Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Surprise Inside : A hidden cheesecake filling makes every bite extra special.
- Rich Chocolate Flavor : Deep, decadent chocolate cake pairs perfectly with the creamy cheesecake center.
- Easy to Make : Despite their impressive appearance, these cupcakes are surprisingly simple to assemble.
- Customizable : Top with your favorite frosting, sprinkles, or ganache for a personal touch.
- Crowd-Pleasing : Always a hit at parties, potlucks, or family gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Makes 12 cupcakes
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese , softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Cupcakes:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup buttermilk (or substitute with milk + 1 tsp vinegar)
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup hot water (or hot coffee for enhanced chocolate flavor)
For the Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter , softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2–3 tbsp heavy cream (adjust for consistency)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) . Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the cheesecake mixture into each cupcake liner, spreading it slightly to create an even layer. Freeze the lined tin for 10–15 minutes to firm up the filling while you prepare the cupcake batter.
