Black Bottom Cupcake Recipe (Cream Cheese Chocolate Cupcakes) Recipe

There’s something truly magical about these Black Bottom Cupcake Recipe (Cream Cheese Chocolate Cupcakes) Recipe that makes them an irresistible treat any time of year. Imagine a rich, moist chocolate cupcake hugging a luscious, creamy cheesecake center, then crowned with silky cream cheese frosting and delicate chocolate curls. These cupcakes bring together the perfect harmony of flavors and textures, delivering a delightful surprise that melts in your mouth and keeps you coming back for just one more bite. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving a decadent snack, this recipe is sure to become your new favorite indulgence.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Black Bottom Cupcake Recipe (Cream Cheese Chocolate Cupcakes) Recipe lies in its use of simple, everyday ingredients that work together to create something truly extraordinary. Every component, from the tangy cream cheese to the rich cocoa, plays an essential role in building the flavor, texture, and unforgettable character of these cupcakes.

• Cream Cheese (softened): Provides the creamy cheesecake filling’s signature tang and smooth texture.
• Eggs: Adds structure to both the cupcake batter and filling, ensuring everything holds together beautifully.
• Sugar: Sweetens the cupcake and the cream cheese layers, balancing the cocoa’s richness.
• Mini Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle throughout for delightful pockets of melty chocolate in every bite.
• Flour: The foundation of the cupcake, it gives body and substance to the batter.
• Cocoa Powder (special dark preferred): Provides deep chocolate flavor and a gorgeous dark color.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cupcakes rise to fluffy perfection.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors, preventing the sweetness from feeling one-dimensional.
• Water, Oil, Sour Cream: These keep the cupcakes wonderfully moist and tender.
• Vinegar: Reacts with baking soda for a light crumb and adds a subtle tang that brightens the chocolate flavors.
• Vanilla: Brings warmth and depth to both filling and batter.
• Butter (softened): Essential for the creamy frosting, lending richness and smoothness.
• Powdered Sugar: For that sweet, silky frosting texture that will make your cupcakes shine.
• Coconut Extract (optional): A lovely subtle twist that adds complexity and a hint of tropical sweetness.
• Semi-sweet Chocolate Chips & Shortening: Used to create those gorgeous homemade chocolate curls to top your masterpieces.

How to Make Black Bottom Cupcake Recipe (Cream Cheese Chocolate Cupcakes) Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Gather Ingredients

Before diving into mixing, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F so it’s ready to go once the batter and filling are prepared. This helps ensure even baking from the moment the cupcakes hit the heat. At the same time, gather all your ingredients and make sure your cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature for smooth mixing.

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

In a stand mixer or large bowl, beat together 8 ounces softened cream cheese, 1 egg, 1/3 cup sugar, and a pinch of salt until creamy and smooth. Then gently fold in about 6 ounces of mini chocolate chips for that delightful crunchy chocolate surprise inside the creamy filling. Once combined, scrape this heavenly filling into a clean bowl while you tackle the batter.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients for the Cupcake Batter

Without cleaning the bowl, add 1 cup sugar, 1 and 1/2 cups flour, 1/4 cup special dark cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Whisk everything together until fully blended to create the perfect base for your chocolate cupcakes.

Step 4: Mix the Wet Ingredients into the Dry

To the dry mixture, add 1/2 cup water, 1/2 cup oil, 1/2 cup sour cream, 1 tablespoon vinegar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Beat everything until just combined, then gently fold in the remaining 4 ounces of mini chocolate chips to ensure chocolate pockets throughout your cupcake batter.

Step 5: Assemble the Cupcakes

Line about 20 cupcake tins with paper liners, then fill each liner about halfway with cupcake batter. Carefully spoon about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese filling into the center of each cupcake. Don’t worry if the cream cheese mixture sinks slightly — it’s part of the magic that forms the distinct ‘black bottom’ center.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cupcakes in your preheated oven at 350 degrees for 19 to 23 minutes. Keep an eye on them, and check with a toothpick inserted into the chocolate cake part; it should come out clean. Watch for any golden spots appearing on the cream cheese filling — that’s when you’ll want to take them out promptly to keep the filling nice and creamy.

Step 7: Cool Completely

Remove the cupcakes from the oven and allow them to cool on a wire rack. Patience here is key, as the cupcakes need to be cool before frosting so the topping doesn’t melt or slide off.

Step 8: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat together 1/2 cup softened butter and 8 ounces softened cream cheese until fluffy and smooth. Gradually add 3 cups powdered sugar along with a dash of salt and optional 1/4 teaspoon coconut extract for a subtle twist. Beat well until the frosting is silky and spreadable.

Step 9: Frost and Decorate

Once completely cooled, frost each cupcake with your luscious cream cheese frosting. For that extra showstopper effect, make chocolate curls by melting 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips with 1/2 teaspoon shortening, then spreading thin on an upside-down baking sheet. Freeze briefly, scrape to create curls, and sprinkle generously atop your cupcakes.

How to Serve Black Bottom Cupcake Recipe (Cream Cheese Chocolate Cupcakes) Recipe

Garnishes

Chocolate curls are the star garnish, adding elegance and a little crunch to the smooth frosting and tender cupcake. You might also scatter mini chocolate chips or a light dusting of cocoa powder for an extra pop of chocolate goodness.

Side Dishes

Pair these cupcakes with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a tall glass of cold milk to balance the richness. A scoop of vanilla ice cream makes for a dreamy dessert plate if you want to elevate the whole experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider serving these cupcakes on a pretty tiered stand at your next party, allowing guests to admire the black bottom center peeking out. Wrapping each cupcake with a delicate ribbon around the liner adds a charming touch for gifting or special occasions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the cream cheese frosting fresh. They’ll stay delicious and moist for up to 3 days, making them perfect for enjoying a day or two after baking.

Freezing

You can freeze unfrosted cupcakes by wrapping each in plastic wrap and placing them in an airtight freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge before frosting and serving for a fresh-out-of-the-oven taste any time.

Reheating

For a just-baked warmth, reheat cupcakes briefly in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds at a time. Avoid heating too long to prevent drying out, especially if they’re frosted. Enjoy them slightly warm to bring out the flavors beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use regular cream cheese instead of softened?

It’s best to use cream cheese that’s softened to room temperature. This ensures it blends smoothly without lumps, especially important for the creamy filling and frosting texture.

What type of cocoa powder is best for this recipe?

Special dark cocoa powder is recommended because it delivers a richer chocolate flavor and deeper color, which complements the creamy filling perfectly.

Can I substitute the sour cream with Greek yogurt?

Yes, plain Greek yogurt can be a great substitute, providing similar moisture and tanginess. Just use it in equal amounts as the sour cream.

How important is the vinegar in this recipe?

The vinegar reacts with the baking soda to help the cupcakes rise and gives a slight brightness that enhances the chocolate. Leaving it out might result in a denser cupcake.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use your favorite gluten-free flour blend that measures like regular flour. Just be sure it includes xanthan gum or another binding agent to keep the cupcakes’ texture just right.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a cupcake that tastes like a decadent chocolate treat combined with the creamy richness of cheesecake, the Black Bottom Cupcake Recipe (Cream Cheese Chocolate Cupcakes) Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll create show-stopping cupcakes that impress everyone from family to friends. I can’t wait for you to bake these and discover just how addictive this delightful chocolate and cream cheese combo can be!

Print