A bunch of black bottom cupcakes stacked.

Black Bottom Cupcakes combine rich chocolate cake with a creamy cheesecake center for the perfect sweet treat. Easy to make and visually stunning, they’re a hit for any occasion!

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Table of Contents

Ingredients
Substitutions and Additions
How to Make Black Bottom Cupcakes
How to Serve Black Bottom Cupcakes
Why You'll Love This Black Bottom Cupcakes Recipe
Recipe FAQ
Serving FAQ
Storage FAQ
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Table of Contents

Black bottom cupcakes are the perfect mix of rich chocolate cake and creamy cheesecake filling. The combination of sweet and tangy flavors will satisfy any dessert craving. These cupcakes are easy to bake and make a great treat for parties, potlucks, or just a weekend indulgence. Plus, they look impressive with their distinct black and white layers!

This recipe is super easy to follow, and we’ve provided step-by-step photos and directions to guide you. You’ll find plenty of pro tips and tricks along the way. We’ve also answered the most frequently asked questions to ensure your cupcakes turn out perfectly every time.

a close up shot of Black Bottom Cupcakes stacked on top of each other.

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Black bottom cupcakes take just thirty minutes to make, and they’re perfect for any party, potluck, or special occasion. The rich chocolate base and creamy cheesecake topping make these cupcakes stand out from ordinary desserts. Their bold black and white layers add a stunning visual, tempting everyone to take a bite. You’ll love how easy they are to bake at home, and they’re sure to impress any crowd!

Ingredients

What you'll need to make these Black Bottom Cupcakes:

For The Cream Cheese Mixture:
8-ounce block of cream cheese, softened to room temperature
¼ cup of sugar
1 large egg, room temperature
½ teaspoon of vanilla extract
½ cup of mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
For The Chocolate Cupcake Mixture:
1⅔ cups of all-purpose flour
1 cup of granulated sugar
¼ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon of baking soda
½ teaspoon of salt
1 cup of water
⅓ cup of canola oil
1 tablespoon of white vinegar
1½ teaspoons of vanilla extract

Substitutions and Additions

Personalize your Black Bottom Cupcakes recipe by swapping out ingredients and adding delicious extras! These simple changes can make your cupcakes uniquely yours. Here are some top substitutions and additions:

Add Fruit: Mix in raspberries or cherries for a fruity surprise in every bite of your cupcakes.

Substitute Chocolate Chips: Use white chocolate chips for a sweeter twist in your Black Bottom Cupcakes.

Substitute Cream Cheese: Swap cream cheese with ricotta for a lighter, fluffier cheesecake layer.

Add Peanut Butter: Stir in a tablespoon of peanut butter for a rich, nutty flavor in your Black Bottom Cupcakes.

How to Make Black Bottom Cupcakes

Follow along with our step-by-step pictures, instructions, and helpful tips and tricks below. Let’s get started on these delicious Black Bottom Cupcakes! You’ll love how easy they are to make and how amazing they taste.

FIRST STEP: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line two standard muffin tins with 22 paper liners. Set aside.

SECOND STEP: To make the cream cheese mixture, add the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar to a medium bowl.

Beat on medium speed, using a hand mixer, for thirty seconds to one minute or until no lumps remain. Add the egg and vanilla extract and beat again until smooth.

Stir in the mini chocolate chips until fully incorporated. Set aside.

Pro Tip

Make sure that the cream cheese is at room temperature to ensure that there are no lumps in the filling.

cream cheese and sugar whisked and egg and vanilla added, as well as chocolate chips

THIRD STEP: To make the chocolate cupcake mixture, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a large mixing bowl.

flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, and salt whisked

FOURTH STEP: Add the water, canola oil, white vinegar, and vanilla extract to the bowl of dry ingredients. Whisk until your batter is smooth.

water, canola oil, vinegar and vanilla added to the bowl of dry ingredients

FIFTH STEP: Fill each paper liner with approximately 1½ tablespoons of batter. You only want to fill each paper liner about a third full.

Add approximately two teaspoons of the cream cheese mixture to the center of each cupcake.

Pro Tip

I like to use a very small melon baller, or three-quarter-inch cookie scoop, to add the cream cheese mixture to each chocolate cupcake batter.

I like to add the two small scoops going across the top of the chocolate batter so that all the cream cheese filling doesn’t just sink in the middle of the cupcakes.

paper liner filled with batter and cream cheese mixture

SIXTH STEP: Bake these black bottom cupcakes for 20-23 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the chocolate cupcake comes out clean.

Allow the cupcake to cool in the baking pans for ten minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Pro Tip

Oven temperatures vary and may need to be recalibrated periodically to ensure they are accurate.

Make sure to keep a close eye on your cupcakes as the suggested baking time approaches.

How to Serve Black Bottom Cupcakes

You can serve Black Bottom Cupcakes for all kinds of fun occasions! Whether it’s a birthday party, a holiday celebration, or a weekend treat, these cupcakes are a hit with both kids and adults.

Birthday Parties: These cupcakes are perfect for kids’ birthday parties! The fun black and white layers look amazing on any dessert table. Pair them with colorful sprinkles or a big bowl of ice cream for an extra special treat.
Holiday Gatherings: Black Bottom Cupcakes add a touch of elegance to holiday gatherings like Christmas or Thanksgiving. Their rich flavors are the perfect match for pumpkin pie or hot cocoa, making them an ideal holiday dessert.
Weekend Treats: Make these cupcakes for a simple weekend treat or family movie night. Kids and adults both love the creamy cheesecake center. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a hot cup of coffee for the ultimate indulgence.

a close up shot of a Black Bottom Cupcake on a plate with a bite taken out of it

Why You'll Love This Black Bottom Cupcakes Recipe

Black Bottom Cupcakes are a beloved favorite among readers for many delicious reasons:

Perfect Balance of Flavors: The combination of rich chocolate cake and tangy cheesecake creates an irresistible balance of sweet and creamy flavors. Every bite offers a delightful contrast that keeps you coming back for more.
A Fun and Unique Dessert: The striking black-and-white layers make these cupcakes not only taste amazing but also look impressive. They stand out as a fun and visually appealing dessert, perfect for parties or casual treats.
Simple and Easy to Make: Despite their stunning appearance, Black Bottom Cupcakes are surprisingly easy to make. You don't need fancy ingredients or equipment, making them an accessible yet impressive dessert option.

These cupcakes are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection!

Recipe FAQ

Can I make Black Bottom Cupcakes without a stand mixer?
Yes, you can mix everything by hand or with a handheld electric mixer. Both methods work well for this recipe.

Why did my cupcakes sink in the middle?
Your cupcakes may have sunk due to overmixing the batter or opening the oven too early during baking.

How do I know when Black Bottom Cupcakes are done?
The cupcakes are done when a toothpick inserted into the chocolate part comes out clean, around twenty to twenty five minutes.

Can I use muffin liners for Black Bottom Cupcakes?
Yes, using muffin liners is a great idea to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. It also adds to presentation.

Serving FAQ

How should I serve Black Bottom Cupcakes for a party?
Serve them on a tiered stand or platter for a fun and elegant dessert display.

Can I serve Black Bottom Cupcakes warm?
Yes, these cupcakes taste delicious warm, but let them cool slightly for the cheesecake center to set properly.

Are Black Bottom Cupcakes good for kids’ parties?
Yes, kids love these cupcakes because of their fun layers and sweet, creamy cheesecake center.

How many Black Bottom Cupcakes should I serve per person?
Plan on serving one to two cupcakes per person, especially if you’re offering other desserts at the event.

Storage FAQ

Follow the directions below for tips and tricks on optimal storage for your Black Bottom Cupcakes. From making ahead to reheating, we’ve covered everything to keep your cupcakes fresh and delicious!

Can I make Black Bottom Cupcakes ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake them up to a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature.

What’s the best way to store leftover Black Bottom Cupcakes?
Keep leftover cupcakes in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to three days.

Can I freeze Black Bottom Cupcakes?
Yes, freeze the cupcakes in an airtight container for up to three months. Thaw them in the fridge overnight before serving.

How should I reheat Black Bottom Cupcakes?
For best results, serve cupcakes at room temperature. If desired, microwave them in ten second increments to warm them slightly.