halloween surprise cupcakes [recipe]

At a recent family Halloween party, there was a giant platter of cupcakes*. 

They had festive toppers and looked delicious.

But it wasn't until I took a bite, that I realized actually how delicious they were.
They had a perfect cream cheese center that added just the right pop of flavor to a chocolate cupcake.
And, simply put, the orange just made them even more festive, which made them taste better, too!

And the great news is that they are rather simple to make. Here is the recipe: 

Halloween Surprise Cupcakes (aka Birthday Cake Surprise Cupcakes)
1 devil's food cake mix
8 oz. milk chocolate chips
8 oz. cream cheese
1/3 cup sugar
1 egg
food coloring, optional

Mix cream cheese, sugar, and egg together. (If you want to add a color, now is the time to add in food coloring.) Set aside. In a separate bowl, make cake according to box directions. Fold in chocolate chips.

Line muffin tins with liners. Put a few spoonfuls of cake mix batter in bottom of cupcake paper. Then put one spoonful of cream cheese mixture on top of cake mix. Finish the layering by putting enough batter in each tin to cover the cream cheese mixture.

Bake according to package directions. It may require a few extra minutes of bake time, but they are done when an inserted toothpick comes out clean. Top with frosting or whipped cream.

*Idea and recipe from my sister Kristin Martha