Sunday, February 5, 2012

Nutella Cupcakes for World Nutella Day

It's the 5th of February.  You know what that means?  It's World Nutella Day!

In case you have no clue what World Nutella Day is, it is a day devoted to eating and enjoying the delicious chocolate-hazelnut spread from Italy.  It was created in 2007 and has been getting bigger and better each year.  Thanks to the brilliant idea of Sara Rosso, an American living in Milan, Italy, we can lift our spoons in celebration.

Today, five years after it's inception, Nutella-loving bloggers from around the world create, bake, cook, and share recipes and ideas centered around this delicious spread.  This year, I'm throwing my blog into the ring as well.  I pondered as to what I should make to commemorate the day and then it hit me: cupcakes.



You see, not only is Feburary 5th World Nutella Day, it is also the birthday of one of my favorite kids in the whole entire world.  Oops.  Wait.  He's officially not a kid anymore.

HAPPY 18th BIRTHDAY, SAM BENCH!

Sam is my best friend's son, who was born 18 years ago today.  It's quite fitting that he shares his day with World Nutella Day, because he is as big of a Nutella fiend as I am.  Maybe a bigger fiend.  The boy...sorry...the man loves his Nutella!

So, in celebration of both World Nutella Day and Sam's birthday, I made Nutella Cupcakes!

The easiest way to start these cupcakes is to use a good chocolate cake mix.  (You can use your own favorite recipe, if you want.)  Add 2 tablespoons of Nutella to the mixture and beat it in well.  Then, pour into your cupcake liners and bake as directed.  Try not to eat all of the batter.  I know it's tough, but be strong.

When they're done baking, cool them completely on a cooling rack.



When they are no longer warm, cut a "cone" shape into the top of the cupcake, like this:




Place a little Nutella into the crater that you formed in the cake (approximately a teaspoon) and then place the top back on the cupcake.




Now it's time to make the frosting.  You'll need:

250 grams of confectioner's sugar (about 3 cups)
80 grams of softened butter (about 3/4 of a stick)
2 tablespoons of milk
100 grams of Nutella (about 1/2 cup)

(please note that the conversions from grams are just my guesstimate.)

Beat the sugar and the butter together until combined (use an electric mixer...it's easier).  Add the Nutella and milk and beat until nice and smooth.

Frost the tops of the cupcakes with the frosting and enjoy!  (You can pop them in the refrigerator for about 30-60 minutes if you desire so that the Nutella firms up a bit, but that's completely up to you.)



Buon appitito!

* Be sure to check out Sara Rosso's blog: Ms. Adventures in Italy.  She posts some amazing recipes and photos about her adventures!

* Also check out the blog of her co-host of World Nutella Day, Michelle Fabio, an American living in Calabria, Italy.  Here's the link: Bleeding Espresso.  She has some great recipes too, as well as inspirational posts.

* For more information on World Nutella Day, check out the official site: Nutella Day

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