Chocolate Cream Cupcakes

Makes 30 (2-1/2 dozen) cupcakes

Prep Time: 20 min.
Baking time: 25 min.

Ingredients

Filling Ingredients

• 1/2 - cup sugar
• 1 - package (8-ounce) cream cheese, softened
• 1 - egg

Cupcakes Ingredients

• 1-3/4 - cups sugar
• 2/3 - cup butter, softened
• 2 - eggs
• 1-1/4 - cups water
• 4 - squares (1-ounce) unsweetened baking chocolate, melted, cooled
• 1 - teaspoon vanilla
• 2-3/4 - cups all-purpose flour
• 2 - teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 - teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 - teaspoon salt

Frosting Ingredients

• 2 - cups Heavy Whipping Cream
• 1/2 - cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 - teaspoon vanilla

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Filling

1. In a small bowl, add sugar, cream cheese, and 1-egg.
2. Beat at medium speed, scraping bowl often, until well mixed. Set aside.

Cupcake

1. In a large bowl, add 1-3/4 cups sugar and butter.
2. Beat at medium speed, scraping bowl often, until creamy.
3. Continue beating, adding eggs one at a time, until well mixed.
4. Add water, melted chocolate and 1 teaspoon vanilla.
5. Continue beating until well mixed. (Mixture may look curdled.)
6. Reduce speed to low; add flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
7. Beat until well mixed.
8. For each cupcake, spoon 1 rounded tablespoon chocolate mixture into each paper-lined cupcake cup.
9. Top with 1 tablespoon cream cheese mixture.
10. Spoon 1 rounded tablespoon chocolate mixture on top.
11. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
12. Let stand 5 minutes. Remove from pans and cool completely.

Frosting

1. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, beat whipping cream and powdered sugar at high speed, scraping bowl often, until stiff peaks form.
2. Gently stir in 1/2 teaspoon vanilla.
3. Spread about 3 tablespoons frosting onto each cupcake.
4. Store refrigerated.