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
- 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
- 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.
- Dry Ingredient Blend: Combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl, creating a uniform dry mixture.
- Liquid Base Creation: Whisk together milk, egg, vegetable oil, white vinegar, and vanilla extract in a separate bowl until smooth and well-integrated.
- 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.
- 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.
- Marbling Technique: Top each chocolate-filled cup with a dollop of cream cheese mixture, creating an artistic swirled pattern.
- 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.
- 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