Chef Tune's Sweet Onion Chocolate Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
Food Network Chopped Champion Chef Shannen Tune, along with his kids Shannen Jr. and Sophia, make delicious chocolate cupcakes with a sweet surprise - sweet onions! Vidalia onions not only add hidden nutrients but they also help keep the cupcakes moist and flavorful.
This recipe was created for RealSweet by celebrity chef and Food Network’s Chopped champion Chef Shannen Tune of craftburgerfoodtruck.com and diningwiththetunes.com.
Cupcakes:
- 6 ounces unsweetened chocolate
- 1 small sweet onion, sauteed and diced
- 1 cup vegetable oil, divided
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
Frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese (room temperature)
- 4 Tbsp butter (room temperature)
- ⅓ cup confectioners sugar
Cupcakes:
- Melt chocolate in the microwave, for 30 seconds at a time, stirring frequently
- In 2 tablespoons of oil, caramelize onions over medium-low heat for 8 to 10 minutes.
- In large electric mixer bowl, beat oil, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until nice and fluffy for 2 to 3 minutes. Beat in warm chocolate and caramelized onions. Mix flour with baking soda and salt; stir into the batter alternately with milk.
- Bake in a 350°F (177°C) oven in cupcake molds for 15 to 20 minutes, checking with a toothpick by sticking it in cake close to the middle. If it comes out clean cake is done.
(If you're new to caramelizing onions, you can check out this caramelized sweet onions recipe or this ultimate how-to blog post for additional tips.)
Frosting:
- In a mixer on medium speed, combine cream cheese, butter and sugar for about 2 minutes.
- Once combined, whip for another three minutes, scraping the side of the mixer bowl as you mix.
- Spread evenly on cupcakes before serving.
If you like this recipe, try our Spicy Strawberry Onion Cream Cheese Dip!
Prep Time
Cook Time
20 minutes