Description
Every family has a recipe that becomes more than just dessert—it becomes a memory. For many, that dessert is Grandma Gudgel’s Black Bottom Cupcakes. These indulgent cupcakes combine moist chocolate cake with a tangy cream cheese filling, often studded with chocolate chips. They’re simple to make, don’t require frosting, and always impress with their nostalgic charm.
Ingredients
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
8 ounces (225 g) cream cheese, softened
⅓ cup (65 g) granulated sugar
1 large egg, room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup (170 g) semisweet chocolate chips
For the Chocolate Cupcake Batter:
1 ½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
⅓ cup (30 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup (240 ml) water
⅓ cup (80 ml) vegetable oil
1 tablespoon white vinegar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
In a medium mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese with the sugar until smooth.
Add the egg and vanilla, mixing until fully incorporated.
Fold in the chocolate chips with a spatula. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Chocolate Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
Make a well in the center and add water, oil, vinegar, and vanilla.
Stir gently until just combined. The batter will be thin—don’t overmix.
Step 3: Assemble the Cupcakes
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line muffin tins with paper liners.
Fill each liner one-third full with chocolate batter.
Add about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese filling to the center of each cup.
Step 4: Bake
Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until the chocolate portion is set and a toothpick comes out clean. The cream cheese filling should look lightly golden at the edges.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Let cupcakes cool completely on a wire rack. Serve plain—no frosting needed.
Notes
Don’t overfill liners; the batter and filling rise during baking.
Use good-quality cocoa powder for the best flavor.
The cream cheese filling firms up as the cupcakes cool, so don’t overbake.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
Keywords: Grandma Gudgel’s Black Bottom Cupcakes, black bottom cupcakes recipe, chocolate cheesecake cupcakes, old-fashioned cupcakes