Yellow Cupcakes with Nutella Buttercream Frosting

There’s something undeniably delightful about the combination of soft, fluffy yellow cupcakes topped with rich Nutella buttercream frosting. These treats are perfect for birthday celebrations, casual get-togethers, or simply to satisfy a sweet craving. With a tender crumb and a luscious frosting, they’re sure to win over hearts and taste buds alike. Let’s dive into how to create these delicious Yellow Cupcakes with Nutella Buttercream Frosting.

Why It’s Crowd-Pleasing

Yellow Cupcakes with Nutella Buttercream Frosting are the epitome of comfort food. Their delightful yellow hue brings a sense of joy, while the Nutella frosting adds a luxurious touch. Here’s why they’re guaranteed to please any crowd:

• Universal Appeal: Who can resist a classic cupcake? The buttery, vanilla flavor of yellow cupcakes is a timeless favorite.
• Nutella Love: The creamy, chocolate-hazelnut goodness of Nutella is a crowd favorite, making it the perfect frosting choice.
• Customizable: You can decorate these cupcakes with sprinkles, fruits, or even more chocolate for extra flair!
• Easy to Make: The straightforward recipe means you can whip these up without any baking expertise.

What Goes Into Yellow Cupcakes with Nutella Buttercream Frosting

To create these delightful cupcakes, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• For the Cupcakes:
  • 5 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 3/4 cup + 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk, at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup sour cream (full-fat recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons milk (whole milk recommended)
• For the Nutella Buttercream Frosting:
  • 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 2 cups powdered sugar, plus more if needed
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons heavy cream
  • Scant 1/2 cup cocoa powder
  • 1/4 cup Nutella
• Optional: Colored sprinkles for decoration.

Tools & Equipment Needed

Before you start baking, make sure you have these tools on hand:

• Mixing Bowls: For combining ingredients.
• Electric Mixer: To beat the butter and sugar until fluffy.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precision is key in baking!
• Rubber Spatula: Perfect for scraping down the sides of bowls.
• Cupcake Pan: To hold your cupcake liners.
• Cupcake Liners: For easy cleanup and presentation.
• Cooling Rack: Essential for cooling the cupcakes after baking.
• Piping Bag (optional): For beautifully frosting your cupcakes.

Build Yellow Cupcakes with Nutella Buttercream Frosting Step by Step

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the cupcakes bake evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Cupcake Pan

Line a cupcake pan with cupcake liners. This makes for easy removal and adds a lovely touch to your cupcakes.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the 5 1/2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and the granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Add in the large egg, the egg yolk, and the vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.

Step 5: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the sour cream and milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Step 7: Fill the Cupcake Liners

Using a scoop or spoon, fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full with batter. This allows room for the cupcakes to rise without overflowing.

Step 8: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 9: Cool the Cupcakes

Once baked, remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Step 10: Make the Nutella Buttercream Frosting

In a clean mixing bowl, beat the 8 tablespoons of unsalted butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and heavy cream. Mix until well combined, then add the Nutella and mix until smooth. If the frosting is too thin, add more powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 11: Frost the Cupcakes

Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, frost them with the Nutella buttercream. You can use a piping bag for a decorative touch or simply spread it on with a knife.

Step 12: Add Sprinkles

If desired, top your frosted cupcakes with colored sprinkles for a fun and festive finish.

Adaptations for Special Diets

If you have guests with dietary restrictions, here are a few adaptations you can consider:

• Dairy-Free: Substitute the unsalted butter with a dairy-free butter alternative and use almond milk or oat milk instead of whole milk.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour.
• Low Sugar: Replace granulated sugar with a sugar substitute suitable for baking.

Avoid These Traps

Baking can be tricky, but here are some common pitfalls to avoid:

• Overmixing: Once you add the flour, mix just until combined to keep the cupcakes light and fluffy.
• Underbaking: Ensure your cupcakes are fully baked by checking with a toothpick; it should come out clean.
• Skipping the Cooling: Frosting warm cupcakes can lead to melted, runny frosting. Always cool completely!

Storage Pro Tips

To keep your Yellow Cupcakes with Nutella Buttercream Frosting fresh, consider the following storage tips:

• Room Temperature: Store unfrosted cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Frosted Cupcakes: If frosted, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
• Freezing: Both frosted and unfrosted cupcakes can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap them well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.

Popular Questions

Can I use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can! Cake flour will give you a lighter texture, but you may need to adjust the amount slightly as it absorbs moisture differently.

How can I make my cupcakes taller?

To achieve taller cupcakes, fill the liners a little more than two-thirds full, and ensure your oven is at the proper temperature for consistent baking.

What can I substitute for Nutella in the frosting?

If you need an alternative, you can use any chocolate hazelnut spread or a chocolate ganache for a different flavor profile.

Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the cupcakes a day in advance and frost them just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Explore More

If you’re looking to expand your baking repertoire, check out these delicious recipes:

• Red Velvet Cupcakes
• Healthy Chocolate Cupcakes
• Vegan Chocolate Cupcakes
• Classic Vanilla Cupcakes

Before You Go

Now that you’ve discovered how to create these delightful Yellow Cupcakes with Nutella Buttercream Frosting, it’s time to gather your ingredients and start baking! Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging your sweet tooth, these cupcakes are sure to impress. Enjoy the process and the delicious results! Happy baking!