Ingredients

1 package cream cheese (8 ounces), softened

1-1/2 cups sugar, divided

1 egg

1 teaspoon salt, divided

1 cup (6 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips

1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 cup baking cocoa

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 cup water

1/3 cup vegetable oil

1 tablespoon white vinegar

Frosting:

3-3/4 cups confectioners’ sugar

3 tablespoons baking cocoa

1/2 cup butter, melted

6 tablespoons milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/3 cup chopped pecans

Preparation

For filling, in a small mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and 1/2 cup sugar until smooth. Beat in egg and 1/2 teaspoon salt until combined. Fold in chocolate chips; set aside. In a bowl, combine flour, cocoa, baking soda and remaining sugar and salt. In another bowl, whisk water, oil and vinegar; stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. Fill paper-lined muffin cups half full with batter. Drop filling by heaping tablespoonfuls into the center of each. Bake at 350 F. for 24-26 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in cake comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely. For frosting, in a large mixing bowl, combine confectioners’ sugar, cocoa, butter, milk and vanilla; beat until blended. Frost cupcakes; sprinkle with pecans. Store in the refrigerator. Yield: 20 cupcakes.

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