For the cupcakes: Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F and line muffin pans with paper liners.
Sift the cake flour, granulated sugar, baking soda and salt into a large bowl.
In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the buttermilk, oil, vanilla and eggs. Slowly add the sifted ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Fold in the orange zest.
For the cheesecake: In the bowl of an electric mixer, place the cream cheese and beat until smooth and creamy. Add the ricotta and granulated sugar and beat until smooth, 2 to 3 minutes. Beat in the cornstarch. Add the eggs one at a time and beat in. Add the mini chocolate chips and vanilla until everything is beaten in smoothly.
For the crust: In small bowl, combine the pistachios, butter and granulated sugar.
To assemble: Put 2 teaspoons of the pistachio crust into the bottom of each cupcake liner. Pour a heaping 1/4 cup batter over the top of the crust. Put the cheesecake mixture into a piping bag and fill up the rest of the cupcake liner until it is a little past three-quarters full. Bake, 17 to 19 minutes. When cool enough to handle, transfer the cupcakes to a sheet pan and place in the fridge while you prepare the frosting.
For the frosting: In an electric stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat the cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy and all the lumps have disappeared. Beat in the ricotta and vanilla. Slowly add the powdered sugar and beat until combined.
Frost each cupcake with the ricotta cheese frosting.
Contestant/Competition Recipe: This recipe was created by a contestant during a cooking competition. The Food Network Kitchen have not tested it for home use and therefore cannot make any representation as to the results.

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Nutrition Facts

Per Serving Per 100 g

Amount Per 1 Serving
Calories	979.32 Kcal (4100 kJ)
Calories from fat	476.36 Kcal
		% Daily Value*
Total Fat	52.93g	81%
Cholesterol	128.1mg	43%
Sodium	854.71mg	36%
Potassium	1133.99mg	24%
Total Carbs	112.43g	37%
Sugars	60.22g	241%
Dietary Fiber	0.29g	1%
Protein	16.31g	33%
Iron	2.1mg	12%
Calcium	168.7mg	17%

Amount Per 100 g
Calories	381.17 Kcal (1596 kJ)
Calories from fat	185.41 Kcal
		% Daily Value*
Total Fat	20.6g	81%
Cholesterol	49.86mg	43%
Sodium	332.67mg	36%
Potassium	441.37mg	24%
Total Carbs	43.76g	37%
Sugars	23.44g	241%
Dietary Fiber	0.11g	1%
Protein	6.35g	33%
Iron	0.8mg	12%
Calcium	65.7mg	17%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Find out how many calories should you eat.

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