February 5, 2013 is the 7th annual World Nutella Day. Yeah, I had no idea either, but what a great reason to celebrate! While not a true Nutella fanatic myself, I know of plenty who are – and why not? This luscious chocolate hazelnut spread lends itself perfectly to so many pairings: bananas dipped in Nutella, Nutella-laced brownies, Nutella-stuffed crepes…I’ve even seen a recipe for Nutella pizza!
But of course, my thoughts immediately turned to Nutella cupcakes, which in turn led to daydreams of Nutella’s 40-proof cousin, Frangelico. Talk about something that pairs well with others! Mix this smooth hazelnut liqueur with a little Irish cream, and you’ve got yourself quite a delightful shooter. But that’s a subject for another day. Suffice it to say, Nutella and Frangelico might be the best combo out of Italy since spaghetti and meatballs.
And these cupcakes are proof of that – light, Frangelico-infused chocolate cupcakes topped with a rich, smooth Nutella frosting and finished with a roasted hazelnut – these cupcakes are definitely something to celebrate!
Roasted Hazelnuts
Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Toast hazelnuts in shallow baking pan for approximately 10 minutes. Remove to clean kitchen towel, and gentle rub hazelnuts together until the skins come off. Set aside.
Frangelico Chocolate Cupcakes – adapted from bakedbree.com
Makes 24 cupcakes
1 box Devil’s Food cake mix
3/4 cup Frangelico
1/2 cup water
1/2 vegetable oil
3 eggs
Prepare cupcakes according to the box directions, but substitute some of the water with the Frangelico. Bake as directed for 18-22 minutes. Cool
Nutella Buttercream Frosting – adapted from hicookery.com
2 cups confectioners sugar
3 tablespoons cocoa powder
6 tablespoons butter, room temperature
3 tablespoons Frangelico, or to taste
1/2 cup Nutella
Sift together the sugar and cocoa. In a separate bowl, cream the butter until light. Gradually add the sugar mixture, beating until smooth. Stir in the Frangelico and Nutella until desired spreading consistency is reached, adding more Frangelico, if necessary.
Frost cupcakes and top with roasted hazelnut. Enjoy!!!
This I have to try. Love Nutella!!
Then you will LOVE this frosting, it’s so good!
Gosh, your bakes looks so yummy! =)
Thank you!