Chocolate Cupcakes with Cream Filling

Turn a ho-hum cupcake into something special by adding a cream filling. Watch the little kid's eyes light up when you serve them one of these!  My friend Judy gave me this recipe years ago and it quickly became a favorite.

Bake cupcakes according to the cake mix package.  I like to use Chocolate Devil's Food.

With a knife, cut out a little piece of the cupcake center.  You may also poke a hole in the cupcake with the end of a wooden spoon.  Mix together the cream filling.

Cream Filling:

4 TBS butter, softened
1/4 cup Crisco shortening
1/2 cup sugar
1 1/2 TBS flour
1/3 cup milk - room temperature
1 tsp vanilla

With a mixer, cream the butter, Crisco and sugar.  Gradually add flour a little at a time.  Beat in the milk.  Beat well until creamy.  Add the vanilla. 

Using a pastry bag with a decorator tip, generously fill each cupcake with the cream filling.

Place an opened can of Pillsbury Creamy Supreme Dark Chocolate frosting in the microwave for about 10 - 15 seconds or until smooth and creamy, stir.  Frost cupcakes.
  
Makes 24 cupcakes

Janice