There is something truly magical about combining classic Oreo cookies with the rich indulgence of cream cheese and moist chocolate cupcakes. The Oreo Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Filling and Oreo Topping Recipe brings together all these beloved elements into one irresistible treat. Each bite offers a soft, chocolaty cupcake loaded with a luscious cream cheese center, finished with fluffy Oreo-studded frosting and crunchy cookie pieces on top. Whether you’re baking for a birthday, a cozy night in, or just because these cupcakes are bound to become a new favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keep it simple and satisfying with these essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, from the rich cocoa powder that gives the cupcakes their deep chocolate flavor to the cream cheese that creates the creamy, decadent filling and frosting.
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy base that provides the cupcake’s structure and softness.
- Dutch process cocoa powder: Gives a smooth, rich chocolate flavor without bitterness.
- Baking powder and baking soda: These leavening agents make the cupcakes light and fluffy.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness.
- Oil (canola or vegetable): Adds moisture for tender crumb without heaviness.
- White granulated sugar: Sweetens the cupcake perfectly and helps create a tender texture.
- Large eggs: Binds everything together and adds richness.
- Pure vanilla extract: A subtle boost of sweetness and depth in flavor.
- Buttermilk: Adds tang and reacts with baking soda to keep cupcakes airy.
- Hot water: Intensifies the cocoa’s richness and helps blend all ingredients smoothly.
- Cream cheese: The hero of the filling and frosting, adding tanginess and creamy texture.
- Heavy cream: Whipped for a light, fluffy frosting that balances the cupcakes perfectly.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting without grit, making it silky smooth.
- Oreos: Crushed throughout the filling and topping for that signature crunch and flavor burst.
How to Make Oreo Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Filling and Oreo Topping Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Cupcakes
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a 12-cup cupcake tin with liners. It’s always rewarding to begin with the right setup! Next, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. This ensures even mixing and prevents clumps, creating a smooth batter texture.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together oil, sugar, vanilla extract, eggs, and buttermilk until smooth and creamy. Then, heat the water until it’s steaming hot and slowly mix it into the wet ingredients. This step might feel unusual, but the hot water melts the cocoa perfectly, enriching the chocolate flavor.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now, pour the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and gently whisk until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep your cupcakes light and tender. The batter will be luscious and smooth, ready to bake into moist cupcakes that are the perfect base for our creamy filling.
Step 4: Bake the Cupcakes
Use a large cookie scoop to evenly portion the batter into the cupcake liners, filling each about three-quarters full. Pop them in the oven and bake for 17 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. After baking, let the cupcakes rest in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling fully is key for frosting later.
Step 5: Prepare the Whipped Oreo Cream Cheese Filling
While the cupcakes cool, crush six whole Oreos into fine crumbs using a food processor. In a small bowl, beat the cream cheese and 2 tablespoons of heavy cream on high for about one minute until creamy and smooth. Separately, in a chilled bowl fitted with a whisk attachment, beat 1 1/2 cups cold heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until it begins to thicken.
Step 6: Combine the Filling Components
Once the cream starts to thicken, add the cream cheese mixture and beat on high speed until stiff peaks form. This whipped cream cheese frosting should be fluffy but stable. Carefully fold in the crushed Oreos with a spatula so you retain those delightful cookie bits throughout the filling and frosting.
Step 7: Decorate the Cupcakes
Using a large piping tip, like Wilton 1A, pipe the whipped Oreo cream cheese frosting generously over each cooled cupcake. A large tip is essential to prevent Oreo crumbs from getting stuck while piping. To finish, sprinkle additional crushed Oreo crumbs and press half an Oreo cookie on top for the perfect signature touch.
How to Serve Oreo Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Filling and Oreo Topping Recipe
Garnishes
For an eye-catching presentation, a simple garnish of crushed Oreos and half Oreo cookies really elevates these cupcakes. You could also dust lightly with cocoa powder for extra chocolate flair or add mini chocolate chips for some textural contrast. The richness of the cream cheese frosting pairs wonderfully with these crunchy accents.
Side Dishes
These cupcakes shine as the star dessert but pair beautifully with classic accompaniments like a cold glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a party setting, fresh berries on the side add a tart brightness that balances the rich chocolate and cream cheese flavors delightfully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these cupcakes on decorative stands or in elegant cupcake holders for a special occasion. You can also place a small jar of crushed Oreos alongside for guests to add more if they wish. For kids’ parties, turning them into “Oreo monsters” with candy eyes and edible decorations makes for a fun, interactive treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent the cream cheese frosting from spoiling. Properly stored, they will stay delicious for up to 3 days, making them a perfect make-ahead option for busy days.
Freezing
You can freeze unfilled cupcakes before decorating for up to 3 months. Wrap each cupcake tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil to avoid freezer burn. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then add the cream cheese filling and frosting fresh for best results.
Reheating
Since these cupcakes are best enjoyed chilled because of the creamy filling, it’s not recommended to heat them. Let frozen cupcakes thaw in the refrigerator instead of using a microwave to preserve the texture and flavor integrity.
FAQs
Can I use regular cream cheese instead of reduced fat?
Absolutely! Full-fat cream cheese works best for a rich, creamy filling and frosting. Reduced-fat versions might be less stable and could make the texture runnier.
Can I substitute the oreo cookies with another cookie?
Yes, you can experiment with other sandwich cookies like mint Oreos or chocolate-filled varieties for a twist, but classic Oreos give the iconic flavor most people expect from this recipe.
What if I don’t have buttermilk? Is there a substitute?
You can easily make your own by adding 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar to 1/2 cup milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes. This mimics the acidity and helps tenderize the cupcakes.
How do I avoid the frosting from being too runny?
Make sure your cream cheese is cold but softened, and whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks before folding in the cream cheese. Also, cold heavy cream is essential to help the frosting hold up well.
Can these cupcakes be made gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for structure. The texture may vary slightly but will still taste wonderful.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dessert that feels both nostalgic and delightfully decadent, the Oreo Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Filling and Oreo Topping Recipe is your new go-to. It’s a show-stopping treat that’s easier to make than it looks and guaranteed to impress anyone lucky enough to get a bite. Go ahead, grab your mixer and Oreo stash, and create magic in your kitchen today!
Print
Oreo Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Filling and Oreo Topping Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 42 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious and moist Oreo Cupcakes topped with a creamy whipped Oreo cream cheese frosting, combining the rich flavor of chocolate with the classic crunch of Oreos. Perfect for parties, celebrations, or any sweet craving.
Ingredients
Cupcake Batter
- 1 cup All-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup Dutch process cocoa powder
- 1 tsp Baking powder
- 1/4 tsp Baking soda
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/2 cup Oil (canola or vegetable)
- 1 cup White granulated sugar
- 2 Large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 tsp Pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup Buttermilk (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup Hot water
Whipped Oreo Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz Cream cheese (room temperature)
- 2 TBSP Heavy cream
- 1 tsp Pure vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cup Powdered sugar (sifted)
- 1 1/2 cup Heavy cream (cold)
- 6 Oreos (crumbs)
Decorations
- Oreo crumbs (from 2 Oreos)
- 6 Oreos cut in half
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup cupcake tin with cupcake liners and set aside.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, Dutch process cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures a smooth, lump-free batter.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk the oil, white granulated sugar, vanilla extract, eggs, and buttermilk until well combined. Heat the water on the stove until steaming and slowly incorporate it into the wet ingredients, mixing gently.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually pour the sifted dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Whisk until just combined and smooth, being careful not to overmix.
- Fill and Bake: Use a large cookie scoop to evenly distribute the batter into the cupcake liners, filling each about three-quarters full. Bake in the preheated oven for 17-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the cupcakes to rest in the pan for 10 minutes after baking, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare Oreo Crumbs: Use a food processor to finely crush the 6 whole Oreos into crumbs. Set aside.
- Make Cream Cheese Mixture: In a small bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the cream cheese and 2 tablespoons of heavy cream on high speed for about 1 minute until smooth and creamy.
- Whip Heavy Cream: In a separate metal bowl with a whisk attachment, beat the cold 1 1/2 cups heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract on high speed until the mixture begins to thicken.
- Combine and Fold: Add the cream cheese mixture to the whipped cream and continue beating on high speed until stiff peaks form. Remove from mixer and gently fold in the Oreo crumbs with a rubber spatula.
- Decorate: Using a large piping tip (such as Wilton 1A), pipe the whipped Oreo cream cheese frosting onto each cooled cupcake. Top each cupcake with additional Oreo crumbs and half an Oreo for decoration.
Notes
- Make sure all refrigerated ingredients like eggs, buttermilk, and cream cheese are at room temperature for the best texture.
- Use a large piping tip to prevent the Oreo crumbs from clogging the nozzle while decorating.
- Storing cupcakes in the refrigerator is recommended due to the cream cheese frosting; bring to room temperature before serving for best flavor and texture.
- You can substitute Dutch process cocoa with natural cocoa powder, but the flavor and color will differ slightly.
- To save time, Oreo crumbs can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container.
