Mikey's Mom's Cupcakes Are Devilishly Delish

Tag : Sugar Container

DIVAS OF DISH ANNE-MARIE HODGES PAM BRANDON
The Tampa Tribune
Published: June 25, 2008
Manhattan's Magnolia Bakery elevated sugary chic when the "Sex andthe City" stars headed there for a sugar buzz. Customers startedlining up around the block for the bakery's couture cupcakes - realbeauties with loads of buttery icing.
But we found this plain Jane cupcake more to our liking. Filched bya gal pal from her husband's mama, the recipe is a rich spin onclassic devil's food cake with a gooey cheesecake center. She callsthem Black Bottom Cupcakes.
These black-and-white goodies need no icing, so they're superblyeasy to pack for a party and sinfully delicious hot, cold or atroom temperature. And you can make them ahead; they'll keep in anairtight container for two to three days. (They actually tastebetter the next day with a tall glass of ice cold milk.)
The divas are crazy about cupcakes. They're large enough to besatisfying, small enough to be guilt-free.
Ann-Marie Hodges and Pam Brandon can be reached at
MIKEY'S MOM'S BLACK BOTTOM CUPCAKES
8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
1 egg
11/3 cup sugar, divided
1/2 teaspoon salt, plus a pinch, divided
6-ounce package semisweet chocolate chips
11/2 cups flour
1/4 cup cocoa
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup water
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 tablespoon vinegar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Using an electric mixer, combine cream cheese, egg, 1/3 cup sugarand a pinch of salt. Stir in chocolate chips and set aside.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line two 12-cup muffin tins with paperor foil baking cups.
In a large mixing bowl, stir together remaining 1 cup sugar, flour,cocoa, baking soda and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt. Add water,vegetable oil, vinegar and vanilla, stirring until smooth.
Fill baking cups 1/3 full, then top with 1 tablespoon of creamcheese mixture. Sprinkle with chopped nuts, if desired.
Bake 30 minutes or until the cupcakes feel springy to the touch (atoothpick inserted in the chocolate part will come out clean). Becareful not to overbake.
Turn out onto a rack to cool. Cupcakes can be stored at roomtemperature for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Makes 2 dozen cupcakes.
divas@culinaryconfessions.net.