Black Bottom Cupcakes: The Perfect Chocolate and Cheesecake Delight

Indulge in the heavenly combination of rich chocolate and creamy cheesecake with Black Bottom Cupcakes—a dessert that brings together the best of both worlds! These delightful treats feature a moist chocolate cupcake base topped with a luscious cheesecake filling studded with chocolate chips. With their irresistible contrast of flavors and textures, they are a hit at parties, bake sales, or just as an indulgent treat with your afternoon coffee.

Originating as a classic American dessert, Black Bottom Cupcakes have been loved for generations due to their simplicity and the perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess. Unlike traditional frosted cupcakes, these require no extra toppings, as the cheesecake layer bakes right into the chocolate base, forming a gorgeous marbled effect. If you love the idea of a two-in-one dessert, then this recipe is definitely for you!

Ingredients

Below is everything you need to whip up these delightful cupcakes. The ingredients are divided into two parts—chocolate cupcake batter and cheesecake filling—to make the process easy to follow.

Chocolate Cupcake Batter

Ingredient	Quantity
All-purpose flour	1 ½ cups
Granulated sugar	1 cup
Unsweetened cocoa powder	¼ cup
Baking soda	1 teaspoon
Salt	½ teaspoon
Water	1 cup
Vegetable oil	⅓ cup
White vinegar	1 tablespoon
Vanilla extract	1 teaspoon

Cheesecake Filling

Ingredient	Quantity
Cream cheese (softened)	8 oz (225g)
Granulated sugar	⅓ cup
Egg	1 large
Vanilla extract	½ teaspoon
Mini chocolate chips	½ cup

Optional Garnishes

• Extra mini chocolate chips (for topping)
• A dusting of powdered sugar (for presentation)

Equipment Needed

Before diving into the baking process, ensure you have the right tools:

• Muffin tin – Essential for shaping your cupcakes.
• Cupcake liners – Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
• Mixing bowls – One for dry ingredients, one for wet ingredients, and one for the cheesecake filling.
• Whisk and spatula – For smooth mixing.
• Hand mixer or stand mixer – Helps in achieving a lump-free cheesecake filling.
• Measuring cups and spoons – Precision is key for baking success.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners. This ensures easy removal and prevents sticking.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated. Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed. Set this mixture aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Chocolate Batter

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, combine the water, vegetable oil, vinegar, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, whisking until smooth.

Step 4: Assemble the Cupcakes

Fill each cupcake liner halfway with the chocolate batter. Then, spoon about 1 heaping tablespoon of the cheesecake mixture on top of each cupcake. It will sink slightly as the cupcakes bake, creating the “black bottom” effect.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cupcakes are set, and the cheesecake topping has a slight golden hue. Allow them to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

These cupcakes can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. For an extra touch, sprinkle a few mini chocolate chips on top while they’re still warm, or dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Tips and Variations

• Make it extra chocolatey: Add a handful of chocolate chips to the chocolate batter for an even richer experience.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
• Dairy-Free Version: Substitute dairy-free cream cheese and plant-based milk for a lactose-free treat.
• Nutty Twist: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for extra texture in the cheesecake layer.
• Espresso Kick: A teaspoon of instant coffee in the chocolate batter enhances the depth of chocolate flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve these cupcakes as a standalone treat or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast.
• Pair with a drizzle of chocolate syrup for a gourmet touch.
• Add fresh strawberries or raspberries on the side for a pop of color and fruity freshness.
• Dust with cocoa powder or cinnamon for an extra layer of flavor.

Best Drink Pairings

• Coffee or Espresso – The rich chocolate flavor of the cupcake pairs beautifully with bold coffee notes.
• Hot Chocolate – Double the chocolate for an ultra-indulgent experience.
• Milk – Classic and comforting, especially for kids.
• Red Wine (Cabernet Sauvignon) – The slight bitterness of dark chocolate enhances the flavors of a deep red wine.
• Hazelnut or Vanilla Latte – Complements the sweetness of the cheesecake filling perfectly.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftover cupcakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Reheating: These cupcakes are best enjoyed at room temperature, but if you prefer them warm, microwave for 10-15 seconds.

Nutritional Information (Per Cupcake)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~220
Carbohydrates	30g
Sugar	18g
Protein	4g
Fat	10g
Saturated Fat	5g
Fiber	2g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation.

Conclusion

Black Bottom Cupcakes are a perfect fusion of rich chocolate and creamy cheesecake, offering a delightful contrast in every bite. Their unique “black bottom” look and effortless preparation make them an excellent choice for both beginner and experienced bakers. Since they don’t require frosting, they are easy to transport and serve, making them ideal for parties, bake sales, or casual indulgence. The balance of deep cocoa flavors with the tangy, sweet cheesecake layer ensures that every bite is pure bliss.

Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or chilled for a denser texture, these cupcakes are sure to satisfy any dessert craving. Their versatility allows you to experiment with mix-ins like nuts, espresso powder, or even different chocolate variations to make them your own. Try this recipe today, and don’t forget to share your experience—we’d love to see your creations!