Self-frosting Nutella cupcakes

Self-Frosting Nutella Cupcakes

Have you heard that there was a class action suit brought against the makers of Nutella for not coming clean with the fact that it really is a chocolatey dessert spread, and not so much a part of your typical nutritious breakfast?  If you’re interested, you can jump on the bandwagon and get your share of the profits that were awarded… $4-$20, depending on how many jars you’ve purchased in the past couple of years.  Personally, I’d rather have my jar of Nutella, so I’ll pass on the cash.

I never deluded myself with the idea that Nutella was good for me.  How could I, when it’s in so many delicious desserts?  You don’t see broccoli showing up in any desserts, right?  So while I agree that the makers of Nutella need to add a little dose of honesty to their advertising, I’ve always found their commercial rather amusing.  I think they’d sell more if they took a new approach and starting showing us how people really enjoy their Nutella.  Like with a spoon, for instance.  Or with these self-frosting cupcakes.

The fact that these cupcakes come out of the oven covered in Nutella goodness is the best part of this recipe.  I wasn’t crazy about the cupcake itself, but I got no complaints from the 7 kids hanging around my house this afternoon.  I like the idea of swirling the Nutella on top, so next time I’ll use a moister cupcake recipe, like this one from Elinor Klivons.  That’s reason enough to keep my jar of Nutella.

Recipe:  Self-Frosting Nutella Cupcakes

(by Babble.com at Shine)

1/4 cup butter, at room temperature
1/4 cup canola or mild vegetable oil
3/4 cup sugar
3 large eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
1 3/4 cup all purpose flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4-1/2 cup Nutella, at room temperature

Preheat the oven to 325F.  In a medium bowl, beat the butter, oil and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.  Add the eggs and vanilla and beat until smooth.

In a small bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder and salt; add to the butter mixture and beat on low speed just until combined.  Divide the batter between 12 paper-lined muffin cups.  Drop a spoonful of Nutella on top of each, and swirl through the batter with the tip of a bamboo skewer or knife.  Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until springy to the touch.  Cool on a wire rack.

Makes 12 cupcakes.