Self-Frosting Pumpkin Nutella Cupcakes

Today is the day my wonderful friend Hannah was born. It’s the first time in many years that we haven’t been together on her birthday, so last week I sent her some goodies in the mail. I needed something that would ship easily and I considered brownies or cookies until I discovered something better: self-frosting cupcakes!

These pumpkin cupcakes have a spoonful of Nutella mixed onto the top of them before they’re baked. They come out with a creamy Nutella swirl on top, making frosting unnecessary! I put them into a large container without worry of frosting smearing everywhere. Plus, no frosting = less calories (but not less flavor), and the cake part  is moist and full of spiced pumpkin goodness. These are perfect for a fall treat!
Happy birthday Hannah!!

Recipe:

Self-Frosting Pumpkin Nutella Cupcakes
Adapted from Phenomenon
Makes 12-15 cupcakes

• 1 15-oz. can pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Nutella for topping

Preheat oven to 350°F.  Line a muffin pan with foil or paper liners.
Place the pumpkin, oil, eggs, vanilla and brown sugar in a large bowl. Beat to combine.
In a separate large bowl, whisk the flour, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, baking powder, baking soda and salt together. Add to wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
Fill muffin cups around 3/4 full. Place a couple of teaspoons of Nutella on top of each cupcake. Use a toothpick to swirl the Nutella around the top of the batter.
Bake 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.  http://www.52kitchenadventures.com/2011/10/30/pumpkin-nutella-cupcakes/