Black-Bottom Cupcakes

MAKES TWO DOZEN
Prep Time: 35 min
Cook Time: 25 min

8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature 2 1/2 cups sugar Salt 1 large egg 6 ounces semisweet chocolate chips 2 1/4 cups flour 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder 1/3 cup plus 3 tablespoons vegetable oil 1 1/2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

1. Preheat the oven to 350°. Line two 12-cup muffin pans with paper or foil baking cups. Using an electric mixer, combine the cream cheese, 1 cup sugar and 1/8 teaspoon salt. Add the egg and mix well. Fold in the chocolate chips and set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, the remaining 1 1/2 cups sugar, 3/4 teaspoon salt, the baking soda and cocoa powder. Add 1 1/2 cups water, the oil, vinegar and vanilla and stir until smooth.
3. Fill each baking cup two-thirds full with the cake batter and top with 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture. Bake until the edges are firm to the touch, about 25 minutes.