Javachip Brownie Cupcakes

I admit it. I don't like coffee. I've tried it black, with cream and sugar, even with caramel, whip cream, and Baileys. Blah! Actually, if a hint of coffee comes through, it ruins it for me--whatever it may be. Yet, the smell of coffee brewing is glorious. Is it weird that I like the smell of coffee but don't like the taste?

At this point, you are probably wondering why I decided to make Javachip Cupcakes. The answer is simple, one of my good friends is having a bad week at our work and I'd like to bring her a 'pick me up'. She had mentioned the other day that Javachip Cupcakes would be something she'd love to try. Of course, I had no idea that Java Chip is a Frappuccino sold at Starbucks. Having no clue what it should taste like (other than coffee), I searched the internet for a great recipe. I finally found one that wasn't a doctored up cake box recipe (I was in the mood to do a little more work than that) with a beautiful picture from Java Cupcake. What better place to find a recipe for coffee cupcakes, than from a blogger with Java in the name!


I read the recipe and figured out what adjustments to make for high altitude. There were not many, just less sugar and more flour. What I didn't do was read the post about the Javachip Cupcakes. As I was making the cupcakes, I observed that the batter was indeed thick as indicated, but thicker than I expected--more like brownies. I kept checking on the cupcakes and they had that 'crust like' top and 'glossy look'. I took the cupcakes out of the oven and they didn't bounce back like cupcakes. Hmm, did I just make brownies? Figuring that I must have messed up the proportions, I went back to the post.


It wasn't until I looked again that I noticed that the recipe was for Javachip Cupcakes Javachip Brownie Cupcakes! Note to self, always read the entire post before using and modifying a recipe! So, not what I expected, but I hope that they will be well received regardless.


I've never made a brownie cupcake before. There's a first time for everything!

Javachip Brownie Cupcakes

adapted from Java Cupcake

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

1 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 cups caster sugar
4 Eggs
1 1/4 cups Dutch processed cocoa powder
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking powder
1 tbsp vanilla extract
8.75 oz all purpose flour
1 cup Mini Chocolate Chips
1.4 oz packet Starbucks Via Ready Brew (Italian Roast/Extra Bold)

1. In a medium sized bowl melt butter in the microwave. Add the sugar and microwave the mixture for another 1-2 minutes, just until it’s hot. Stir to combine.
2. In a standing bowl mixer add eggs, cocoa powder, salt, baking powder and vanilla extract and mix until combined. Add Starbucks Via packet and mix until combined.
3. Add the butter mixture to the standing bowl mixer. Mix until just combined.
4. Add flour a bit at a time mixing with a wooden spoon. Batter will be thick. Add chocolate chips.
5. Fill liners to about 3/4 full.

Makes about 20 cupcakes. Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until tester comes out with just a bit of crumbs. Set aside to cool completely.

Mocha Buttercream

1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature

3 1/2 cups powdered sugar

3/4 tsp salt

2 tsp vanilla bean paste or extract

3.4 oz packet Starbucks VIA Ready Brew (Mocha flavor)

6 tbsp whipping cream

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, cream softened butter, salt, and vanilla. Mix well. 
2. Add coffee. Mix well.
3. Add powdered sugar 1 cup at a time alternating with liquids. Add more cream or powdered sugar to achieve desired consistency.
4. Fill pastry bag with large tip and frost cupcakes.

Javachip Brownie Cupcakes went pretty quick at the office. I received many comments on the frosting and a few about the cupcakes. The mocha frosting was a big hit, whereas the brownie cupcake got less praise. They liked the rich taste of the cupcake but they were too brownie-like and needed to be augmented with something to wash it down. I received one comment that if they weren't told that there was coffee in the cupcake, they wouldn't be able to pick it out. Really?! They have a very strong coffee taste to this girl who can't stand the taste of coffee!