Spice up your dessert game with these decadent and flavorful cupcakes!

These cupcakes are a perfect combination of rich chocolate and a hint of chili spice, topped with a creamy and tangy cream cheese frosting. The unexpected kick of heat from the chili adds a unique twist to a classic dessert.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup warm water
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, chili powder, and cayenne pepper.
3. Add warm water, vegetable oil, vinegar, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients and mix until smooth.
4. Fill each cupcake liner 3/4 full with the batter and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
5. Let the cupcakes cool completely before frosting.
6. In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
7. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and chili powder, beating until creamy.
8. Frost the cooled cupcakes with the cream cheese frosting and enjoy!

Interesting Facts