Nutella Cheesecake Cupcakes Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with Nutella Cheesecake Cupcakes, a bite-sized treat that combines creamy cheesecake with the irresistible flavor of chocolate hazelnut. Each cupcake starts with a chocolate sandwich cookie base, topped with smooth Nutella-swirled cheesecake, then baked to perfection for a dessert that’s as stunning as it is delicious. Whether you’re hosting friends or satisfying a sweet craving, these cupcakes are sure to steal the show!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in these Nutella Cheesecake Cupcakes is carefully chosen to deliver a perfect balance of rich, tangy, and chocolatey flavors. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need and why each element matters.

• Chocolate sandwich cookies (like Oreos): Acts as the effortless crust, giving a crunchy and chocolaty foundation without needing extra prep.
• Cream cheese (softened): Brings that signature tang and velvety texture essential to every great cheesecake.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling and balances the richness of both the cream cheese and Nutella.
• Large eggs: Help set the batter, creating a creamy but firm cheesecake bite.
• Sour cream: Adds an extra layer of creaminess and a subtle tang that really lifts the whole dessert.
• Vanilla extract: A classic touch that enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Nutella (plus extra for topping): Doubles up as both a main ingredient in the filling and a luscious topping for extra decadence.
• Pinch of salt: Just a hint brings out all the sweet notes and keeps the flavor from being one-dimensional.
• Whipped cream and chopped hazelnuts (optional): For garnish, these add lightness and a nutty crunch to finish.

How to Make Nutella Cheesecake Cupcakes

Step 1: Prep Your Muffin Tin and Cookie Base

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C) and lining a standard 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners. This step keeps everything mess-free and makes removing the cupcakes later a breeze. Drop one chocolate sandwich cookie into the base of each liner; it instantly forms the ideal crust with zero extra work!

Step 2: Create the Cream Cheese Filling

In a large mixing bowl, blend your softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until silky smooth and lump-free. This is the secret to rich, dreamy cheesecake—be sure to scrape down the sides regularly so every bite turns out perfect.

Step 3: Add the Eggs, Sour Cream, and Vanilla

One by one, crack in the eggs and blend well after each addition to keep the filling cohesive. Stir in the sour cream and vanilla extract for that classic cheesecake tang. At this stage, your batter should look creamy with no streaks.

Step 4: Swirl in the Nutella and Salt

Spoon in the Nutella and a pinch of salt, then mix until the luscious hazelnut spread is evenly incorporated. The salt subtly enhances the Nutella flavor, making these Nutella Cheesecake Cupcakes truly unforgettable.

Step 5: Fill, Bake, and Cool

Evenly divide the cheesecake mixture among the prepared muffin cups, filling each almost to the top. Bake in your preheated oven for 20 to 22 minutes, or until the centers are just set—don’t overbake! Let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling completely.

Step 6: Chill and Top

Once cooled, place the cupcakes in the fridge for at least 2 hours—this allows the texture to firm up, making every bite velvety and rich. Right before serving, top each with a small spoonful of Nutella, a swirl of whipped cream, and a sprinkle of chopped hazelnuts if you want a little extra flair.

How to Serve Nutella Cheesecake Cupcakes

Garnishes

A glossy spoonful of Nutella drizzled over each cupcake is pure magic. Add a fluffy cloud of whipped cream and a scatter of chopped hazelnuts for that irresistible bakery look. If you’re feeling playful, add a little chocolate shard or even a sprinkle of sea salt for a gourmet finish.

Side Dishes

Since Nutella Cheesecake Cupcakes are rich and sweet, they pair wonderfully with something light like fresh berries or a simple fruit salad. For a more indulgent spread, serve with chocolate-dipped strawberries or crunchy biscotti for texture contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking these cupcakes on a tiered dessert stand for an eye-catching display at parties. You can also serve each cupcake in a colorful wrapper, or set up a DIY garnish bar so guests can top their own cupcakes with more Nutella, nuts, or sprinkles. For special occasions, nestle a cupcake in a mini dessert glass with extra whipped cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Nutella Cheesecake Cupcakes stay delicious for several days when kept in the refrigerator. Place them in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper, and they’ll remain fresh and creamy for up to four days.

Freezing

These cupcakes freeze beautifully—just leave off any garnishes before freezing. Wrap each cupcake tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving and top with fresh Nutella and whipped cream.

Reheating

Although these cheesecake cupcakes are best enjoyed chilled, you can gently bring them to room temperature if you prefer a softer bite. Simply let them sit out for about 20 minutes before serving, but avoid microwaving, as this can alter the texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different brand of chocolate hazelnut spread instead of Nutella?

Absolutely! While Nutella gives the classic flavor, any smooth chocolate hazelnut spread will deliver delicious results. Just make sure it blends easily into the batter for creamy Nutella Cheesecake Cupcakes.

What’s the best way to soften cream cheese quickly?

If you forgot to take your cream cheese out ahead of time, you can soften it quickly by cutting it into cubes and letting it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes, or zap (unwrapped) in short bursts in the microwave until just softened.

Can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?

Yes! Swap in your favorite gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookies for the crust, and ensure your chocolate hazelnut spread and other ingredients are certified gluten-free to make these Nutella Cheesecake Cupcakes safe for everyone.

Do I have to chill the cupcakes before serving?

Chilling isn’t optional here—the cold time allows the cheesecake to fully set, resulting in that creamy bite and perfect texture. Trust me, your patience will be rewarded with the most amazing Nutella Cheesecake Cupcakes!

Can I double the recipe for a party?

Definitely! This recipe doubles easily—just use two muffin tins or bake in batches so every cupcake gets even heat. Friends and family will be thrilled to see a big batch of Nutella Cheesecake Cupcakes on the dessert table.

Final Thoughts

If you love the flavor of Nutella and the charm of mini cheesecakes, there’s no better treat to bake than these Nutella Cheesecake Cupcakes. So gather your ingredients, invite a friend or two to help, and whip up a batch—you’ll be amazed at how quickly they disappear!

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