Nutella Stuffed Strawberry Chocolate Cupcakes

Nutella Stuffed Strawberry Chocolate Cupcakes are the ultimate indulgent dessert. With rich, moist chocolate cupcakes filled with creamy Nutella and topped with luscious strawberry buttercream, they deliver a decadent blend of flavors and textures in every bite. These cupcakes are perfect for Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or any occasion that calls for a sweet, elegant treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich, moist chocolate cupcakes with a surprise Nutella center
• Sweet and tangy strawberry buttercream for a beautiful finish
• Perfect for gifting, parties, or romantic desserts
• Visually stunning with vibrant pink frosting
• Freezer-friendly and make-ahead adaptable

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chocolate Cupcakes

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup buttermilk
• ½ cup hot water or brewed coffee
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¾ cup granulated sugar

For the Nutella Filling

• ¾ cup Nutella

For the Strawberry Buttercream

• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• ½ cup strawberry jam (seedless)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3–4 cups powdered sugar
• Optional: a few drops of pink or red food coloring for added color

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, mix buttermilk, hot water (or coffee), oil, egg, vanilla, and sugar until combined.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet, stirring until smooth.
5. Divide batter evenly among the liners, filling each about ¾ full.
6. Bake for 17–20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely.
7. Use a cupcake corer or small knife to cut a hole in the center of each cupcake. Fill each hole with about 1 tablespoon of Nutella.
8. To make the frosting, beat butter until fluffy. Mix in jam and vanilla. Gradually add powdered sugar until desired consistency is reached. Add food coloring if desired.
9. Pipe or spread frosting over the filled cupcakes. Garnish with fresh strawberries or chocolate shavings if desired.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 12 cupcakes
• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Bake Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Berry Twist: Fill with raspberry jam instead of Nutella for a fruity center.
• Nut-Free: Substitute Nutella with a nut-free chocolate spread.
• Chocolate Frosting: Swap strawberry buttercream for rich chocolate ganache.
• Mini Cupcakes: Make bite-sized versions by adjusting baking time to 10–12 minutes.
• Fancy Topping: Add chocolate-dipped strawberries or edible gold flakes for a special occasion.

Storage/Reheating

Store cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Let them come to room temperature before serving.
Freeze unfrosted or frosted cupcakes (without fresh fruit) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cupcakes a day in advance and fill/frost them later.

What’s the best way to fill cupcakes?

Use a piping bag or small spoon to add Nutella into a hollowed-out center.

Can I use store-bought frosting?

Yes, but homemade strawberry buttercream offers the best flavor and color.

How do I get smooth frosting?

Beat butter until fluffy and sift powdered sugar before mixing for a silky texture.

Can I use fresh strawberries in the frosting?

Use freeze-dried strawberry powder or thick jam to avoid watery frosting.

Can I make this without buttermilk?

Substitute with milk and 1 teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and check other ingredients for gluten.

Can I use boxed cake mix?

Yes, make chocolate cupcakes from a mix and follow the same filling and frosting steps.

How long can I store leftover cupcakes?

Up to 4 days in the fridge or 2 months in the freezer (unfrosted or carefully packaged).

Can I serve these warm?

Let the cupcakes cool before filling and frosting, but they taste great slightly warmed before serving.

Conclusion

Nutella Stuffed Strawberry Chocolate Cupcakes are a luxurious dessert with a beautiful presentation and bold flavors. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to treat yourself, these cupcakes are sure to delight with their rich chocolate base, gooey Nutella filling, and fluffy strawberry buttercream topping.

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