How To Make Chocolate Cheese Turtle Cupcakes?
This recipe is really so versatile and can be modified in a number of ways. Why not add some chocolate French fries to the cheesecake batter before baking and create a chocolate-chocolate cheesecake cupcake… it’s a real treat! But I know it’ll be delicious! Or sprinkle the top of the cupcakes with one of your favorite candy bars instead of pecans… Snicker’s would be fabulous! You could even add some strawberry jam to the cheesecake mix and create a chocolate strawberry cheesecake. You get the idea… get creative and try what you like, even if Turtles aren’t your thing!
For the cake:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup water
- 1 Tbsp vinegar
- 1 tsp vanilla
For the cheesecake:
- 8 oz Cream Cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 egg
Step 1:Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line muffin pans with cupcake liners.
Step 2:In large bowl combine dry cake ingredients: flour, sugar, cocoa powder, salt, baking soda. Mix until well combined.
Step 3:In small bowl combine wet cake ingredients: vegetable oil, water, vinegar and vanilla.
Step 4:Make a well in the bowl of dry ingredients and pour in the wet ingredients. Stir mixture until combined.
Step 5:Fill cupcake liners 1/3 full with chocolate batter.
Step 6:In a small bowl combine cheesecake ingredients: cream cheese, sugar and egg. Beat with electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy.
Step 7:Use a small cookie scoop to evenly distribute the cream cheese mixture on top of the chocolate batter.
Step 8:Bake for 20-22 minutes or until cream cheese center is firm.
Step 9:Let cupcakes cool in pans for 5 minutes, then remove to wire racks to finish cooling.
Step 10:Once cupcakes are completely cool add the turtle toppings.
For the Turtle Topping:
- 1/2 cup milk chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 14 caramels
- 6 Tbsp half & half, divided
Step 1:Unwrap caramels and place in microwave safe bowl with 3 Tbsp half & half. Microwave for 1 1/2 -2 minutes until melted. Stir until smooth and let cool for a few minutes.
Step 2:Place chocolate chips and 3 Tbsp half & half in microwave safe.Microwave for 1 1/2-2 minutes until melted. Stir until smooth.
Step 3:Use a spoon and drizzle caramel and chocolate on top of each cupcake.
Step 4:Sprinkle cupcakes with pecans.
Hope you enjoy!