Dark Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosted Cupcakes

Here's a recipe for delicious dark chocolate cream cheese frosted cupcakes:

Ingredients:

For the cupcakes:

• 1 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup hot water

For the dark chocolate cream cheese frosting:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 ounces dark chocolate, melted and cooled slightly

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the sour cream, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
6. Stir in the hot water until the batter is smooth. Be careful not to overmix.
7. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
9. Remove the cupcakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. While the cupcakes are cooling, prepare the dark chocolate cream cheese frosting. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
11. Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing until well combined and creamy. Stir in the vanilla extract.
12. Finally, fold in the melted dark chocolate until fully incorporated.
13. Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost them with the dark chocolate cream cheese frosting using a piping bag or offset spatula.
14. Optionally, garnish with chocolate shavings, cocoa powder, or any other decorations of your choice.
15. Serve and enjoy these decadent dark chocolate cream cheese frosted cupcakes! They're perfect for any occasion or celebration.