Decadent Chocolate Amaretto Cream Cheese Cupcakes
Delight your taste buds with these luscious Decadent Chocolate Amaretto Cream Cheese Cupcakes. Combining the rich flavors of dark chocolate with the unique nuttiness of amaretto, these gluten-free and low-carb treats are a perfect indulgence. With a creamy and luscious cream cheese filling accentuated by butterscotch chocolate, these cupcakes are both satisfyingly decadent and pleasingly textural. The addition of almond flour not only keeps them gluten-free but also adds a wonderful moisture and nuttiness to the cupcakes. Whether enjoyed warm for a molten experience or cooled for a delightful dessert, these cupcakes are a must-try for any chocolate lover looking for a special low-carb treat.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Almond flour
3.5 ounces (measured)
Guar gum or xanthan gum
1 teaspoon (measured)
Dark chocolate (at least 70%)
2 ounces (chopped and melted)
Eggs
2 (separated into yolks and whites)
Agave nectar
1/8 cup (measured)
Butter
1 ounce (measured and melted)
Amaretto liqueur
1/8 cup (measured)
Baking powder
1 teaspoon (measured)
Cream cheese
2.5 ounces (softened)
Amaretto liqueur
3 tablespoons (measured)
Maple syrup
2 tablespoons (measured)
Cornstarch
1 tablespoon (measured)
Butterscotch chocolate
1.5 ounces (chopped)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (or 320°F for fan-assisted baking).
2
To prepare the cream cheese filling, chop the butterscotch chocolate into small pieces if not using chips.
3
Dissolve the cornstarch in the amaretto liqueur (or almond essence/syrup mixed with a tablespoon of cold water).
4
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and stir until it’s creamy and smooth.
5
Add the dissolved cornstarch mixture and mix until incorporated.
6
Stir in the maple syrup followed by the chopped butterscotch chocolate. Set this mixture aside.
7
For the chocolate batter, in a separate bowl, mix together the almond flour, guar gum (or xanthan gum), and baking powder.
8
In another bowl, whip the egg whites until stiff peaks form, then set aside.
9
Using a double boiler, gently melt the dark chocolate and butter until smooth and combined.
10
In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and agave nectar until well combined.
11
Stir the melted butter-chocolate mixture into the egg yolk mixture along with the amaretto liqueur until well combined.
12
Add the mixed dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined.
13
Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the batter until fully incorporated.
14
Line a cupcake pan with six paper liners.
15
Spoon half of the chocolate batter into the bottom of each cupcake liner.
16
Add a dollop of the cream cheese filling on top of the batter in each liner.
17
Cover the cream cheese filling with the remaining chocolate batter, ensuring an even distribution.
18
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes. The tops should spring back when gently pressed, and some cracks may form; this is normal.
19
Once baked, carefully remove the cupcakes from the pan and let them cool on a wire rack.
20
These cupcakes can be enjoyed warm for a molten-lava-like experience or chilled and topped with your favorite frosting for a classic dessert.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Decadent Chocolate Amaretto Cream Cheese Cupcakes?
They are rich, gluten-free, and low-carb cupcakes featuring dark chocolate, almond flour, and a creamy butterscotch-infused cream cheese center.
Are these cupcakes gluten-free?
Yes, these cupcakes are gluten-free as they use almond flour instead of wheat flour.
Are these cupcakes low-carb?
Yes, the recipe is designed to be low-carb, utilizing almond flour and natural sweeteners like agave nectar and maple syrup.
What percentage of dark chocolate should be used?
The recipe recommends using dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa.
How is the amaretto flavor incorporated?
Amaretto liqueur is added to both the cream cheese filling and the chocolate batter.
Can I substitute the amaretto liqueur?
Yes, you can use almond essence or almond syrup mixed with a tablespoon of cold water as a non-alcoholic substitute.
What type of flour is required for this recipe?
This recipe uses 3.5 ounces of almond flour.
How do I prepare the cream cheese filling?
Stir softened cream cheese until smooth, add a cornstarch-amaretto mixture, then mix in maple syrup and chopped butterscotch chocolate.
Why is cornstarch used in the filling?
Cornstarch is dissolved in the amaretto to help thicken and stabilize the cream cheese filling.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat the oven to 350°F, or 320°F if you are using a fan-assisted oven.
How should the eggs be prepared for the batter?
The eggs should be separated; yolks are mixed with agave nectar, while whites are whipped to stiff peaks.
How do I melt the chocolate and butter?
Gently melt the dark chocolate and butter together using a double boiler until the mixture is smooth.
What sweetener is used in the chocolate batter?
The batter is sweetened with 1/8 cup of agave nectar.
What sweetener is used in the cream cheese filling?
The filling is sweetened with 2 tablespoons of maple syrup.
How many cupcakes does this recipe make?
Based on the instruction to use six paper liners, this recipe yields 6 cupcakes.
How long do the cupcakes need to bake?
The cupcakes should bake for 15 to 20 minutes.
How can I tell when the cupcakes are finished baking?
The cupcakes are done when the tops spring back after being gently pressed.
Should the cupcakes be served warm or cold?
They can be served warm for a molten-lava experience or chilled for a traditional dessert feel.
Is guar gum necessary for the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of guar gum or xanthan gum to help with the structure of the gluten-free batter.
What is butterscotch chocolate used for?
Chopped butterscotch chocolate is folded into the cream cheese filling for added flavor and texture.
How do I assemble the cupcakes in the pan?
Spoon half the batter into liners, add a dollop of filling, and cover with the remaining batter.
Do I need to use cupcake liners?
Yes, the instructions specify lining the cupcake pan with six paper liners.
Can I add frosting to these cupcakes?
Yes, once cooled, you can top these cupcakes with your favorite frosting if desired.
Is it normal for the cupcakes to crack on top?
Yes, the recipe notes that some cracks may form on the tops during baking and this is normal.
Why must the egg whites be whipped to stiff peaks?
Whipping the whites provides aeration and lift, ensuring the cupcakes aren't too dense.
What is the purpose of the almond flour?
Almond flour keeps the recipe gluten-free while adding moisture and a nutty flavor.
How should the cream cheese be prepared before mixing?
The cream cheese should be softened to ensure it stirs into a creamy and smooth consistency.
How should the cupcakes be cooled?
Once removed from the pan, the cupcakes should be placed on a wire rack to cool.
Can I use baking powder in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 1 teaspoon of baking powder as a leavening agent.
What texture should the cupcakes have?
They have a moist, nutty chocolate cake exterior with a luscious, creamy center.