🍫 Chocolate Cheesecake Muffins Recipe

Moist chocolate muffins swirled with creamy cheesecake—your new favorite indulgence.

✨ Introduction: The Ultimate Muffin Mashup

If you’ve ever debated between baking chocolate cupcakes or cheesecake, this recipe settles it deliciously. These Chocolate Cheesecake Muffins combine the best of both worlds: a rich, cocoa-infused muffin base and a tangy cream cheese swirl baked right in. They’re easy to make, stunning to serve, and guaranteed to impress.

Perfect for brunch, dessert, or a cozy snack, these muffins are a bakery-style treat you can whip up in under an hour—with no mixer required.

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Two desserts in one: Chocolate + cheesecake = magic.

• No fancy equipment: Just bowls, a whisk, and a muffin tin.

• Freezer-friendly: Make a batch and enjoy anytime.

• Visually stunning: That marbled swirl is pure Pinterest gold.

• Kid-approved and crowd-pleasing: Great for parties or gifting.

🧁 Baking Tools You’ll Need

To keep things smooth and stress-free, gather these essentials:

• Muffin tin

• Paper liners

• Mixing bowls (2 medium, 1 small)

• Whisk

• Spatula

• Ice cream scoop (for even batter distribution)

• Skewer (for swirling the cheesecake layer)

• Wire cooling rack

🛒 Ingredients & Brand Recommendations

For the Chocolate Muffin Base:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour (King Arthur or Bob’s Red Mill)

• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (Valrhona or Hershey’s Special Dark)

• ¾ tsp baking soda

• ¼ tsp salt

• ½ cup granulated sugar (Domino)

• ½ cup brown sugar, packed (Wholesome Organic)

• ⅓ cup vegetable oil (Chosen Foods or Crisco)

• 1 large egg (Vital Farms)

• ½ cup sour cream (Daisy or Tillamook)

• ½ cup whole milk (Organic Valley)

• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract (Nielsen-Massey)

For the Cheesecake Swirl:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened (Philadelphia)

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• 1 egg yolk

• ½ tsp vanilla extract

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions (Time Breakdown)

⏱ Prep Time: 15 minutes

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line muffin tin with paper liners.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.

3. In another bowl, combine sugars, oil, egg, sour cream, milk, and vanilla. Mix until smooth.

4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.

⏱ Cheesecake Filling: 5 minutes

1. In a small bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla until creamy and lump-free.

⏱ Assembly: 10 minutes

1. Fill each muffin liner halfway with chocolate batter.

2. Add a heaping teaspoon of cheesecake filling on top.

3. Use a skewer to gently swirl the cheesecake into the chocolate batter.

⏱ Bake Time: 18–20 minutes

1. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the muffin (not the cheesecake center) comes out clean.

2. Cool in pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.

🎯 Expert Baking Tips

• Room temp ingredients: Ensure cream cheese and egg yolk are at room temperature for a smooth filling.

• Don’t overmix: Stir batter until just combined to keep muffins tender.

• Swirl gently: Over-swirling can muddy the layers—aim for a marbled look.

• Use an ice cream scoop: For consistent muffin sizes and even baking.

✨ Creative Variations

1. Red Velvet Cheesecake Muffins

Swap cocoa powder for a mix of cocoa + red food coloring and add a touch of vinegar for that classic red velvet tang.

2. Mocha Cheesecake Muffins

Add 1 tsp instant espresso powder to the chocolate batter for a coffee kick.

3. Berry Cheesecake Muffins

Fold in ¼ cup chopped raspberries or blueberries into the cheesecake filling for a fruity twist.

🌟 What Makes These Muffins Unique

These aren’t just chocolate muffins with a cream cheese topping—they’re a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. The rich cocoa base is moist and tender, while the cheesecake swirl adds a tangy, creamy contrast. The marbled effect makes them visually stunning, and the flavor combo is indulgent without being overly sweet.

They’re also less fussy than layered cupcakes, making them ideal for casual bakers who still want a showstopper result.

🧊 Storage & Serving Suggestions

• Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

• Refrigerate: Keep for up to 5 days. Bring to room temp before serving.

• Freeze: Wrap individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

Serving Tip: Warm slightly and serve with a dollop of whipped cream or drizzle of chocolate ganache for extra indulgence.

📝 Conclusion & Call-to-Action

These Chocolate Cheesecake Muffins are the kind of treat that turns everyday moments into something special. Whether you're baking for brunch, gifting a batch, or just craving something rich and satisfying, this recipe delivers every time.

📌 Pin it, bake it, and share it!
Tag your creations with #GourmetCookieBliss and let your swirl shine.

🔗 Affiliate Disclaimer

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