Hidden Treasure Cupcakes

Ingredients:
5 oz. unsalted butter
2 1/2 c. AP flour
1/2 c. unsweetened cocoa powder
3/4 tsp. baking powder
3/4 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
1 1/3 c. granulated sugar
3 large eggs
3 oz. unsweetened baking chocolate, chopped and melted
1 3/4 c. whole milk
1 tsp. vanilla extract

For the filling:
8 oz. cream cheese
1 egg
1/3 c. sugar
1/2 c. miniature semi-sweet chocolate chips

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line cupcake pans
2. Mix together cocoa, flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Melt chocolate gently and let cool.
4. Put sugar and butter in mixing bowl and paddle on low speed for 1 minute. Then beat on medium for 3 minutes until soft. Scrape down sides of bowl and beat on medium another 2 minutes until very soft.
5. Add eggs, one at a time, scraping down between each addition of egg. Mix on medium speed for 10 seconds after adding each egg. Don't worry if batter looks curdled. It will come together.
6. Add melted chocolate and mix on medium speed for 15 seconds.
7. With the mixer running on low, gradually add half the dry ingredients. Mix until incorporated, about 30 seconds. Add vanilla extract to the milk and gradually add 1/2 c. of the milk and mix on low to incorporate, about 15 seconds. With the mixer still on low, gradually add the rest of the dry ingredients an mix for 30 seconds. Gradually add another 1/2 c. of milk and mix on low for 15 seconds.
8. Slowly add the remaining 3/4 c. of milk to the batter and mix on low to combine, about 30 seconds.
9. Remove bowl from mixer and using a rubber spatula, mix by had to make sure ingredients are thoroughly combined.
10. Beat the cream cheese, egg, and sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in chocolate chips.
11. Pour cake batter into prepared cupcake pans filling each liner 1/4 full/ Spoon 1 Tbsp. of filling on top of batter. Pour remaining batter to cover filling until liners are 3/4 full. Bake until toothpick comes out clean, about 18-20 minutes.
12. Cool on wire rack for 10 minutes.
13. Top with your choice of frosting!

For my birthday a couple of years ago some friends took me to this cupcake bash class and this was one of the recipes. It's so yummy. It's one of my favorites to make! Enjoy!!