Oreo Cupcakes

This is my go to chocolate cupcake.  The recipe is so easy to adapt to additional fillings, frostings, and garnishes.  I have added peanut butter mousse, raspberry compote, banana chip toppings, and even some bavarian cream.  I tend to keep a box of triple chocolate cake mix, and pudding, just so I can make this recipe in a pinch!  Many a birthdays have been saved with these as the star of the show!! 

1 box of triple chocolate cake mix
1 cup vegetable oil
1 large box chocolate instant pudding
1 cup sour cream
4 eggs
1/2 cup milk
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
8 crushed oreos (filling and all) - reserve 1 tbsp for topping

Frosting
8 oz cream cheese - room temperature
4  cups powdered sugar
8 oz extra creamy cool whip

Preheat oven to 350.  Mix together the cake mix, oil, unprepared pudding, sour cream, eggs, and milk.  Add in chocolate chips and crushed oreos.  Bake in cupcake liners for about 15-18 minutes. 

While the cupcakes bake, make the frosting.  Beat the cream cheese until light and fluffy.  Add in the powdered sugar and cool whip mix until all combined.  Refrigerate until cupcakes are fully cooled.  Pipe on the frosting and garnish with remaining Oreos.