Cozy Up with These Bonfire Chocolate Nutella Cupcakes

When the weather turns cooler and evenings start to feel extra cozy, there’s nothing better than gathering around a bonfire, or at least bringing those warm, crackling vibes indoors. These Bonfire Chocolate Nutella Cupcakes do just that, with rich chocolate cake, a luscious Nutella whipped cream center, and a bright, fiery cream cheese frosting that looks just like a little campfire flame. Plus, the fun wafer stick “logs” and mini marshmallow “roasting sticks” make them as playful as they are delicious.

If you love the idea of combining chocolate and Nutella (and who doesn’t?), these cupcakes are going to be your new favorite treat. They’re surprisingly simple to whip up, thanks to a trusty box cake mix that gets an espresso powder boost for a subtle depth of flavor. Then you fill them with that dreamy Nutella whipped cream that’s light, fluffy, and perfectly indulgent. The best part? The frosting that tops them off is a creamy, tangy cream cheese blend tinted orange to mimic flames flickering atop the cupcakes.

Whether you’re planning a chilly night with friends, a cozy family gathering, or just want a sweet way to celebrate the season, these bonfire cupcakes bring warmth and fun to the table. They’re the kind of dessert that sparks smiles and invites a little nostalgia for sitting around the fire, marshmallow sticks in hand, even if it’s just in your kitchen. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be dreaming up excuses to make them again and again.

Ingredients

Cupcakes:

• 1 box chocolate cake mix: The base for our rich and fudgy cupcakes that everyone loves.

• 1 cup buttermilk: Adds a tangy moisture that keeps the cupcakes soft and tender.

• 1/2 cup oil: Helps make these cupcakes perfectly moist and fluffy.

• 3 large eggs: The magic binders that bring the batter together beautifully.

• 1 tsp espresso powder: Just a hint to deepen the chocolate flavor without tasting like coffee.

Nutella Whipped Cream Filling:

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold: The secret to creating that light, dreamy whipped filling.

• 2 tbsp powdered sugar: Adds just the right touch of sweetness to balance the Nutella.

• 1/2 cup Nutella: The star ingredient for a rich, hazelnut-chocolate surprise inside each cupcake.

Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz (1 block) cream cheese, softened: Gives the frosting its creamy tang and smooth texture.

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and helps the frosting pipe beautifully.

• 2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting to perfection without overpowering.

• 1 tsp vanilla extract: A splash of warmth that rounds out all the flavors.

• Orange food coloring or red and yellow food colouring (20 yellow and 6 red): To create that perfect fiery “bonfire” glow on top.

Decorations:

• Wafer sticks (like Pirouline or any rolled wafer cookies): These become your crunchy “logs” for the cupcake bonfire.

• Mini marshmallows: The adorable “roasting” treats that complete the campfire look.

• Toothpicks: Perfect for skewering your marshmallows and making that cute little roasting stick.

Step-by-Step Instructions

You can find a printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line cupcake pans with liners.

2. In a large bowl, mix together the cake mix, buttermilk, oil, eggs, and espresso powder until smooth (about 2 minutes).

3. Fill cupcake liners about 2/3 full with batter.

4. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

5. Let cupcakes cool completely.

6. In a cold mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form.

7. Add the Nutella and continue whipping until stiff peaks form.

8. Transfer the Nutella whipped cream filling to a piping bag with a round tip (or use a zip-top bag with the corner snipped).

9. Using a small knife or cupcake corer, remove a small plug from the center of each cupcake.

10. Pipe the Nutella whipped cream filling into the center of each cupcake.

11. Beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.

12. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating well after each addition.

13. Add vanilla extract.

14. Mix in orange food coloring until you reach your desired shade.

15. Pipe the orange cream cheese frosting on top of each filled cupcake, creating a small “bonfire flame” shape.

16. Break the wafer sticks into shorter pieces (about 2 inches long) to make “logs.”

17. Arrange 3–4 wafer pieces leaning around the frosting like a little campfire.

18. Thread two mini marshmallows onto a toothpick.

19. Stick the marshmallow “roasting stick” into the cupcake, nestling it between the frosting and wafer logs.

Tips for the Perfect Bonfire Chocolate Nutella Cupcakes

• Make sure your cupcakes are completely cool before filling and frosting to prevent any melting or mess. Patience here really pays off!

• Keep your heavy cream super cold when whipping the Nutella filling for faster whipping and perfect fluffy peaks.

• Gently fold the Nutella into the whipped cream instead of mixing vigorously to keep the filling light and airy.

• Use softened (but not overly soft) cream cheese and butter for the frosting to help it pipe smoothly and hold the bonfire shape.

• Don’t be shy with the orange food coloring. Aim for a bright, fiery shade that brings the campfire look to life.

• Break your wafer sticks into varied lengths for natural-looking “logs” and arrange them cozily around the frosting.

• Have fun with the marshmallow placement. The little details make these cupcakes feel like a real bonfire experience.

Get Creative!

• Swap out the Nutella whipped cream filling for peanut butter or salted caramel whipped cream if you want to mix up the flavors.

• Try using different colored food gels to make the “flames” more vibrant. Think reds, yellows, or even a fun ombré effect.

• Add a sprinkle of crushed toasted hazelnuts or cocoa nibs on top for extra crunch and a nutty kick.

• Swap the wafer “logs” for pretzel sticks or cinnamon sticks to switch up the look and add new textures.

• Use mini marshmallows that you’ve lightly toasted with a kitchen torch for an extra authentic campfire vibe.

• Pipe the frosting with different tips, like a star or petal tip, to create fun flame shapes or textures.

• Add edible glitter or shimmer dust on top for a little sparkle that catches the light like flickering firelight.

Serving & Storing

• These cupcakes are best enjoyed the day you make them, while the Nutella whipped cream is fresh and fluffy.

• If you need to store them, keep the cupcakes in an airtight container in the fridge to keep the filling and frosting nice and fresh.

• Let refrigerated cupcakes sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving so the frosting softens up a bit.

• They also freeze well, just wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

• When serving, arrange the cupcakes on a rustic wooden board or a simple platter to keep with that cozy bonfire vibe.

• Don’t forget extra toothpicks for anyone who wants to “roast” their marshmallows again before digging in!

Continue to Content

Yield: 24 Cupcakes

Bonfire Chocolate Nutella Cupcakes

Print

Rich chocolate cupcakes filled with fluffy Nutella whipped cream, topped with creamy orange-tinted cream cheese frosting, and decorated to look like a cozy bonfire with wafer stick “logs” and marshmallow “roasting sticks.” Perfect for gatherings or anytime you want a sweet, fun treat with a campfire vibe!

Prep Time 40 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 1 hour

Ingredients

For the Cupcakes:

• 1 box chocolate cake mix
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup oil
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tsp espresso powder

Nutella Whipped Cream Filling:

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
• 2 tbsp powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup Nutella

Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz (1 block) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Orange food coloring or red and yellow food colouring (20 yellow and 6 red)

Decorations:

• Wafer sticks (like Pirouline or any rolled wafer cookies)
• Mini marshmallows
• Toothpicks

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line cupcake pans with liners.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the cake mix, buttermilk, oil, eggs, and espresso powder until smooth (about 2 minutes).
3. Fill cupcake liners about 2/3 full with batter.
4. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
5. Let cupcakes cool completely.
6. In a cold mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form.
7. Add the Nutella and continue whipping until stiff peaks form.
8. Transfer the Nutella whipped cream filling to a piping bag with a round tip (or use a zip-top bag with the corner snipped).
9. Using a small knife or cupcake corer, remove a small plug from the center of each cupcake.
10. Pipe the Nutella whipped cream filling into the center of each cupcake.
11. Beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
12. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating well after each addition.
13. Add vanilla extract.
14. Mix in orange food coloring until you reach your desired shade.
15. Pipe the orange cream cheese frosting on top of each filled cupcake, creating a small “bonfire flame” shape.
16. Break the wafer sticks into shorter pieces (about 2 inches long) to make “logs.”
17. Arrange 3–4 wafer pieces leaning around the frosting like a little campfire.
18. Thread two mini marshmallows onto a toothpick.
19. Stick the marshmallow “roasting stick” into the cupcake, nestling it between the frosting and wafer logs.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

24

Serving Size:

cupcake
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 350Total Fat: 20gCarbohydrates: 42gProtein: 4g