Name: Nutella Swirl Cupcakes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 box chocolate cupcake mix; Ingredients required by the mix (usually eggs, oil, water – check the box); ½ cup Nutella (for swirling into batter); 1 cup buttercream frosting; ½ cup Nutella (for frosting); Crushed hazelnuts (optional)

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If there’s one treat that never fails to light up my kids’ faces (and my husband’s too!), it’s these Nutella Swirl Cupcakes. They’re soft, chocolaty, and swirled with creamy Nutella right into the batter topped off with a luscious Nutella buttercream that’s hard to resist. I started making these for Father’s Day, but now they’re a year-round favorite. Whether it’s for a birthday, a class party, or just because it’s a guaranteed hit!

Why You’ll Love This Dish

These cupcakes bring the magic of Nutella into every bite! They’re rich without being overly sweet, incredibly easy to make thanks to the boxed mix shortcut, and the swirl of Nutella inside the cake adds a stunning marbled effect. The Nutella buttercream on top makes them feel gourmet without any fancy techniques. Perfect for birthdays, special occasions or just an after-school surprise.

Simple Ingredients

Here’s what goes into making these indulgent cupcakes:

Chocolate Cupcake Mix: A reliable shortcut to moist, delicious cupcakes every time perfect when you’re short on time or baking with kids.
Nutella: The creamy hazelnut chocolate spread is the highlight here. It creates a rich swirl inside the cupcakes and transforms your frosting.
Buttercream Frosting: We use ready-made or homemade buttercream as the base, then elevate it by mixing in Nutella for a dreamy finish.
Crushed Hazelnuts (Optional): Add a nutty crunch and pretty finishing touch to the tops. These are optional but make the cupcakes look extra fancy.

Recipe Overview

Servings: 12 cupcakes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 18–20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

What is Needed

1 box chocolate cupcake mix
Ingredients required by the mix (usually eggs, oil, water – check the box)
½ cup Nutella (for swirling into batter)
1 cup buttercream frosting
½ cup Nutella (for frosting)
Crushed hazelnuts (optional)

How to Make Nutella Swirl Cupcakes

Preheat your oven to 350°F (or the temperature listed on your cake mix box). Line a standard 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners. In a large mixing bowl, prepare the chocolate cupcake batter according to the directions on the box. This usually involves mixing together the dry cake mix, eggs, oil, and water. Use a hand mixer or whisk to blend until smooth.

Spoon the prepared batter into each cupcake liner, filling them about ⅔ full. Warm the Nutella slightly if needed (10 seconds in the microwave works great) to make it easier to swirl. Add about ½ tablespoon of Nutella to the top of each batter-filled cup. Use a toothpick or skewer to gently swirl the Nutella into the batter, creating a marbled effect without fully mixing it in.

Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven. Bake according to the box instructions typically 18 to 20 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick in the center. It should come out with just a few moist crumbs. Remove cupcakes from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

While the cupcakes are cooling, make the frosting. In a bowl, combine 1 cup of buttercream frosting with ½ cup of Nutella. Stir or beat until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust add a little more Nutella if you want it extra rich!

Once cupcakes are completely cooled, transfer the frosting into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip (or use a zip-top bag with the corner cut off). Pipe generous swirls onto each cupcake.
Sprinkle crushed hazelnuts on top if desired.

Top Tips

Don’t over-swirl the Nutella: A gentle swirl gives you that marbled look without blending the Nutella fully into the batter.
Let cupcakes cool completely before frosting: Otherwise, the frosting may melt right off.
Use a warm spoon or piping tip: Warming the piping bag slightly in your hands helps the Nutella frosting come out smoother.
Involve the kids: Let them swirl the Nutella into the batter or help sprinkle toppings!
Avoid nuts for toddlers: Use mini chocolate chips or sprinkles instead.

Recipe Variations

Try using vanilla cupcake mix instead of chocolate for a lighter version.
Add a spoonful of Nutella into the center of each cupcake post-bake for a hidden treat.
Swap the buttercream for whipped cream cheese frosting mixed with Nutella.

Recommended Equipment

Mixing bowls
Measuring cups & spoons
Hand mixer or whisk
Cupcake/muffin tin
Cupcake liners
Toothpick or skewer
Piping bag & frosting tip (or zip-top bag)
Cooling rack
Rubber spatula

Make Ahead Tips

Bake the cupcakes a day in advance and store (unfrosted) in an airtight container. Frost just before serving for best presentation and texture. Frosting can also be made ahead and stored in the fridge just bring to room temp before using.

How to Store and Reheat

Store: Place in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Reheat: Not necessary for serving, but if chilled, let them come to room temperature for best flavor and texture.

What to Serve With This Recipe

A glass of cold milk
Coffee or hazelnut latte
Fresh strawberries or raspberries
A scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert time

What You Need to Know About This Recipe

This is one of the easiest gourmet-looking cupcake recipes you can make at home. It’s perfect for beginner bakers, for baking with kids, and for impressing guests. The Nutella swirl makes every cupcake look handcrafted, and the rich buttercream adds a decadent bakery feel all with just a few ingredients and tools.

Check out my fall dessert recipes.

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