Name: Chocolate Cream Cheese Cupcakes Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened; 1/3 cup sugar; 1 large egg; 1/8 teaspoon salt; 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips; 1 cup peanut butter chips; 1 cup sugar; 1 cup water; 1/3 cup canola oil; 1 tablespoon white vinegar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1½ cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup baking cocoa; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt

Print Recipe· 3.9 from 10 reviews

If you are craving a dessert that effortlessly combines rich chocolate flavor with the creamy tang of a luscious filling, this Chocolate Cream Cheese Cupcakes Recipe is just what you need. These cupcakes feature a moist chocolate base paired with a dreamy cream cheese filling studded with melty chocolate and peanut butter chips that give every bite an irresistible richness and texture. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe promises a delightful treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white speckled bowl on a white marbled surface holds a creamy pale yellow mixture with three groups of chocolate chips in different shades: dark brown, medium brown, and light brown, piled on top on one side. A gray spatula with a light wood handle rests in the bowl, partially covered by the mixture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create extraordinary flavor and texture. Each component plays a key role: the cocoa gives the cupcakes their deep chocolate color and taste, while the cream cheese and chocolate chips create that signature creamy swirl and bursts of gooey goodness.

Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): The base for the creamy filling, softened for smooth mixing and rich flavor.
Sugar (1/3 cup for filling, 1 cup for batter): Adds sweetness and balances the tangy cream cheese as well as the cocoa’s bitterness.
Large egg (1): Binds the filling ingredients into a smooth, luscious texture.
Salt (1/8 teaspoon for filling, 1/2 teaspoon for batter): Enhances all the flavors and keeps them well rounded.
Semisweet chocolate chips (1 cup): Provide melting pockets of chocolate in the creamy filling.
Peanut butter chips (1 cup): Add a subtle nutty contrast and delightful texture in the filling.
Water (1 cup): Maintains moisture so the cupcakes stay tender and soft.
Canola oil (1/3 cup): Keeps the cupcakes moist without overpowering the chocolate flavor.
White vinegar (1 tablespoon): Reacts with baking soda to give the cupcakes a light and airy crumb.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds depth and enhances the overall flavor profile.
All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): The structure of the cupcakes, making them hold their shape.
Baking cocoa (1/4 cup): The heart of the chocolate flavor, giving the cupcakes their rich color.
Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Leavens the cupcakes perfectly, making them light and fluffy.

How to Make Chocolate Cream Cheese Cupcakes Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

Start by beating the cream cheese until it’s fluffy – this ensures your filling will be smooth and light. Then, mix in sugar, egg, and salt until everything is combined well and silky. Finally, gently fold in the semisweet chocolate chips and peanut butter chips for those delightful pockets of soft, melted sweetness that make this filling unforgettable. Set this mixture aside while you prepare the cupcake batter.

Step 2: Make the Cupcake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F to get it nice and ready. In a large bowl, combine sugar, water, canola oil, white vinegar, and vanilla extract and beat them together until the mixture is fully blended—this liquid base ensures your cupcakes remain moist. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking cocoa, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and beat everything together until smooth and consistent. This step is essential to achieving a perfectly tender crumb that melts in your mouth.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake the Cupcakes

Line your muffin pan with paper liners and fill each cup halfway with the chocolate batter. Then, carefully drop about two tablespoons of the cream cheese filling on top of each cupcake. Bake them for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Don’t be surprised if the filling bubbles up to cover some of the top; it’s exactly how it should be! Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Chocolate Cream Cheese Cupcakes Recipe

A white bowl on a white marbled surface with flour and cocoa powder mixed together with a whisk that has a wooden handle, positioned on the left side. To the right, there is a larger white bowl filled with white sugar. Above this bowl is a small glass bottle with light yellow oil, and a smaller empty white bowl sits beside it. Next to the small empty bowl is a metal spoon holding a small amount of dark brown liquid. Below the bowls on the white marbled surface is a clear glass measuring cup with water. The setup looks like ingredients for baking, arranged neatly with soft natural light. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While these cupcakes are stunning on their own, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate enhances both presentation and taste. You might also sprinkle a few extra peanut butter chips on top just before serving for added texture and charm. Fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream can bring a refreshing contrast to the richness.

Side Dishes

These cupcakes pair beautifully with a tall glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee or tea. If you’re serving a spread of desserts, fresh fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side can balance the richness and elevate the entire dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or gifting, consider placing the cupcakes in decorative boxes with clear lids so their creamy centers are visible and inviting. You can also pipe a swirl of chocolate or peanut butter frosting on top to add an extra layer of flair. Serving them on a rustic wooden platter with scattered chocolate chips around creates a cozy, approachable vibe that’s sure to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their cream cheese filling’s freshness. They’ll stay moist and delicious for up to 3 days, making them perfect for enjoying over the week.

Freezing

If you want to prepare these cupcakes in advance, you can freeze them either with or without the cream cheese filling. Wrap each cupcake tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll last for up to 2 months. Just defrost overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

Reheat refrigerated or thawed cupcakes gently in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds to bring out that fresh-baked feeling. Avoid overheating to keep the cream cheese filling from separating or becoming runny.

FAQs

Can I substitute the peanut butter chips?

Absolutely! If peanut butter chips aren’t your favorite, you can swap them for white chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, or even chopped nuts for a different texture and flavor that still complements the cream cheese filling beautifully.

Is there a way to make these cupcakes gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup-for-cup the same. Keep in mind that some gluten-free flours may affect texture slightly, so choosing a blend designed for cakes will yield the best results.

Can I make the cream cheese filling ahead of time?

You can prepare the cream cheese filling a day in advance and keep it refrigerated. Just make sure to bring it back to room temperature and give it a quick stir before assembling the cupcakes.

What’s the best way to check if cupcakes are done?

Insert a toothpick into the cupcake’s center (avoiding the cream cheese filling) after about 25 minutes of baking. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, they’re perfectly baked. Remember the filling itself won’t harden, so focus on the chocolate cupcake portion.

Can these cupcakes be made dairy-free?

To make this recipe dairy-free, swap the cream cheese with a plant-based cream cheese alternative and use dairy-free chocolate chips. Make sure other ingredients like peanut butter chips are also free from dairy. This tweak will still give you that delicious creamy texture and wonderful flavor.

Final Thoughts

If you love a dessert that feels indulgent yet thoughtfully delightful, the Chocolate Cream Cheese Cupcakes Recipe is a must-try. With its rich chocolate base and irresistibly creamy, chip-studded filling, these cupcakes are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Don’t hesitate—whip up a batch and share the joy with friends and family. You’ll be amazed at how such simple ingredients come together to create a truly memorable treat.

Chocolate Cream Cheese Cupcakes Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need