No Frost Cupcakes

I must admit, it's kinda nice to be writing about something other than cookies for a change. The 12 Cookies series was fun, but a variety of baked goods is more fun. :)

This recipe is perhaps my favorite cupcake ever. You just can't beat chocolate cake with a rich cream cheese filling. Outrageously good is what it is.

Ingredients

For the chocolate cupcakes

• 2 1/4 C. flour

• 1 1/2 C. sugar

• 1/4 C. + 1 Tbsp. cocoa

• 1 1/2 tsp. baking soda

• 1 1/2 tsp. salt

• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla

• 2 eggs

• 1/2 tsp. lemon juice

• 3/4 C. vegetable oil or melted butter

• 1 1/2 C. water

For the cream cheese filling

• 9 oz. chocolate chips

• 8 oz. cream cheese

• 1/2 C. sugar

• 1 egg

• (optional) 1/2 C. nuts

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Line cupcake tins with paper liners or parchment paper.

2. Combine dry ingredients for the chocolate cake.

3. Add vanilla, eggs, lemon, oil and water. Mix well.

4. Combine filling ingredients.

5. Fill cups 1/2 to 3/4 full and drop 1 Tbsp. of filling in the center

6. Bake for 20-25 minutes. The cream cheese may brown ever so slightly. Test done-ness by inserting a toothpick into the cake portion of the cupcake.

'Til next time,

Eva