Vanilla Cupcakes with Nutella Buttercream Frosting

Happy World Nutella Day! A holiday I didn’t know existed until last week, but plan on fully celebrating from now on. Did you know today is the 8th anniversary of the holiday?? The day even has its own Twitter if you feel the need to follow the events happening around the world:

We had a Dream. And a Spoon. Happy 8th World Nutella Day! #nutelladay http://t.co/8AReYD7EsU

— World Nutella Day (@nutelladay) February 5, 2014

As with any holiday, the most appropriate way to celebrate is with cupcakes! Right?? I wanted something simple, not too crazy and over the top, so I opted for a classic vanilla cupcake with a Nutella buttercream frosting.

I have a confession to make: I don’t know the last time I made a vanilla cake. It’s not that I’m anti-vanilla, I just like chocolate so much! If I see a vanilla cupcake next to a chocolate…I’m picking the chocolate. No questions asked. Same with milkshakes. Chocolate of course! My boyfriend always gets Vanilla Frosties at Wendy’s. And I always thought “that is so boring!” and ordered chocolate without ever trying the vanilla (if you couldn’t tell, I have a problem breaking from routine). But one day I did try the vanilla. And it was amazing! That’s how I felt with these vanilla cupcakes.

I wasn’t all that excited about the cupcakes, I was mostly just looking forward to the frosting. But when I licked the spoon (don’t pretend you don’t do that too) I couldn’t wait for the cupcakes to come out of the oven! They were the perfect amount of sweetness and vanilla…but not overbearingly sweet like chocolate ones can be sometimes. They were fluffy and light and moist, I even ate one without frosting! Thats how good they were.

The frosting began as just a basic buttercream recipe, with some Nutella added in. If you think having Nutella on hand is a dangerous temptation…don’t make this frosting. It was good enough to eat with a spoon! (which I may or may not have done with the leftovers). Again, it’s not overwhelmingly sweet. But enough to satisfy any cravings you have for desserts or chocolate.

As you can see, that’s an empty Nutella container. I don’t really know the rules about World Nutella Day, but I’m guessing that’s frowned upon! Looks like a trip to the grocery store is in my near future. Enjoy!

~Stephanie

Vanilla Cupcakes with Nutella Buttercream Frosting

For Cupcakes:

• 1 1/2 c flour
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 c butter (softened)
• 1 c sugar
• 3 eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla
• 1/3 c milk

For Buttercream Frosting:

• 1/2 c butter (softened)
• 1/2 c Nutella
• 2 tbsp milk
• 3/4 c powdered sugar

1. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in bowl. Set aside.
2. Cream butter and sugar until smooth. Add in eggs, vanilla and milk.
3. Slowly add dry ingredients into wet, stirring just until combined.
4. Fill cupcake tins 2/3 full with batter, and bake at 350 for 18-20 minutes (until golden brown and toothpick comes out cleanly)
5. Let cool completely before frosting.
6. For Frosting: blend together butter, Nutella, and milk. Slowly mix in powdered sugar until fluffy. More sugar can be added to taste. Add more milk if necessary to reach proper consistency. Frost and decorate cupcakes as desired.