Ingredients

⅓cupcocoa powder

½tspBaking Soda

½cupboiling water

¼cupbutter,melted

2½tbspvegetable,or canola oil

¾cupgranulated sugar,plus 2 tablespoons

¾tspvanilla extract

¼tspsalt

1large egg

1large egg yolk

¼cupheavy cream

¾cupall-purpose flour,plus 2 tablespoons

½cupsalted butter,firm but not cold

6ozcream cheese,cold

½tspvanilla extract

2½tbspcocoa powder

3⅓cupspowdered sugar

Preparation

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In large heat proof mixing bowl, whisk together cocoa powder and baking soda.

Carefully pour in boiling water and whisk until bubbling subsides and the mixture is well blended then allow to cool for 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a separate large mixing bowl, using an electric hand mixer set on low speed, blend together melted butter, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, vanilla, and salt until well combined for about 30 seconds.

Stir in egg and egg yolk, mixing just until combined after each addition. Blend in the lukewarm cocoa mixture then blend in heavy cream.

Slowly mix in flour and blend until combined, while scraping down sides and bottom of the bowl.

Divide batter among 12 paper-lined muffin cups and bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean for about 19 to 21 minutes.

Remove from oven and allow to cool in muffin tin several minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool. Cool completely then frost with Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting.

In a large mixing bowl, with an electric hand mixer on medium speed, whip together butter and cream cheese until fluffy for about 1 minute.

Stir in vanilla. Sift cocoa powder into the mixture then blend until combine. Add powdered sugar and mix until smooth and fluffy.