Name: Guinness Chocolate Brownies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/4 cup vegetable oil (60 ml); 3/4 cup Guinness Stout beer (180 ml); 2 cups sugar (414 g); 1/2 tsp espresso powder (optional); 1/2 tsp vanilla extract; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (56 g); 2 large eggs; 1 cup all-purpose flour (130 g); 2/3 cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder (76 g); 5 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips (2/3 cup, 140 g); 2 tbsp unsalted butter (28 g); 2 tbsp Guinness Stout beer (30 ml); 1/4 cup powdered sugar (29 g)

If you’re like me and adore rich, indulgent treats with a twist, then this Guinness Chocolate Brownies Recipe will quickly become your new favorite. These brownies blend the deep, malty notes of Guinness stout with luxurious chocolate for a dessert that’s as moist as it is decadent.

The image shows a stack of three thick square pieces of chocolate cake, each piece with a dark brown, moist, soft cake layer topped by a smooth, shiny layer of chocolate frosting. The cakes have a slightly crumbly texture on the sides. They sit on a piece of brown parchment paper on a wood surface, with some chocolate chips nearby. In the background, two black cans with gold writing stand out against a blurred white marbled texture. A black bottle cap with gold details is placed next to the stack. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Guinness Chocolate Brownies Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Guinness Chocolate Brownies Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Guinness Chocolate Brownies Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I stumbled upon this recipe on a chilly evening when I wanted something comforting yet special. The way Guinness deepens the chocolate flavor while keeping the texture perfectly moist blew me away. You’re going to love serving these to friends or just sneaking a few bites yourself!

Perfect Texture: A delightful balance of cakey edges and fudgy centers that is incredibly satisfying.
Rich Flavor: Guinness stout adds a subtle bitterness and complexity that enhances the chocolate beautifully.
Easy Ganache Topping: The luscious chocolate ganache with just a touch of stout glazes the brownies, making them absolutely irresistible.
Simple Ingredients: You likely have most of these pantry staples on hand, so it’s easy to whip up whenever a chocolate craving strikes.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient contributes to the flavors and textures here, but picking the right type of cocoa and using real Guinness stout are key. Make sure you have fresh eggs and unsalted butter for the best results.

Flat lay of a small glass bowl of dark vegetable oil, a small white bowl filled with deep brown Guinness stout, a small white bowl heaped with granulated white sugar, a small white bowl with fine dark brown espresso powder, a small white bowl of clear vanilla extract, a small white bowl containing coarse sea salt, a small white bowl holding melted golden butter, two large uncracked brown eggs with smooth shells, a small white bowl of all-purpose white flour, a small white bowl filled with rich Dutch-processed cocoa powder, a small white bowl piled with glossy semi-sweet chocolate chips, a small white bowl of pale yellow unsalted butter cubes, a small white bowl with more dark Guinness stout, and a small white bowl dusted with fine white powdered sugar — arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white ceramic surface, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Vegetable oil: Keeps the brownies moist and tender without overpowering their rich flavor.
Guinness Stout beer: Infuses the batter with uniquely deep, malty notes that elevate the chocolate.
Sugar: Provides the essential sweetness and keeps the texture just right.
Espresso powder (optional): Enhances the chocolate’s richness without tasting like coffee.
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and balances the bitterness of Guinness and cocoa.
Salt: A small pinch highlights all the flavors effectively.
Unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and silkiness to the batter.
Eggs: Bind everything together while contributing to the cakey-fudgy texture.
All-purpose flour: Provides the structure for perfect brownie firmness without heaviness.
Dutch-processed cocoa powder: Offers a smooth, mellow chocolate flavor and deep color.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melt into a smooth ganache with buttery richness and subtle bitterness.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the ganache topping for a glossy finish.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Guinness Chocolate Brownies Recipe is how easy it is to tweak to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Whether you want to amp up the chocolate punch or make it friendly for gluten-free guests, these brownies welcome your culinary creativity!

Richer chocolate brownies: I love adding an extra ¼ cup of Dutch-processed cocoa powder to the batter. It intensifies that deep chocolate flavor and makes these brownies even more decadently fudgy.
Espresso boost: Though optional, the ½ teaspoon of espresso powder really enhances the chocolate without making the brownies taste like coffee. It’s a little secret weapon I never skip!
Gluten-free version: If you want to avoid gluten, just swap the all-purpose flour for an equal amount of a gluten-free baking blend. It works beautifully without compromising texture.
Alcohol-free substitute: If Guinness stout isn’t your thing or you’re avoiding alcohol, you can substitute with a non-alcoholic stout beer or even a robust coffee for a similar depth of flavor.
Seasonal twists: Adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of cayenne pepper can bring a lovely warmth and unexpected kick to your brownies—perfect for cozy winter evenings.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Guinness Chocolate Brownies Recipe

A close-up of a single square piece of dark chocolate cake with two layers: a thick, moist, textured bottom cake layer in deep brown and a smooth, shiny chocolate frosting layer on top with a clean edge, sitting on light brown parchment paper. In the background, there is a blurred stack of three similar squares on the left and a dark drink bottle on the right, all resting on a white marbled surface. Near the front, a few dark chocolate chips are scattered on the parchment paper. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C) to get it nice and hot while you prep the batter. Lightly grease a 9×9 inch square baking pan, then line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides. This little trick lets you easily lift the brownies out later without any sticking or mess.

Step 2: Whisk Together Your Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the ¼ cup vegetable oil, ¾ cup Guinness Stout beer, 2 cups sugar, ½ teaspoon espresso powder (if you’re using it), ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Whisk them vigorously until the mixture is smooth and the sugar begins to dissolve, which usually takes a minute or two. This step helps bring out the rich, malty character of the Guinness, which will shine through in your brownies.

Step 3: Add Butter and Eggs for Richness

Next, whisk in the ¼ cup melted unsalted butter until it’s well incorporated. Then crack in the 2 large eggs, whisking again until the batter is silky smooth and uniform. These additions make the brownies wonderfully moist while adding luxurious richness.

Step 4: Fold in Dry Ingredients Gently

Sift together 1 cup all-purpose flour and ⅔ cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder to avoid lumps. Gently whisk the dry mixture into the wet ingredients just until combined—don’t overmix! Overbeating can make your brownies tough. Look for a glossy, thick batter that holds together but still pours easily.

Step 5: Bake the Batter to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the surface with a spatula. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes at 350°F (180°C). The brownies are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist, sticky crumbs. This ensures the perfect cakey-fudgy texture that makes these Guinness brownies so special.

Step 6: Cool Completely Before Topping

Bring patience to this step—the brownies must cool completely in the pan placed on a wire rack. This cooling period helps the brownies set properly, so your luscious chocolate ganache won’t melt or slide off when spread.

Step 7: Whip Up the Chocolate Ganache

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 5 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips, 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, and 2 tablespoons Guinness Stout beer. Microwave for about 30 seconds or until the butter starts melting and the beer is hot. Whisk vigorously until silky smooth and glossy. If needed, warm in 10-second bursts to get the perfect consistency.

Step 8: Sweeten and Spread the Topping

Whisk ¼ cup powdered sugar into the warm ganache until fully incorporated. Pour the mixture evenly over the cooled brownies and spread gently with an offset spatula, covering every inch. Let it cool completely—this is crucial so the ganache firms up into a dreamy, shiny topping.

Step 9: Slice, Serve, and Store

Use the parchment paper overhang to carefully lift the brownies from the pan. Cut into 12 generous bars. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. After that, keep them refrigerated to maintain the freshness of the ganache topping. These brownies taste best within 4-5 days, though I doubt they'll last that long!

Top Tip

Getting the perfect balance between cakey and fudgy brownies can be a bit of a dance, but with these tips, your Guinness Chocolate Brownies will always come out just right—with that rich, moist texture you’re aiming for.

Don’t Overmix the Batter: Whisk the flour and cocoa powder in gently until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense, tough brownies instead of that tender cakey-fudgy combo.
Check Your Bake Time Closely: My experience is that baking 30 to 35 minutes is just right. Keep an eye and test with a toothpick; it should come out with a few moist crumbs, not completely clean.
Use Parchment Paper to Your Advantage: Lining the pan with parchment that hangs over the sides is a game changer for easy removal—your brownies won’t stick or break apart when slicing.
Don’t Skip Cooling Before Ganache: Let the brownies cool completely to set that luscious topping perfectly and avoid a runny finish.

How to Serve Guinness Chocolate Brownies Recipe

A clear glass bowl holds smooth, dark brown chocolate batter with a thick and shiny texture that swirls around a silver whisk standing inside the bowl, resting on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate these brownies, consider a light dusting of cocoa powder or powdered sugar on top of the ganache for a delicate finish. Fresh raspberries or a sprig of mint beside each brownie add a fresh, colorful pop. Whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream is always a welcome partner to complement the deep chocolate and stout flavors.

Side Dishes

Pair your Guinness Chocolate Brownies with a simple cup of black coffee or a creamy latte to cut through the sweetness. For a boozy twist, a glass of whiskey or a stout beer itself creates a harmonizing, indulgent dessert experience. If you want something lighter, fresh berries or a crisp green salad can provide a refreshing contrast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your Guinness Chocolate Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. After that, it’s best to refrigerate them because of the butter-rich ganache topping, which helps keep them fresh and prevents spoilage. They stay delicious for up to 4-5 days refrigerated.

Freezing

You can freeze brownies to extend their life! Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight freezer bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight to keep the ganache intact and the texture perfect.

Reheating

Warm your brownies slightly to bring back that freshly baked feel. A few seconds in the microwave (10-15 seconds) works well, just be mindful not to overheat or the ganache might soften too much. Enjoy warm on its own or with your favorite ice cream!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different beer instead of Guinness for this recipe?

Absolutely! While Guinness Stout adds a rich, malty depth, other stout beers with similar robust flavors work well too. Just avoid lighter beers as they won’t provide the same complexity.

Why do my brownies come out dry or crumbly?

This often happens from overbaking or overmixing the batter. Be sure to bake within the 30-35 minute window and whisk the dry ingredients in gently to maintain moisture and tenderness.

Is the espresso powder necessary?

Nope, it’s optional! I like using it because it subtly enhances the chocolate’s richness without making the brownies taste like coffee.

How long do the brownies last after putting on the ganache topping?

Once topped, you can keep them at room temperature for up to 2 days. After that, refrigeration is recommended to keep the ganache fresh because of its butter content. They stay great for 4-5 days refrigerated.

Final Thoughts

Baking this Guinness Chocolate Brownies Recipe is such a rewarding treat! The way the stout beer melds with the cocoa to create that rich, moist texture always brings smiles to the table. Whether you're sharing with friends or sneaking a bite just for yourself, I hope these brownies bring warmth and joy to your kitchen as much as they do to mine. Happy baking and even happier indulging!