupheavy cream or whole milk
- 1tsppure vanilla extract
- pinchsalt
- chocolate sprinkles and raspberries,optional
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners. Line a second pan with 2 liners; set aside.
Cupcakes:
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Whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together. Set aside.
-
Using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter on high speed for about 1 minute until smooth and creamy. Add the granulated sugar and beat on high speed for about 2 minutes until creamed together. Scrape down the sides and up the bottom of the bowl with a rubber spatula as needed.
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Add the egg whites and vanilla extract. Beat on high speed until combined, then beat in the sour cream. Scrape down the sides and up the bottom of the bowl as needed so everything is incorporated.
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Stir the espresso powder and hot water together until smooth, then stir this into the milk. Set aside for a second.
-
With the mixer running at low speed, add the dry ingredients until just incorporated. With the mixer still running on low, slowly pour in the espresso/milk mixture until combined; do not overmix. Whisk it all by hand to make sure there are no lumps at the bottom of the bowl; the batter will be on the thin side.
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Pour/spoon the batter into the liners – fill only halfway with the batter to avoid spilling over the sides. Bake for about 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow cooling completely before frosting.
Nutella Frosting:
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In a large bowl using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter on medium speed for about 2 minutes until smooth. Stop the mixer and add confectioners’ sugar, Nutella, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Beat on low speed for about 30 seconds, then increase to medium-high speed and beat for 2 full minutes.
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Add up to ½ cup of confectioners’ sugar if frosting is too thin or 1 tablespoon of cream if frosting is too thick. Add a pinch of salt if the frosting is too sweet.
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Frost and decorate cooled cupcakes using a Wilton 1M tip or #12 round tip.
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Serve immediately. Store leftover cupcakes in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
- Calories: 500.31kcal
- Fat: 26.24g
- Saturated Fat: 18.00g
- Trans Fat: 0.73g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 5.62g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.86g
- Carbohydrates: 64.21g
- Fiber: 1.16g
- Sugar: 53.60g
- Protein: 3.40g
- Cholesterol: 59.03mg
- Sodium: 291.08mg
- Calcium: 90.42mg
- Potassium: 116.76mg
- Iron: 1.34mg
- Vitamin A: 187.99µg
- Vitamin C: 0.08mg
Crucial Technique Tip for Perfect Mocha Nutella Cupcakes
When making the Nutella frosting, ensure that the butter is at room temperature before you start beating it. This will make it easier to beat and will result in a smoother, creamier frosting. Also, when adding the confectioners’ sugar, add it gradually to prevent it from clumping. Lastly, don't forget to taste the frosting as you go. This will allow you to adjust the sweetness and consistency to your liking.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Mocha Nutella Cupcakes
Prep ahead: Measure and prepare all your ingredients and equipment before starting the recipe to streamline the process.
Use a mixer: Utilize a stand mixer or handheld mixer to quickly and efficiently mix the cupcake batter and frosting.
Double batch: Consider making a double batch of cupcakes and frosting to have extra on hand for future enjoyment.
Bake in advance: Bake the cupcakes in advance and freeze them, then thaw and frost when needed for a time-saving treat.
Organize your workspace: Keep your kitchen organized and clean as you work to minimize time spent searching for tools and ingredients.
Simplify decoration: Opt for simple decorations such as chocolate sprinkles and raspberries to save time on intricate designs.
One-bowl method: Look for recipes that use the one-bowl method to minimize cleanup and save time.
Pre-made frosting: Consider using pre-made frosting to save time, or make the frosting in advance and store it in the refrigerator until needed.
Quick clean-up: Clean as you go to maintain a tidy workspace and reduce the time spent on post-cooking cleanup.
Efficient piping: Use a piping bag with a large tip to efficiently frost the cupcakes with minimal effort.
Substitute Ingredients For Mocha Nutella Cupcakes Recipe
all-purpose flour - Substitute with gluten-free all-purpose flour: This substitute is suitable for those who are gluten intolerant or have celiac disease. It provides a similar texture and structure to regular flour in baking.
unsalted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can be used as a dairy-free alternative and adds a subtle coconut flavor to the cupcakes.
granulated sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar can be used as a lower glycemic index alternative to granulated sugar, providing a slightly caramel-like flavor to the cupcakes.
large egg whites - Substitute with aquafaba (chickpea brine): Aquafaba can be used as a vegan alternative to egg whites, providing a similar binding and leavening effect in baking.
full-fat sour cream - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt can be used as a healthier alternative to sour cream, providing moisture and a tangy flavor to the cupcakes.
instant espresso coffee powder - Substitute with cocoa powder: Cocoa powder can be used to replace the coffee flavor, providing a rich chocolatey taste to the cupcakes.
whole milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk can be used as a dairy-free alternative, adding a subtle nutty flavor to the cupcakes.
unsalted butter - Substitute with vegan butter: Vegan butter can be used as a dairy-free alternative, providing a similar texture and flavor to regular butter in the frosting.
confectioners’ sugar - Substitute with powdered erythritol: Powdered erythritol can be used as a low-calorie sweetener alternative to confectioners’ sugar, suitable for those following a low-carb or keto diet.
nutella - Substitute with homemade chocolate hazelnut spread: Homemade chocolate hazelnut spread can be used as a healthier alternative to store-bought Nutella, allowing for control over the ingredients and sweetness level.
heavy cream or whole milk - Substitute with coconut cream: Coconut cream can be used as a dairy-free alternative, providing a rich and creamy texture to the frosting.
chocolate sprinkles - Substitute with chopped nuts: Chopped nuts can be used as a crunchy and flavorful alternative to chocolate sprinkles for topping the cupcakes.
Presenting Mocha Nutella Cupcakes in Style
Elevate with garnishes: Add a touch of sophistication by garnishing the cupcakes with delicate chocolate sprinkles and fresh raspberries. This adds a pop of color and a contrast in textures, enhancing the visual appeal of the dish.
Artful frosting technique: Employ a precise and artful frosting technique using a Wilton 1M tip or #12 round tip to create beautifully swirled and elegantly frosted cupcakes. This attention to detail will showcase the expertise and precision in the presentation.
Elevate with plating: Present the cupcakes on a sleek, minimalist platter or individual serving plates, allowing each cupcake to stand out as a work of art. The use of negative space and clean lines will draw attention to the cupcakes and create a visually stunning presentation.
Balance and symmetry: Arrange the cupcakes with a focus on balance and symmetry, creating a visually appealing display that reflects precision and attention to detail. This meticulous arrangement will demonstrate a high level of culinary expertise.
Incorporate height: Consider incorporating varying heights in the presentation by using tiered serving stands or elevating some cupcakes on pedestals. This adds dimension and visual interest to the display, showcasing a thoughtful and creative approach to plating.
Attention to detail: Pay close attention to every detail, ensuring that each cupcake is presented flawlessly. From the smooth frosting to the placement of garnishes, meticulous attention to detail will convey a commitment to excellence in culinary presentation.
Use of color contrast: Consider the use of complementary colors in the presentation, such as the rich brown of the Nutella frosting against the vibrant red of the raspberries. This thoughtful use of color contrast will create a visually striking and memorable display.
Storing and Freezing Mocha Nutella Cupcakes
- Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before storing or freezing.
- To store, place the cupcakes in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- For longer storage, you can freeze the cupcakes:
- Place the cooled cupcakes on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid, about 2 hours.
- Once frozen, wrap each cupcake individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
- Transfer the wrapped cupcakes to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, label with the date, and store in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
- To thaw, remove the cupcakes from the freezer and let them defrost in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.
- If you want to freeze the cupcakes with the Nutella frosting, follow these steps:
- Freeze the unfrosted cupcakes as directed above.
- When ready to serve, thaw the cupcakes and prepare the Nutella frosting.
- Frost the thawed cupcakes and serve immediately.
- Alternatively, you can frost the cupcakes before freezing, but the frosting may not maintain its texture and appearance after thawing.
- Always ensure the cupcakes are completely cooled before storing or freezing to prevent condensation and maintain their quality.
Interesting Fact About Mocha Nutella Cupcakes
The Mocha Nutella Cupcakes recipe combines the rich flavors of coffee and hazelnut chocolate. These cupcakes are a delightful treat for any occasion, and the Nutella frosting adds a creamy and indulgent touch. Enjoy the delicious combination of espresso and Nutella in every bite!
Is Making Mocha Nutella Cupcakes at Home Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this mocha Nutella cupcakes recipe is quite favorable for a household. The ingredients are commonly found in most kitchens, and the recipe yields a dozen cupcakes, making it suitable for a family. The use of espresso powder and Nutella may slightly elevate the cost, but the overall expense is reasonable. The approximate cost for a household of four people is around $15-$20, depending on the availability and brand of ingredients. Considering the delightful flavor and the joy it brings, this recipe earns a solid 9 out of 10.
Are Mocha Nutella Cupcakes Healthy or Unhealthy?
The mocha nutella cupcakes recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. The recipe contains a significant amount of butter, sugar, and heavy cream, which are high in saturated fats and calories. Additionally, the use of all-purpose flour and the absence of whole grains or fiber-rich ingredients further reduces the nutritional value of the cupcakes. The nutella frosting, although tasty, is also high in sugar and fat, making these cupcakes more of an indulgent treat than a healthy snack.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Replace a portion of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or almond flour to increase fiber and nutrient content
- Reduce the amount of sugar in the cupcake batter and frosting, or use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup
- Swap out some of the butter for healthier alternatives like Greek yogurt or mashed avocado
- Use low-fat milk or a plant-based milk alternative instead of whole milk and heavy cream
- Incorporate fresh fruit, like raspberries, into the cupcake batter for added nutrients and natural sweetness
- Opt for a lighter frosting, such as a whipped cream cheese frosting, or simply dust the cupcakes with cocoa powder instead of using a heavy nutella frosting
Editor's Opinion on This Delightful Cupcake Recipe
The mocha Nutella cupcakes recipe is a delightful combination of rich flavors and textures. The moist and tender cupcakes, infused with espresso, are perfectly complemented by the luscious Nutella frosting. The balance of sweetness and the hint of coffee creates a harmonious blend, while the chocolate sprinkles and raspberries add a beautiful finishing touch. This recipe offers a delightful treat for any occasion, showcasing a perfect harmony of flavors and a delightful indulgence for all dessert lovers.
Enhance Your Mocha Nutella Cupcakes Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Delicious Alternatives to Mocha Nutella Cupcakes
Appetizers and Main Courses That Go Well with Mocha Nutella Cupcakes
Why trust this Mocha Nutella Cupcakes Recipe:
This recipe guarantees a decadent treat with a perfect balance of mocha and Nutella. The combination of rich flavors and moist texture will surely delight your taste buds. The meticulous instructions ensure foolproof results, and the nutella frosting adds a luscious finish. Trust the expertise of a seasoned chef to elevate your baking experience. Embrace the joy of creating delightful cupcakes that will impress and satisfy any craving. Indulge in the irresistible allure of chocolate and coffee in every bite.
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