Black Bottom Cupcake Recipe (Cream Cheese Chocolate Cupcakes)

Steps

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.

2. Start by making the filling. In a stand mixer or large bowl, beat together cream cheese, 1 egg, 1/3 cup sugar, and a pinch of salt. Fold in 6 ounces of the mini chocolate chips. (A little more than half the bag, no need to measure). Scrape the mixture into another bowl.

3. Add 1 cup sugar, flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt to the empty bowl (no need to wash). Whisk to combine. Then add the water, oil, sour cream, vinegar, and vanilla.

4. Beat until combined, then fold in the remaining 4 ounces of mini chocolate chips.

5. Line about 20 cupcake tins with paper liners. Fill each one about halfway with the cupcake batter.

6. Top the center each cupcake with 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture. It's okay if it sinks down a bit.

7. Bake at 350 for about 19-23 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the cake part comes out clean. If you see any golden spots on the cheesecake filling, take it out right away.

8. Let cool on a wire rack.

9. To make the frosting, beat together the butter and cream cheese. Add the sugar, salt, and coconut extract, if you're using it. Beat well.

10. Pipe or spread the frosting on top of the cupcakes when they are cool.

11. If you want to make chocolate curls, add the chocolate chips and shortening to a small bowl. Microwave until the shortening is melted, then stir together until combined. Pour the mixture onto an upside-down baking sheet and spread thin with a spatula.

12. Place the pan in the freezer for 4-5 minutes, then use a metal spatula to scrape the chocolate off the pan. Sprinkle on top of the cupcakes and serve.