Halloween Black Bottom Cupcakes

1. Make the filling: in a small bowl, mix softened cream cheese, egg and 1/3 cup sugar until smooth. Stir in chocolate chips and about 3 drops of orange gel food coloring. Set aside.
2. Make the cake: in a medium bowl, whisk flour, cocoa, baking soda, salt and the remaining 1 cup sugar. Stir in water, oil, vinegar and vanilla. Beat until smooth.
3. Fill paper-lined cupcake pans 1/3 full with chocolate cake batter. Spoon orange filling on top. Sprinkle with nuts (if desired).
4. Bake at 350ºF for 30-35 minutes. Cool completely.

To make the spider webs, use a sheet of wax or parchment paper. Pour melted white chocolate chips in a squeeze bottle or pastry bag with an opening about 1/8″. Squeeze a small puddle of chocolate (about 1/2″) and continue squeezing to make a swirl with 2-1/2″ diameter. Starting in the center and working toward the outside, drag a toothpick through the white chocolate to create a web; repeat 5-6 times. Place a chocolate chip in the center. Make 24 webs. Refrigerate a few minutes to firm them up. Using the edible marker, draw 8 legs on the white chocolate to form legs. Place a web on each cupcake.