What I Bake: Nutella Cupcakes with Nutella Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Frosting

Well hello there darlings!

Just as promised here is the Nutella cupcake recipe that helped me survive multiple rounds of company in and out of my house last weekend.  The original recipe was taken from here and modified just a tad.  It's as easy as pie and because the recipe yields 36 delicious little cakes - I simply could not go wrong.  Every last one went and were a big hit - so if Nutella and peanut butter are your things, I would most certainly recommend giving these sweeties a go.

What you'll need:
To Cake:

2/3 cup Nutella
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups cake flour
1 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
3/4 tsp salt
3 large eggs
1 1/2 cups sugar
3/4 cup butter, softened
2 1/2 cups plain greek yogurt (or the same amount of buttermilk)

To Frost:

6 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup Nutella
1/2 cup peanut butter
2 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted
1 teaspoons vanilla extract

Directions:

For the Cupcakes:
1. Line 3 dozen muffin cups with cupcake liners or grease using non-stick spray. Set aside. Preheat oven to 350F.

2. Sift together flour & cake flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Set aside.

3. In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar for 5 minutes, until it is pale and thick. Add in the butter. Mix until combined. Add in the nutella. Now, add in the yogurt. Beat until well incorporated.

4. Add the flour mixture in 3 increments and beat until smooth. Divide batter into the cupcake tins. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Do not over-bake. Remove from oven and let cool completely before frosting.

Nutella Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Frosting:

Cream the butter and cream cheese in the large mixing bowl of a stand mixture. Add the nutella, peanut butter and vanilla and continue to cream. Slowly incorporate the powdered sugar as you continue to cream. Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Beat on high speed until fluffy and smooth, adding milk or additional sugar (if needed) to reach desired consistency.

Frost the cupcakes and garnish with shaved milk chocolate or jimmies. Ooh la la - you will soon find out how heavenly these are :)

I'm finally back home from this exciting little week.   I have much to share, but for now I must do some catching up with all of you.  See ya soon and happy weekend!

Love Bunches,