Indulge in the ultimate birthday treat with these Chocolate Birthday Cupcakes, featuring a sumptuous dark chocolate base and topped with a heavenly Nutella Cloud Frosting. Perfect for any special occasion, these cupcakes combine the rich intensity of chocolate with the creamy, hazelnut spread to create a dessert that’s as delightful to eat as it is to present.
Ingredients
For the Cupcakes:
- 3/4 cup (95g) all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup (150g) white sugar
- 1/4 cup (30g) dark cocoa powder
- 3/4 teaspoon (3.5g) baking soda
- 3/4 teaspoon (3.5g) baking powder
- 3/4 teaspoon (3.5g) cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon (4g) salt
- 1/3 cup (80mL) buttermilk
- 1/4 cup (60mL) brewed coffee or espresso, hot
- 3 tablespoons (45mL) vegetable oil
- 1 egg, room temperature, lightly beaten
- 1-1/2 teaspoons (7.5mL) pure vanilla extract
For the Nutella Cloud Frosting:
- 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened but cool
- 1-1/2 cups (190g) icing sugar, sifted
- 2 teaspoons (10mL) pure vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup (125g) premium bittersweet chocolate, chopped, melted and slightly cooled
- 1/3 cup (100g) Nutella
- 1 tablespoon (15mL) milk
- Pinch of salt
Directions
- Cupcakes:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and line a muffin pan with cupcake liners.
- Sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, cornstarch, and salt in a large bowl.
- In a separate bowl, mix the buttermilk, hot coffee, oil, egg, and vanilla until combined.
- Gradually add the liquid ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing on medium speed for 2 minutes until the batter is smooth. The batter will be quite liquidy.
- Fill the cupcake liners two-thirds full and bake for 15-17 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow the cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
- Nutella Cloud Frosting:
- In a mixing bowl, beat the butter and icing sugar on low speed until well combined.
- Add vanilla extract and continue beating until incorporated.
- Gradually mix in the melted chocolate until the frosting is smooth. Add Nutella, milk, and a pinch of salt, and beat on medium-high speed for another minute until fluffy and light.
- Assembly:
- Once the cupcakes are completely cool, use a piping bag fitted with a large round tip to generously swirl the Nutella Cloud Frosting onto each cupcake.
Tips
- Coffee Enhancement: The addition of hot coffee to the batter intensifies the chocolate flavor, enriching the cupcakes without imparting a coffee taste.
- Frosting Consistency: For the smoothest Nutella Cloud Frosting, eliminate air bubbles by stirring the frosting with a spatula after mixing.
- Serving Suggestion: These cupcakes are best served the day they are made but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Let them reach room temperature before serving for optimal flavor and texture.
Conclusion
Chocolate Birthday Cupcakes with Nutella Cloud Frosting are the perfect way to celebrate any special occasion. With their rich, moist cake and fluffy, luxurious frosting, these cupcakes are sure to impress all your guests and provide a memorable addition to your celebratory festivities. Enjoy creating and sharing these delightful treats that promise to elevate any party to a joyous and delicious event!