Easy Flourless Three Ingredient Nutella Brownie Cupcake

• Gluten-free
• Peanut-free
• Nutella was first imported from Italy to USA over 25 years ago
• Uses no artificial colors or preservatives
• Made from hazelnut, cocoa and skim milk
• Created in the 1940s by Pietro Ferrero

You can find more information at Nutella's site.

When I was younger, I preferred brownies over cupcakes. I think that was a time before cupcakes were so popular. I also thought it was easier to bake up some brownies because they didn't require icing. Plus, they were chocolate and I loved chocolate. I still do but now I am also a fan of cupcakes. I love baking them, decorating them and eating them. I have developed a bit more of a sweet tooth as I age. I remember not being a big sugar junkie in my younger days but now I have kids of my own and I am more interested in baking, propelling me to explore new sugary recipes to create. I know, I need to stop with all the sugar and I have been trying but it is tough!

(My next challenge is to explore more ways to create desserts without sugar). When I allow myself to have cheat days, however, I want to try something new and flavorful.

My most recent baking exploration led me to these brownie cupcake hybrid treats. They are packed with flavor since the main ingredient is Nutella. This recipe allows you to label these as a type of brownie or you can go the extra step and turn them into cupcakes. Add on the cream cheese frosting and you are ready for some happy taste buds.

Some recipes may not clearly fall into one category, like this Nutella dessert. Either way, it is tasty and I like that you can manipulate it into a brownie texture or make into a cupcake. I am sure there are plenty more ways to bake with Nutella. I actually experimented with Nutella brittle, too. I will be sharing that somewhere soon. For those who like brittle, that recipe will be a nice one to try.

One of my favorite types of icing is cream cheese icing. I love strawberry cream cheese icing but this time I was all about Nutella. I thought, "Why not throw in some Nutella flavor into the icing, too?" So, I did just that! If that is too much Nutella for you, then just cut out the Nutella from this icing recipe and maybe use strawberry cream cheese instead of plain cream cheese.

You will need:

• 1 package of cream cheese, 8 ounces, softened
• 2-3 tablespoons of milk
• 2-3 tablelspoons Nutella
• 1 stick unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups of powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese and butter. Beat with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of milk. Mix until smooth. Add vanilla extract and 2-3 tablespoons of Nutella, depending on how much of the taste you prefer. If it is too thick, add 1 tablespoon of milk.

This dessert is one that you will want to bring to parties or serve to friends after dinner or as a special surprise for a loved one. If you bake it in a jar, grab two spoons and enjoy it together. The flavor is rich and moist so I personally, could not eat more than one serving at a time, which makes it perfect to share with someone else.

Another tasty tip: You can spread Nutella on saltine crackers for that sweet and salty combination. A snack kids and adults alike will enjoy.

Some other ideas to eat Nutella are to spread it on a sandwich. Add some sliced strawberries or sliced bananas, too.

How do you like to eat Nutella?

Happy eating!

©BNadyn 2014