Death By Chocolate: Oreo Cream Cheese Cupcakes to Die For!

These aren’t your average cupcakes, folks. We’re talking seriously decadent, intensely chocolatey cupcakes topped with a swirl of creamy, dreamy Oreo cream cheese frosting. If you’re a chocolate lover, prepare to meet your match. These Death By Chocolate Oreo Cream Cheese Cupcakes are the ultimate indulgence, perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or just a well-deserved treat-yourself moment.

This recipe combines the richness of dark chocolate with the playful crunch of Oreos, all tied together by the tangy sweetness of cream cheese. Trust me, it’s a flavor explosion you won’t soon forget.

## What Makes These Cupcakes So Special?

* **Intense Chocolate Flavor:** We’re using both cocoa powder and melted dark chocolate to create a deeply rich and complex chocolate flavor that’s simply irresistible.
* **Moist and Tender Crumb:** The addition of buttermilk and oil ensures a super moist and tender cupcake that stays fresh for days (if they last that long!).
* **Oreo Cream Cheese Frosting:** This is where the magic happens! The classic cream cheese frosting gets a boost of Oreo goodness, creating a flavor that’s both familiar and utterly addictive.
* **Easy to Make:** Despite their impressive flavor, these cupcakes are surprisingly easy to make. The recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require any fancy equipment.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

### For the Chocolate Cupcakes:

* 1 ½ cups (192g) all-purpose flour
* ¾ cup (75g) unsweetened cocoa powder
* 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
* ¾ teaspoon baking powder
* ¾ teaspoon salt
* 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
* ¾ cup (180ml) vegetable oil
* 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
* 1 ½ cups (360ml) buttermilk
* 2 large eggs
* 4 ounces (113g) unsweetened dark chocolate, melted and cooled
* ¾ cup (180ml) boiling water

### For the Oreo Cream Cheese Frosting:

* 8 ounces (226g) cream cheese, softened
* ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
* 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1/4 cup (60ml) milk or heavy cream, more if needed
* 15 Oreo cookies, finely crushed

## Step-by-Step Instructions

### Part 1: Making the Chocolate Cupcakes

1. **Preheat and Prep:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners. This prevents sticking and makes for easy cleanup.
2. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents, resulting in a uniformly textured cupcake.
3. **Combine Wet Ingredients:** In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, oil, vanilla extract, and buttermilk. Make sure the sugar is well dissolved.
4. **Combine Wet and Dry:** Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cupcakes.
5. **Add Eggs:** Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
6. **Melt Chocolate:** Melt the dark chocolate in the microwave or over a double boiler. Let it cool slightly before adding it to the batter. Make sure the chocolate isn’t too hot, or it could cook the eggs.
7. **Add Chocolate to Batter:** Pour the melted chocolate into the batter and mix until just combined.
8. **Add Boiling Water:** Gradually pour the boiling water into the batter, mixing on low speed until the batter is smooth and glossy. The boiling water helps to bloom the cocoa powder, intensifying the chocolate flavor. The batter will be quite thin, which is normal.
9. **Fill Cupcake Liners:** Fill each cupcake liner about ¾ full. This will give the cupcakes room to rise without overflowing.
10. **Bake:** Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Start checking for doneness at 18 minutes, as baking times can vary depending on your oven.
11. **Cool:** Let the cupcakes cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Make sure the cupcakes are completely cool before frosting, or the frosting will melt.

### Part 2: Making the Oreo Cream Cheese Frosting

1. **Soften Cream Cheese and Butter:** Make sure your cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature. This is crucial for achieving a smooth and creamy frosting. If they’re too cold, the frosting will be lumpy.
2. **Beat Cream Cheese and Butter:** In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer.
3. **Add Powdered Sugar:** Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed until combined. Start with low speed to prevent a powdered sugar cloud.
4. **Add Vanilla Extract:** Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
5. **Add Milk/Cream:** Add the milk or heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency. You may need more or less depending on the humidity.
6. **Fold in Crushed Oreos:** Gently fold in the crushed Oreo cookies until evenly distributed. Be careful not to overmix, or the frosting could become tough.

### Part 3: Assembling the Cupcakes

1. **Frost the Cupcakes:** Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost them with the Oreo cream cheese frosting. You can use a piping bag and tip for a fancy swirl, or simply spread the frosting on with a knife or spatula.
2. **Garnish (Optional):** Garnish the cupcakes with additional crushed Oreos or mini chocolate chips for an extra touch of decadence.
3. **Enjoy!** These cupcakes are best enjoyed within a few days of baking. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature.

## Tips for Success

* **Use High-Quality Ingredients:** Using high-quality cocoa powder and dark chocolate will make a big difference in the flavor of the cupcakes.
* **Don’t Overmix the Batter:** Overmixing the batter can lead to tough cupcakes. Mix until just combined.
* **Cool Cupcakes Completely Before Frosting:** Frosting warm cupcakes will cause the frosting to melt.
* **Adjust Frosting Consistency:** Adjust the amount of milk or heavy cream in the frosting to achieve your desired consistency.
* **Get Creative with Garnishes:** Get creative with garnishes! Try using different types of Oreos, chocolate shavings, or even a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
* **Make Ahead:** You can bake the cupcakes a day ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. The frosting can also be made a day ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Just be sure to bring it to room temperature before frosting the cupcakes.
* **Room Temperature Matters:** Ensure butter, cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature for the best consistency.
* **Proper Measurement:** Use measuring cups and spoons correctly to ensure accurate measurements of ingredients.
* **Watch the Baking Time:** Keep a close eye on the baking time to prevent over-baking. Check the cupcakes a few minutes before the recommended time.

## Variations and Substitutions

* **Gluten-Free:** Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these cupcakes gluten-free. Be sure to choose a blend that’s designed for baking.
* **Vegan:** Use vegan butter, milk, and cream cheese to make these cupcakes vegan. You’ll also need to use a vegan egg replacement.
* **Different Oreo Flavors:** Experiment with different Oreo flavors in the frosting. Golden Oreos, Mint Oreos, or Peanut Butter Oreos would all be delicious.
* **Chocolate Chips:** Add chocolate chips to the cupcake batter for an extra dose of chocolate.
* **Espresso Powder:** Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the cupcake batter to enhance the chocolate flavor.
* **Peanut Butter Frosting:** Substitute the cream cheese frosting with a peanut butter frosting for a chocolate peanut butter lover’s dream.
* **Mocha Frosting:** Add a tablespoon of instant coffee to the cream cheese frosting for a mocha twist.

## Serving Suggestions

* **Dessert Table:** These cupcakes are a show-stopping addition to any dessert table.
* **Birthday Parties:** Perfect for birthday celebrations of all ages.
* **Holidays:** A festive treat for holidays like Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or Easter.
* **Gifts:** Package these cupcakes in a pretty box and give them as a thoughtful gift.
* **Pair with Coffee or Milk:** Enjoy these cupcakes with a cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk.
* **Ice Cream:** Serve alongside a scoop of your favorite ice cream flavor for a more decadent dessert.

## Storage Instructions

* **Room Temperature:** Store frosted cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
* **Refrigerator:** Store frosted cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let them come to room temperature before serving.
* **Freezer:** Freeze unfrosted cupcakes in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw completely before frosting.

## Printable Recipe Card

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## Nutrition Information

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## Conclusion

These Death By Chocolate Oreo Cream Cheese Cupcakes are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The combination of rich chocolate cake and creamy Oreo frosting is simply irresistible. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of these decadent delights. You won’t regret it!

Enjoy!