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  • Γ—

    Nutella Bueno Cupcakes

    16/07/2017 by thebakingexplorer 50 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

    You are probably familiar with the deliciousness of Nutella, and the world of epic dessert possibilities that have been created using this yummy spread. Whilst I wouldn't turn any of these down, I have to say my favourite way to enjoy Nutella is simply in buttercream form on top of a light sponge. These Nutella Bueno Cupcakes deliver on both fronts and there's also the extra treat of a mini Bueno piece on top. The cake sponge is lovely and light, with delicious chocolate flavour. The Nutella buttercream is silky, creamy and has an intense Nutella flavour! I've made these cupcakes many times for bake sales and they always sell out!

    This post may contain affiliate links. I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Nutella Bueno Cupcakes

    Ingredient Tips & Equipment Information

    • Make sure all your ingredients (particularly the butter and eggs) are at room temperature before you start baking.
    • I used a baking spread for the cupcakes and unsalted butter for the buttercream.
    • You can use any cocoa powder for the cupcakes, of course the better quality it is, the better flavour it will have. Also do make sure you are using cocoa powder and not a hot chocolate powder.
    • I decorated the cupcakes with a piece of Kinder Bueno, you could drizzle them with melted Nutella, add a sprinkle of hazelnuts, a Ferrero Rocher, however you want.
    • Although I provide cup measurements, I highly recommend weighing your ingredients out using digital kitchen scales. It is the most accurate way to measure ingredients and will ensure the best results. Digital scales are very low cost and can be purchased for around Β£12 ($16.50) .
    • For teaspoon (tsp) and tablespoon (tbsp) measurements, please use measuring spoons and not the type of spoons you eat with. Again this will ensure accuracy and provide the best results.

    For the full recipe with measurements, head to the recipe card at the end of this post.

    How to make Nutella Bueno Cupcakes

    Mix the butter and caster sugar together. Then add the eggs and mix them in, then mix in the cocoa powder, baking powder and self raising flour.

    Divide the mixture between the cupcake cases, and bake for 20-25 minutes.

    To make the Nutella buttercream, mix the butter on it's own, then add Nutella, milk and icing sugar and mix until smooth. Put it into a piping bag fitted with a nozzle of your choice and pipe it onto the cupcakes. Top them with Kinder Bueno pieces and chocolate strand sprinkles.

    For the full recipe with measurements, head to the recipe card at the end of this post.

    Click on the image to order your copy!
    Nutella Bueno Cupcakes

    Can these cupcakes be made with plain or all purpose flour?

    Self raising flour, which is very commonly used in the UK where I am based, already contains a raising agent and a little salt too. Therefore if you want to swap it for plain or all purpose flour, you will need to add some additional baking powder and also a little salt if you like. Some people like to add salt to cake recipes and some don't, so I'll leave that up to you as it won't affect the bake. The general advice is to add 2 teaspoons baking powder (a measuring teaspoon, not the kind you stir your coffee with) per every 200g plain or all purpose flour. So for this recipe you'd need to add 1 + Β½ teaspoons additional baking powder. Please note, I have not tested this recipe using plain or all purpose flour.

    How long do the Nutella Bueno Cupcakes keep for and can they be frozen?

    The cupcakes will keep in an airtight container for 3 days in a cool place. You can freeze the sponges either alone, or decorated. Once the sponges are fully cool, wrap them well with cling film or put them in an airtight container. You can freeze the buttercream on it’s own in a tub, or you can decorate the cupcakes and freeze them assembled. To do this and avoid damage to the decoration, freeze them in an airtight container. Or let them freeze solid on a board or plate, then wrap in cling film. Remove the cling film when you take them out to defrost it, if you don’t it could damage the appearance of the decoration as it defrosts and softens.

    Can this recipe be made into a large cake?

    Yes! Have a look at my Nutella Cake recipe for ingredient amounts and instructions.

    Can these cupcakes be made gluten free?

    Yes! For gluten free you can replace the self raising flour with a gluten free self raising flour blend. If you only have a gluten free plain flour blend, you will need to add additional baking powder. The general advice is to add 2 tsp baking powder per 200g flour, so for this recipe you'd need to add 1 + Β½ teaspoons additional baking powder. You may also like to add ΒΌ tsp xanthan gum for better texture. Nutella is gluten free, but you will have to omit the Kinder Buenos as they are not gluten free. You can replace the Kinder Buenos with Schar Meltos - which are basically the same! Please do check the labels for everything you use to make the cupcakes if you are serving it to someone with an allergy or intolerance.

    Can these cupcakes be made dairy free?

    For a dairy free version, use a dairy free baking spread or butter alternative and dairy free milk for the cupcakes and the buttercream. For the buttercream I recommend using a block butter alternative, such as Flora Plant or the Stork Baking Block, for best results. You will also need to use a dairy free alternative to Nutella, and omit the Kinder Buenos decoration. Please do check the labels for everything you use to make the cupcakes if you are serving it to someone with an allergy or intolerance.

    Nutella Bueno Cupcakes

    Is butter or a baking spread better for cupcakes?

    I prefer to use a baking spread (my preferred brand is Stork) for cupcake and cake sponges. I find that they are easier to use and they make the sponge rise more. You can also use most baking spread straight from the fridge, which is handy during a last minute baking emergency!

    Should you use salted or unsalted butter for cupcakes?

    I always use unsalted butter and baking spread for baking. This is because if you want to add salt to your recipe, you then have complete control of the salt level. Lots of people add salt to enhance the flavour of baked goods, so when you do this you want to know exactly how much you're adding. I personally prefer not to add salt to cakes and cupcakes. However, using a salted butter or baking spread will not affect the bake negatively and won't make it taste salty.

    What are the best cupcake cases to use?

    Good quality cupcake cases that are made from high strength and greaseproof paper will improve the overall appearance of your cupcakes. They will also help to prevent the cases from peeling. My favourite brand is Culpitt, which you can get via Amazon and also several online cake decorating retailers.

    Do you need an electric mixer to make this recipe?

    While you can absolutely make this recipe with a wooden spoon and some elbow grease, I do recommend using an electric mixer for the best results. The cupcakes will be lighter and fluffier when made with an electric mixer. The buttercream will also be smoother. You don't have to use an expensive stand mixer either, you can get electric hand whisks for as little as Β£10!

    Troubleshooting

    My number one tip for getting the best results is to read through this whole page of tips and recommendations before starting, and follow the recipe exactly. If you have any questions about this recipe, or if something went wrong and you need help, please use the comment form below and I will get back to you. You can also get in touch with me on my Twitter, Instagram or Facebook. I'd love to hear from you!

    Recommended equipment & ingredients

    • Cupcake tin
    • Measuring spoons
    • Electric hand mixer
    • Piping bags
    • Cooling rack
    • Nutella spread
    • Kinder Bueno
    • Jem 1E Piping nozzle
    • Brown cupcake cases

    I earn a small amount of money if you buy the products after clicking on the links. You will not be charged anything extra for this. Thank you for supporting The Baking Explorer!

    Nutella Bueno Cupcakes

    More Nutella and Kinder Bueno recipes...

    • Nutella Bueno Loaf Cake
    • Nutella Meringue Roulade
      Nutella Meringue Roulade
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      Nutella, Banana & Marshmallow Tart
    • Nutella Baked Donuts
      Nutella Baked Donuts
    • Raspberry & Nutella Bread Rolls
      Raspberry & Nutella Bread Rolls
    • Nutella Bueno Cheesecake
      Nutella Bueno Cheesecake (No Bake)
    • Nutella Cheesecake Blondies
      Nutella Cheesecake Blondies
    • Nutella Kinder Bueno Brownies
      Nutella Kinder Bueno Brownies
    • Nutella Stuffed Cookies
      Nutella Stuffed Cookies
    • Cherry & Nutella Cake
      Cherry & Nutella Chocolate Cake
    • Nutella Popcorn
      Nutella Popcorn
    • Nutella Cake
      Nutella Cake
    • Nutella Popsicles
      Nutella Popsicles
    • Kinder Bueno Cookie Pie
      Kinder Bueno Cookie Pie
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      Kinder Bueno Ice Cream (No Churn)
    Nutella Bueno Cupcakes

    Nutella Bueno Cupcakes

    Chocolate cupcakes topped with Nutella buttercream and a Kinder Bueno piece
    5 from 13 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: British
    Keyword: Cupcake
    Prep Time: 30 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 50 minutes minutes
    Servings: 12
    Author: thebakingexplorer

    Ingredients

    For the sponge

    • 175 g Baking spread or butter softened, unsalted
    • 175 g Caster sugar
    • 3 Eggs large
    • 150 g Self raising flour
    • 25 g Cocoa powder
    • ΒΌ tsp Baking powder

    For the buttercream

    • 150 g Butter softened, unsalted
    • 300 g Icing sugar
    • 200 g Nutella
    • 2-3 tbsp Milk

    For the decoration

    • 12 Kinder Bueno pieces
    • Chocolate sprinkles optional
    Metric - US Customary

    Instructions

    • Pre-heat your oven to 160C Fan/350F/Gas Mark 4 and line a cupcake tin with cupcake cases
    • For the cupcake sponge, mix together the butter or baking spread and caster sugar, ideally using an electric mixer, until smooth and fluffy
    • Add the eggs, and mix until fully incorporated
    • Add the self raising flour, cocoa powder and baking powder, and whisk or fold in gently
    • Divide the mixture between the cupcake cases, and bake them for 20-25 minutes or until a thin skewer inserted in the centre of the cupcakes comes out clean. Put them on a rack to cool completely
    • To make the buttercream mix the butter on it's own until it's smooth and creamy, for 2-3 minutes. Use an electric whisk or stand mixer with the paddle attachment for best results. Then mix in the icing sugar, Nutella and milk. Mix until smooth. If the buttercream is too stiff then you can add a little more milk
    • Pipe or spread the buttercream onto the cupcakes. Decorate with Kinder Bueno pieces and chocolate strand sprinkles, or other decoration of your choice
    • Store in an airtight container in a cool place, eat leftovers within 3 days
    Made this recipe?Share on Instagram with me @TheBakingExplorer or tag #thebakingexplorer!

    Video

    Notes

    • Make sure all your ingredients (particularly the butter and eggs) are at room temperature before you start baking.
    • I used a baking spread for the cupcakes and unsalted butter for the buttercream.
    • You can use any cocoa powder for the cupcakes, of course the better quality it is, the better flavour it will have. Also do make sure you are using cocoa powder and not a hot chocolate powder.
    • I decorated the cupcakes with a piece of Kinder Bueno, you could drizzle them with melted Nutella, add a sprinkle of hazelnuts, a Ferrero Rocher, however you want.
    • Although I provide cup measurements, I highly recommend weighing your ingredients out using digital kitchen scales. It is the most accurate way to measure ingredients and will ensure the best results. Digital scales are very low cost and can be purchased for around Β£12 ($16.50) .
    • For teaspoon (tsp) and tablespoon (tbsp) measurements, please use measuring spoons and not the type of spoons you eat with. Again this will ensure accuracy and provide the best results.
    Β 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 504kcal | Carbohydrates: 60g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 19g | Cholesterol: 99mg | Sodium: 228mg | Potassium: 134mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 48g | Vitamin A: 736IU | Calcium: 42mg | Iron: 1mg

    If you like this, check out more of my Cupcake recipes!

    NB. This post is NOT sponsored by Nutella – I just love their product!

    « Peaches & Cream Tart with Fresh Mint
    Vegan Oreo Brownies »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Wendy

      July 17, 2017 at 4:26 pm

      These cupcakes look like they are dressed for a party! So pretty!

      Reply
      • thebakingexplorer

        July 19, 2017 at 3:02 pm

        Thanks Wendy!

        Reply
      • Cake queen

        September 07, 2021 at 6:42 pm

        5 stars
        This was amazing! Everyone loved the Nutella icing especially

        Reply
      • Natalie

        September 19, 2022 at 5:20 am

        Would there be any way to fill them with some nutella inside before frosting them?

        Reply
    2. Monika Dabrowski

      July 17, 2017 at 8:04 pm

      These look super scrumptious! Stumbled:)

      Reply
      • thebakingexplorer

        July 19, 2017 at 3:03 pm

        Thanks so much Monika!

        Reply
    3. Jo Allison / Jo's Kitchen Larder

      July 17, 2017 at 8:59 pm

      5 stars
      Love the look of those and that Nutella buttercream looks so light and chocolatey. Proper drooling now! πŸ™‚ x

      Reply
      • thebakingexplorer

        July 19, 2017 at 3:04 pm

        Thanks Jo! Nutella buttercream is drool worthy stuff!

        Reply
    4. Vicky | The Flourishing Pantry

      July 18, 2017 at 10:09 am

      Wow these look so delicious! Maybe something for my little sister's birthday party....

      Reply
      • thebakingexplorer

        July 19, 2017 at 3:05 pm

        Thanks Vicky! I hope they are a hit at the party!

        Reply
    5. jenny paulin

      July 18, 2017 at 10:23 pm

      5 stars
      wowsers these look so good Kat . Full of such delicious flavours and chocolate and yumminess! Yep, I would happily scoff a few of these please!!! πŸ˜‰
      Thank you for linking to #Bakeoftheweek x

      Reply
      • thebakingexplorer

        July 19, 2017 at 3:08 pm

        Thanks so much Jenny! They are a chocolate and Nutella lovers yummy dream!

        Reply
    6. Jacqui Bellefontaine

      July 20, 2017 at 3:30 pm

      5 stars
      Oh Ive been dreaming about these beauties ever since i first saw them. They look amazing and I really want to make them and will do just as soon as ive caight up after a few days before. My only regret is you didnt post them a week earlier I would have made them for my sons birthday.

      Reply
      • thebakingexplorer

        July 24, 2017 at 11:19 am

        Sorry they weren't in time for his birthday, there's always next year, but it doesn't sound like you'll be waiting that long! πŸ™‚

        Reply
    7. Kate - gluten free alchemist

      July 20, 2017 at 5:59 pm

      I am always so impressed with your piping and decoration Kat. So neat and pretty and always makes me want to reach in and grab..... Nutella icing is a perfect topping. Sounds delish xx

      Reply
      • thebakingexplorer

        July 24, 2017 at 11:19 am

        Thanks so much Kate, that's so nice of you to say!

        Reply
    8. Angela / Only Crumbs Remain

      July 22, 2017 at 1:35 pm

      Can you believe I've never used let alone tasted Nutella!! Given how you describe it I know I need to get some and include it in a bake - they look absolutely gorgeous Kat πŸ™‚
      Angela x

      Reply
      • thebakingexplorer

        July 24, 2017 at 11:21 am

        Angela, I'm shocked! Get yourself to the shops immediately! πŸ˜€

        Reply
    9. Claire Thomas

      July 24, 2017 at 9:41 pm

      Pretty as a picture as always. That icing looks like it will taste amazing!
      #TreatPetite

      Reply
      • Kat (The Baking Explorer)

        August 07, 2017 at 10:37 am

        It really does Claire, it's my favourite icing!

        Reply
      • Aisha Ilyas

        May 03, 2022 at 4:28 am

        5 stars
        Absolutely delicious cupcakes!! Super mosit with a perfect smooth and fluffy buttercream. My whole family LOVED them so much. Thank you so much Kat for this amazing recipe.

        Reply
        • thebakingexplorer

          May 06, 2022 at 11:09 pm

          This makes me so happy to hear, thank you for letting me know!!

          Reply
    10. Choclette

      July 30, 2017 at 11:53 am

      You are good making these for a bake sale. They look absolutely gorgeous as always. Thanks for sharing with #WeShouldCocoa.

      Reply
      • Kat (The Baking Explorer)

        August 07, 2017 at 10:38 am

        Thank you!

        Reply
    11. HM

      September 15, 2018 at 12:55 pm

      5 stars
      Love your receipt! May i know how can i make a more moist sponge? Should i add more egg?

      Reply
      • thebakingexplorer

        September 15, 2018 at 8:14 pm

        Add 1 tsbp milk to the batter, hope that helps!

        Reply
    12. The baker man

      September 20, 2018 at 9:11 pm

      5 stars
      I bake to cure sadness and honestly this frustrated me so much. Because I had to use every ounce of willpower not to eat the bowl of icing. Absolutely beautiful recipe

      Reply
      • thebakingexplorer

        September 24, 2018 at 10:08 am

        Thank you so much!

        Reply
    13. Michelle Roy

      April 17, 2019 at 6:30 pm

      Ohh my goodness these look amazing. I can't wait to try them! πŸ™‚

      Reply
    14. Kelly

      December 04, 2019 at 2:47 pm

      They look absolutely delicious! Is it possible to put a piece of the bueno inside the cupcake?

      Reply
      • thebakingexplorer

        December 04, 2019 at 3:09 pm

        Hi, thank you! I've never tried it, but I would recommend freezing them first otherwise they will just melt and potentially disintegrate. Let me know how it goes!

        Reply
        • Kelly

          December 08, 2019 at 9:54 pm

          Thanks for the advise! They did not look as great as your cupcakes but i think i managed quite well. I froze them, as you recommended, and the piece of bueno was still intact. The biscuit of the bueno was a little bit soggy but still tasted good.

          Reply
    15. Mona

      October 20, 2020 at 2:08 pm

      5 stars
      Apparently the best cupcakes I have made - thanks for the recipe!!

      If I wanted to make gluten free ones, is it just a matter of swapping out the SF flour for GF flour?

      Reply
      • thebakingexplorer

        October 20, 2020 at 9:23 pm

        Hi Mona, yes you should just be able to swap out the flour. Check the packet of the GF flour you use, sometimes they suggest adding 1-2 tbsp milk extra. I'm so happy you liked the cupcakes!!

        Reply
    16. Zoe

      November 22, 2020 at 9:11 pm

      Is this salted or unsalted butter? Thanks

      Reply
      • thebakingexplorer

        November 22, 2020 at 9:33 pm

        I always use unsalted for baking πŸ™‚

        Reply
    17. Tasha

      December 03, 2020 at 7:21 pm

      5 stars
      Soo tasty! I made these for my mother in law and she now is making them off your website!

      Reply
    18. Zara

      December 31, 2020 at 5:41 pm

      5 stars
      I've lost count how many times I have made these cupcakes and they've come out perfect every time. The perfect amount of chocolatey nutella goodness!!

      Reply
    19. Claire

      January 23, 2021 at 10:45 pm

      5 stars
      I made these for my little boy and they were a hit with the whole family. I'm not usually a fan of Bueno but I'm a convert. Another fab recipe!

      Reply
      • thebakingexplorer

        January 23, 2021 at 11:11 pm

        So glad you all liked them Claire!

        Reply
    20. Tara

      February 27, 2021 at 10:15 am

      Hi, are you able to make these in batches of 6? Is there anything you need to change or is it literally just halving everything? Was just wondering about the eggs and how that would work.
      Thanks 😊
      Tara

      Reply
      • thebakingexplorer

        February 27, 2021 at 1:42 pm

        Hi Tara, because of the eggs you'd only be able to split the recipe into either 4, 8 or 12 cupcakes. Hope that helps!

        Reply
        • Anna

          November 16, 2023 at 2:22 pm

          What if I used buttermilk powder instead of buttermilk? How would the recipe change?

          Reply
          • thebakingexplorer

            November 16, 2023 at 4:52 pm

            Hi Anna, there is no buttermilk in this recipe.

            Reply
    21. CΓ©line

      March 23, 2021 at 8:11 pm

      Bonjour,
      1 cuillΓ¨re Γ  cafΓ© et demi de levure correspond Γ  combien de grammes environ? Car je n’ai pas de cuillΓ¨re adaptΓ©e.
      Merci d’avance!

      Reply
      • thebakingexplorer

        March 24, 2021 at 9:23 am

        Bonjour, cette recette ne contient pas de levure, sur quelle recette est votre question?

        Reply
    22. Sumayyah

      April 09, 2021 at 5:58 pm

      5 stars
      I made these a few days ago and oh my! They tasted and smelled AMAZING I love Nutella and this was just the best recipe for me. Everyone commented and how delicious they were. Thank you for such great recipes for little piggies like me who would rather eat cake than dinner lol

      Reply
    23. Donna

      December 20, 2021 at 2:13 pm

      5 stars
      OMG I made these for the first time today. They are sooo very yummy!
      I found the frosting measurements way too much for only 12 cupcakes. So put left over frosting in an airtight container & refrigerated. Because I know my family will want more very soon!πŸ˜‹πŸ˜

      Reply
      • thebakingexplorer

        December 20, 2021 at 2:51 pm

        I'm so pleased you liked them Donna! I am quite generous with my frosting, sorry you found it too much, hopefully it'll save you making more for the second batch of cupcakes πŸ˜€

        Reply
    24. Abeerah

      July 06, 2024 at 3:24 am

      I only tried the Nutella buttercream but it was so easy and delicious!! Definitely recommend πŸ™‚

      Reply

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