Chocolate Cupcakes with Pumpkin Cheesecake Filling

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 1/4 cup cream cheese
• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line 12 muffin cups with paper liners.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together sugar, eggs, oil, sour cream, and vanilla extract.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups.
6. In a medium bowl, stir together pumpkin puree, cream cheese, brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg.
7. Divide the pumpkin mixture evenly among the muffin cups, spooning it onto the center of each cupcake.
8. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the cupcakes are set and a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
9. Transfer cupcakes to a wire rack and let cool completely before serving.

Interesting Facts

• Pumpkin puree is a great source of vitamin A.
• Cream cheese adds a delicious creaminess to the cupcakes.
• Ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg add a delightful spiciness that pairs perfectly with the sweet pumpkin and chocolate.