Chocolate Cheesecake Cupcakes

Whenever I bake, I send the "leftovers" with Dennis to work. One of his co-workers has asked for "plain" cupcakes or "plain" cheesecake...I told Dennis that I don't do plain. This concoction came together in an attempt to give his friend something close to his "plain" requests.

1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips, divided
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup water
2 packages (3 oz. each) cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1/8 teaspoon salt

Preheat oven to 350° F. Line 12 muffin cups with cupcake papers. Microwave 1/2 cup morsels in small, uncovered, microwave-safe bowl on high for 45 seconds; stir. If necessary, microwave at additional 10 to 15-second intervals, stirring just until morsels are melted. Cool to room temperature.

Combine flour, baking soda and salt in small bowl.

Beat sugar, oil, egg and vanilla extract in large mixer bowl until blended.

Beat in melted chocolate; gradually beat in flour mixture alternately with water (batter will be thin).

BEAT cream cheese, sugar, egg and salt in small mixer bowl until creamy.

Stir in 1 cup morsels.

Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups, filling 1/2 full.

Spoon filling by rounded tablespoon over batter.

Spoon remaining batter over filling.

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean.

4 ozs cream cheese, room temperature
1/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
2 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup cocoa powder

Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Mix in powdered sugar, one cup at a time. Mix in cocoa powder.

Pipe onto cupcakes.

Source: Cupcake:  http://www.verybestbaking.com/recipes/29890/Chocolate-Cheesecake-Cupcakes/detail.aspx
Frosting: http://www.cupcakeproject.com/2008/04/my-favorite-chocolate-cream-cheese.html