Black Bottom Cupcakes

I've made these at Christmas to serve to guests or to give away on a goodie tray.

• Ready In: 45 mins
• Yields: 18 large cupcakes

Ingredients

• 2  cups flour
• 1  cup sugar
• 1⁄4 cup  cocoa
• 1  teaspoon baking soda
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1  cup water, plus
• 2  tablespoons water
• 1⁄3 cup  oil, plus
• 1  tablespoon  oil
• 1  tablespoon vinegar
• 1  teaspoon vanilla
• 1  cup chocolate chips
• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1⁄3 cup powdered sugar
•  slivered almonds, if desired

Directions

1. Sift dry ingredients together in large mixing bowl.
2. Form well in center of dry ingredients and add water, oil, vinegar, and vanilla.
3. Beat with mixer until smooth.
4. Stir in chocolate chips.
5. In separate bowl, cream together cream cheese and powdered sugar.
6. Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups 2/3 full with batter.
7. Drop 1/2 tsp of cream cheese mixture on top.
8. If desired, sprinkle with slivered almonds.
9. Bake at 375 for 12-15 minutes.