Decadent Black Bottom Cupcakes Recipe

Chocolate-Swirled Black Bottom Cupcakes Recipe for Joy

Decadent chocolate meets creamy cheesecake in this irresistible black bottom cupcakes recipe that promises pure indulgence.

Rich cocoa-infused cake forms the dark, velvety base for a dreamy cream cheese swirl.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of deep chocolate flavor and tangy cream cheese filling.

These cupcakes stand out from ordinary desserts with their stunning marbled appearance and luxurious texture.

The contrasting layers create a visual and taste sensation that will impress even the most discerning dessert lovers.

You’ll find these cupcakes are surprisingly simple to make, yet they deliver bakery-quality results every single time.

Let’s find out this delightful recipe and treat yourself to a chocolate lover’s ultimate fantasy.

Smart Ways to Keep Cupcakes Fresh and Moist

  • Smart Storage Solutions: Keep cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, maintaining their delightful texture and flavor.
  • Refrigeration Magic: Store cream cheese-topped cupcakes in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, wrapped securely to prevent drying out.
  • Freezing Friendly: Individually wrap cooled cupcakes in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag for up to 3 months – perfect for future sweet cravings.
  • Make-Ahead Mastery: Prepare cream cheese filling and chocolate batter separately up to 24 hours in advance, keeping them refrigerated until ready to assemble and bake.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 230 kcal

Servings: 13

What You’ll Need for Black Bottom Cupcakes

For Cream Cheese Filling:
  • Cream Cheese: Tangy base that creates a luscious cheesecake-like center with rich, smooth texture.
For Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides essential structure and tender crumb for the cupcake base.
  • Unsweetened Natural Cocoa Powder: Delivers deep chocolate flavor with complex, slightly bitter undertones.
  • Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Crucial leavening agents that help cupcakes rise and become light and fluffy.
For Wet Ingredients and Mix-Ins:
  • Eggs: Bind ingredients together and add richness and structure to the batter.
  • Whole or 2% Milk: Adds moisture and enhances the cupcake's tender texture.
  • Canola or Vegetable Oil: Ensures moist, soft cupcakes with smooth, tender crumb.
  • Mini Semisweet Chocolate Chips: Scattered throughout create delightful chocolate bursts in each bite.
  • Water: Helps adjust batter consistency and supports even baking.

Tools That Help You Create That Signature Two-Layer Look

  • Electric mixer: Perfect for whipping cream cheese and blending ingredients smoothly.
  • Muffin tin: Essential for shaping and baking cupcakes with consistent size.
  • Large mixing bowls: Needed for separating and combining wet and dry ingredients.
  • Whisk: Great for blending dry ingredients and creating lump-free mixtures.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient portioning.
  • Cooling rack: Helps cupcakes cool evenly and prevent soggy bottoms.
  • Spatula: Useful for scraping bowls and spreading batter smoothly.

How to Bake Cupcakes with Chocolate and Cream Cheese Centers

  • Cream Cheese Cloud Preparation

Whip together soft cream cheese with sweet hints of vanilla, a touch of sugar, a single egg, and a whisper of salt until the mixture becomes light and airy. The goal is a silky smooth texture that feels like a cloud.

  • Chocolate Chip Magic

Gently fold rich chocolate chips into the cream cheese mixture, creating delightful pockets of chocolate that will surprise and delight with each bite.

  • Chocolate Base Blend

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients – flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. These will create the deep, dark chocolate foundation of your cupcakes.

  • Wet Ingredient Harmony

Whisk together milk, egg, oil, a splash of vinegar, and vanilla. Pour this liquid gold into your dry ingredient mix, stirring until everything comes together in a smooth, glossy batter.

  • Cupcake Assembly

Carefully fill muffin cups with the chocolate batter, then crown each with a dollop of the cream cheese mixture. Bake in a preheated oven until the cupcakes rise and become perfectly set, with a slight jiggle in the center.

  • Cooling and Enjoyment

Allow the cupcakes to rest and cool, letting the flavors meld and intensify. Once completely cool, these decadent treats are ready to be devoured and shared.

Tips for Even Layers and No-Sink Centers

  • Experiment with different flavor extracts like almond or peppermint in the cream cheese filling for a unique twist on the classic recipe.
  • Try white chocolate chips, dark chocolate chunks, or even butterscotch chips to create different flavor profiles in the cream cheese topping.
  • Prepare the cream cheese mixture and chocolate batter separately up to 24 hours in advance, storing them covered in the refrigerator for convenient baking.
  • Swap regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these cupcakes accessible for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Dust cooled cupcakes with powdered sugar, drizzle with melted chocolate, or top with fresh berries for an elegant finishing touch that adds both visual appeal and extra flavor.

Presenting Black Bottom Cupcakes for Any Occasion

  • Dessert Duo Delight: Serve these black bottom cupcakes alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a creamy contrast that elevates the rich chocolate flavor.
  • Coffee Companion Pairing: Brew a fresh cup of medium-roast coffee or espresso to complement the deep chocolate notes and cream cheese filling, creating a perfect afternoon treat.
  • Garnish Glamour: Sprinkle some mini chocolate chips or dust with powdered sugar on top to add a decorative touch and extra burst of sweetness that makes these cupcakes look irresistible.
  • Party Presentation: Arrange cupcakes on a elegant tiered stand for birthdays or gatherings, allowing guests to admire the beautiful cream cheese swirl peeking through the chocolate base.
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Decadent Black Bottom Cupcakes Recipe

Decadent Black Bottom Cupcakes Recipe


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4.6 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Southern chocolate cupcakes pair rich cocoa base with tangy cream cheese swirl, creating irresistible dessert magic. Moist chocolate layers and creamy filling promise delightful indulgence for chocolate enthusiasts seeking memorable sweet experience.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese
  • 2 large eggs, divided
  • ½ cup mini semisweet chocolate chips
  • ½ cup unsweetened natural cocoa powder (not Dutch-process)
  • ¾ cup (90 g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup (120 ml) whole or 2% milk
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) canola or vegetable oil
  • ¾ tsp baking powder
  • ¾ tsp baking soda
  • Water

Instructions

  1. Cream Cheese Filling Preparation: Whip softened cream cheese with vanilla extract, sugar, egg, and salt until light and fluffy, then gently fold in chocolate chips. Set aside at room temperature.
  2. Dry Ingredient Blend: Combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl, creating a uniform dry mixture.
  3. Liquid Base Creation: Whisk together milk, egg, vegetable oil, white vinegar, and vanilla extract in a separate bowl until smooth and well-integrated.
  4. Batter Assembly: Merge wet and dry ingredients, incorporating hot water, and mix until a consistent chocolate batter forms. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender texture.
  5. Muffin Tin Preparation: Grease a standard 12-cup muffin tin or line with paper liners. Distribute chocolate batter evenly, filling each cup about two-thirds full.
  6. Marbling Technique: Top each chocolate-filled cup with a dollop of cream cheese mixture, creating an artistic swirled pattern.
  7. Baking Process: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake cupcakes for 23-27 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick that should emerge clean when inserted into the center.
  8. Cooling Stage: Allow cupcakes to rest in the tin for 10-12 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely to room temperature.

Notes

Cream Cheese Preparation Tip: Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for smooth, lump-free filling that blends seamlessly.

Chocolate Batter Mixing Caution: Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent tough, dense cupcakes – stir just until ingredients are combined.

Temperature Control Technique: Let cupcakes cool in the tin briefly before transferring to prevent structural collapse and maintain delicate texture.

Ingredient Quality Matters: Use high-quality cocoa powder and pure vanilla extract for rich, deep flavor that elevates the entire dessert.

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 230
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg
Sophie Reynolds

Sophie Reynolds

Co-Founder, Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • Home Cooking Innovation & Comfort Recipes
  • Flavor Development & Ingredient Pairing
  • Seasonal Produce Integration
  • Recipe Testing & Instructional Clarity
  • Culinary Education & Community Workshops

Education

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Boulder, CO

  • Degree: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in classic and modern culinary techniques, emphasizing sustainable cooking practices, kitchen professionalism, and real-world restaurant experience through externships.

Oregon State University

  • Degree: B.S. in Nutrition and Food Management
  • Focus: In-depth study of human nutrition, food safety, meal planning, and food-service operations, with a strong foundation in public health, dietetics, and community-based nutrition programs.

Sophie Reynolds is the recipe developer and culinary voice behind many of the approachable, flavor-focused creations at The Dream Café. 

Sophie’s style leans into comfort food made simple: wholesome, satisfying meals anyone can make with confidence. Her passion lies in helping home cooks feel at ease in the kitchen while finding joy in the everyday act of cooking.

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