Name: Black Bottom Cupcakes Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all purpose flour; ¼ cup cocoa powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; 1 cup sugar; 1 cup coffee, cooled; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ⅓ cup canola oil; 1 Tablespoon vinegar; 8 ounces cream cheese, softened; ⅓ cup sugar; 1 egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ cup mini chocolate chips

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 55 reviews

If you’re craving a dessert that blends rich chocolate with creamy, dreamy cheesecake, then you have to try this Black Bottom Cupcakes Recipe. These cupcakes boast a luscious layer of cheesecake swirled into a moist chocolate batter, creating a divine bite every time. The balance between the dark cocoa cake and the velvety cream cheese center makes these cupcakes irresistible and perfect for sharing with friends or indulging all by yourself.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up of several cupcake liners filled with dark brown chocolate batter, each topped with white cream swirled on top to create a marbled design. A shiny metal knife is gently swirling the cream and chocolate in one liner to mix the two layers smoothly. The cupcake liners are inside a metal muffin tray, placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient here is simple yet essential, combining to create the perfect harmony of flavors and textures. From the cocoa powder that gives the cupcakes their deep chocolate color to the cream cheese filling that adds that irresistible tangy richness, each plays a starring role.

1 ½ cups all purpose flour: The base for your cupcake batter, providing structure and lightness.
¼ cup cocoa powder: This adds deep, rich chocolate flavor and a beautiful dark hue.
½ teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cupcakes rise and stay tender.
1 teaspoon baking powder: Works alongside baking soda to give the perfect lift.
¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
1 cup sugar: Sweetens the chocolate batter just right.
1 cup coffee, cooled: Coffee intensifies the chocolate without overpowering.
1 teaspoon vanilla: Adds warmth and depth to the cupcake batter.
⅓ cup canola oil: Keeps the cupcakes moist and tender.
1 Tablespoon vinegar: Reacts with baking soda to help the cupcakes rise and become fluffy.
8 ounces cream cheese: Creates the creamy filling with its tangy flavor and smooth texture.
⅓ cup sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake layer just enough.
1 egg: Binds the cheesecake filling and adds richness.
1 teaspoon vanilla: Brings out the best in the cream cheese filling.
½ cup mini chocolate chips: Tiny bursts of melty chocolate add texture and surprise inside the filling.

How to Make Black Bottom Cupcakes Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by heating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Get your 12-cup muffin pan ready by either greasing each cup or lining them with cupcake liners—this helps the cupcakes release easily after baking and keeps their shape perfect.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla on a slow speed. The key here is to mix until the filling is smooth and free of lumps, but avoid overmixing to keep it light. Once combined, gently fold in the mini chocolate chips, which will melt slightly during baking for a little chocolate surprise.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Sifting ensures no lumps remain and your batter will be perfectly smooth and evenly mixed.

Step 4: Combine Liquid Ingredients

In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the cooled coffee, vanilla, canola oil, and vinegar. The coffee is a game-changer here, deepening the chocolate flavor spectacularly.

Step 5: Make the Chocolate Batter

Pour the liquid ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Use a spatula to stir until everything is evenly combined—you want a smooth, luscious chocolate batter without overmixing, which can toughen the cupcakes.

Step 6: Layer the Batter and Filling

Divide most of the chocolate batter evenly into your muffin cups, leaving a few tablespoons in your bowl. Then, spoon about 1 ½ tablespoons of the cheesecake filling right in the center of the chocolate batter in each cup.

Step 7: Top and Swirl

Carefully spread the remaining chocolate batter over the cheesecake layer in each cup. Using a butter knife, swirl the top for that signature marbled effect—two to three strokes per cupcake is all you need to create beautiful patterns.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the cupcakes’ tops turn golden and spring back when lightly pressed. This ensures the cake is baked through while keeping the cheesecake center wonderfully creamy.

How to Serve Black Bottom Cupcakes Recipe

The image shows three chocolate and vanilla swirl cupcakes in black liners. Each cupcake has two main layers: a dark rich chocolate layer forming the base and sides, and a lighter creamy vanilla layer swirled on top, creating a marbled pattern with smooth textures mixing chocolate brown and creamy white. The cupcakes are placed on a wooden surface with visible grain texture, one cupcake is in the front and in clear focus, while two are blurred in the background, one of which is on a white plate. The lighting is soft and natural, highlighting the smoothness and swirls on the cupcake tops photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar adds elegant sweetness and highlights the swirls beautifully. For an extra special touch, top with a few chocolate shavings or a drizzle of chocolate ganache to amp up the chocolate indulgence.

Side Dishes

Pair these decadent cupcakes with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream for a complete dessert experience. A hot cup of coffee or a rich cold brew also makes a fantastic companion to the deep chocolate and creamy filling.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party or gift, line a pretty box or tin with parchment paper and stack a few cupcakes inside. You can also place individual cupcakes in cupcake wrappers with festive picks or edible glitter to make them extra fun for celebrations.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the cream cheese filling fresh. They will stay delicious for up to three days, making them a perfect make-ahead treat.

Freezing

You can freeze these cupcakes without the frosting by wrapping each cupcake individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight for the best texture and taste.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy them warm, gently heat the cupcakes in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds. This helps revive that just-baked feeling and enhances the creamy center without drying out the chocolate cake.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of coffee?

You can substitute milk for coffee, but using coffee intensifies the chocolate flavor in the cupcakes, making them taste richer and more complex.

Is it possible to make these cupcakes dairy-free?

To make a dairy-free version, substitute the cream cheese with a plant-based alternative and use a dairy-free milk option. Keep in mind the texture and flavor might vary slightly.

Can I make mini Black Bottom Cupcakes?

Absolutely! Just adjust the baking time to around 12-15 minutes and keep a close eye on them since smaller cupcakes bake faster.

Why do the cupcakes have a swirl pattern?

The swirl is created by layering and lightly mixing the chocolate batter with the cream cheese filling. It gives a beautiful marbled look and a delightful flavor contrast in every bite.

Can I add other mix-ins to the cheesecake filling?

Definitely! Chopped nuts, dried fruit, or different types of chocolate chips can be fun additions to customize your cupcakes.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something so satisfying about the combination of creamy cheesecake nestled inside rich chocolate cake that makes the Black Bottom Cupcakes Recipe a standout dessert to keep in your baking arsenal. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, these cupcakes will surely win hearts and have everyone asking for seconds. Give this recipe a try and enjoy every luscious bite!