Dive into the decadent world of Raspberry-Centered Chocolate Cheesecake Muffins, where rich chocolate meets a creamy, fruity center for a truly indulgent treat. These muffins are perfect for those who love the combination of chocolate and raspberries, with the added surprise of a cheesecake filling that makes each bite even more special. Whether you’re serving them at a brunch, as a dessert, or just as a snack, these muffins are sure to impress.
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Batter:
- 4 eggs, divided
- 1/4 cup milk
- 5/8 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 2 1/2 ounces dark chocolate, melted
- 1 1/2 cups flour
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 9 ounces low-fat cream cheese
- 1/2 vanilla bean, scraped
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 3 1/2 ounces raspberry compote
Directions
- Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it well to prevent sticking.
- Mix the Chocolate Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together 3 eggs, milk, sugar, melted butter, and melted dark chocolate until smooth. Gradually fold in the flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder until the mixture is well combined and free of lumps.
- Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: In a separate bowl, blend the cream cheese with the remaining egg, scraped vanilla bean, lemon zest, and cornstarch. Mix until the filling is smooth and creamy. Stir in the raspberry compote, being careful not to overmix to maintain beautiful swirls of raspberry.
- Assemble the Muffins: Fill each muffin cup halfway with the chocolate batter. Add a generous dollop of the cheesecake mixture to the center, then cover with more chocolate batter. The muffin cups should be about three-quarters full to allow room for rising.
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The tops should be firm and springy to the touch.
- Cool and Serve: Let the muffins cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. However, they are best enjoyed slightly warm for a gooey, creamy center.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Not provided. For specific dietary needs, consider calculating based on exact ingredient brands used.
Tips for Perfect Muffins
- Ingredient Temperature: Ensure all ingredients, especially the eggs and cream cheese, are at room temperature to ensure a smoother mix and better rise.
- Serving Suggestion: These muffins are delicious slightly warmed, as the heat brings out the richness of the chocolate and softens the cheesecake center, making it delightfully gooey.
- Variations: If raspberry isn’t your preference, this recipe can be adapted with different types of fruit compotes or jams, such as strawberry or blueberry, for a custom treat.
These Raspberry-Centered Chocolate Cheesecake Muffins are not just a treat for the taste buds but also a visual delight, making them perfect for special occasions or as a treat to brighten your day. Enjoy the process of baking these gourmet muffins and the pleasure of eating them!
