12 Days of Recipes - Day 12: Mini Black Bottom Cupcakes

Cream Cheese Filling

• 1- 8-oz block cream cheese softened
• 1 large egg room temperature
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• pinch salt
• 1 cup chocolate chips dark or semi-sweet

Chocolate Cupcake

• 1 ½ cups all purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup unsweetened natural cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup coffee
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1 tbsp white vinegar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Line cupcake pans with cupcake liners (this recipe yields 42-48 cupcakes). Set aside.

2. Using a handheld electric mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese, egg, 1/3 cup sugar and a pinch of salt on medium high speed until light and creamy (about 2-3 minutes). Remember to scrape the bottom and sides of your bowl. 

3. Stir 1 cup chocolate chips until incorporated. Set aside. 

4. In a large bowl, combine 1 ½ cups flour, 1 cup sugar, ⅓ cup cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda and ½ teaspoon salt. 

5. Add 1 cup coffee, ⅓ cup vegetable oil, 1 tablespoon vinegar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and stir until fully combined.

6. Transfer your chocolate batter to your pan, filling each cavity ⅔ full (about 2 teaspoons of batter).

7. Top with a dollop of cream cheese mixture. Gently tap the pan on the counter to help the batter settle.

8. Bake for 20-30 minutes or until you see the sides of your cream cheese filling start turning a light brown.

9. Take out of the oven and cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. You can serve the cupcakes now, or chill them in the fridge and serve cold.

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Photo and recipe from The Unlikely Baker