This children’s classic is very easy to make; its moist topping of cream cheese essentially functions as frosting.

Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease (or line with paper baking cups) two muffin trays.
2. In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add the egg and beat until smooth. Stir in the chocolate chips.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, and salt. Add the water, vegetable oil, vinegar, and vanilla; stir just until smooth.
4. Fill the muffin cups about half full with the cake batter, then dollop each with a heaping tablespoon of the cream-cheese mixture.
5. Bake until a toothpick inserted into the cakey part of a cupcake comes out clean, about 20 to 25 minutes. Cool on a rack before serving.