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; 3/4 cup Guinness Stout beer; 2 cups sugar; 1/2 teaspoon espresso powder (optional); 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 2 large eggs; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 2/3 cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder; 5 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips (2/3 cup); 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 tablespoons Guinness Stout beer; 1/4 cup powdered sugar

If you're on the hunt for the most irresistible brownies with a twist, this Guinness Chocolate Brownies Recipe is going to blow your mind. They’re decadently moist, boasting the perfect balance between cakey and fudgy with a rich stout-chocolate flavor that’s just unforgettable.

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 still remember the first time I baked these Guinness Chocolate Brownies — the kitchen was filled with the cozy aroma of chocolate and stout, and everyone couldn’t stop sneaking bites. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll want to make them again and again.

Rich Flavor Boost: Guinness stout adds a deep, complex flavor that perfectly complements the chocolate without overpowering it.
Perfect Texture: These brownies hit the sweet spot between cakey and fudgy, so you get a wonderful mouthfeel every time.
Easy to Make: No fancy equipment needed—just simple ingredients you probably have on hand and 50 minutes of your time.
Decadent Ganache Topping: The luscious chocolate ganache made with a splash of Guinness adds an extra layer of indulgence that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you start mixing, let's talk ingredients. The magic here comes from a few key players—choose fresh, quality items for best results. Don’t worry, I’ll walk you through why each one is important and how it contributes to these Guinness Chocolate Brownies.

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 without weighing them down like butter alone might.
Guinness Stout beer: Provides a rich and slightly bitter undertone that makes these brownies truly special.
Sugar: Sweetens everything perfectly while helping create a tender crumb.
Espresso powder (optional): Enhances the chocolate flavor for deeper, richer notes.
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and rounds out the flavors beautifully.
Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies the chocolate taste.
Unsalted butter: Melted butter enriches the batter and helps deliver that fudgy texture.
Eggs: Bind everything together and add structure to the brownies.
All-purpose flour: Provides the framework for cakey yet tender brownies.
Dutch-processed cocoa powder: Delivers a smooth, mellow chocolate flavor with a velvety finish.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melt into the ganache topping, adding a silky richness.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the ganache to a perfect spreadable consistency.

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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

The beauty of this Guinness Chocolate Brownies Recipe is how easy it is to personalize without losing that rich, moist texture you love. Whether you're tweaking for dietary needs or adding a fun twist, these brownies are the perfect canvas for your creativity.

Gluten-Free Variation: I swapped the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend once, and the brownies held their fudgy texture really well. Just be sure your blend contains xanthan gum for structure!
Nutty Upgrade: Adding chopped toasted walnuts or pecans adds a delightful crunch and contrasts nicely with the smooth ganache.
Extra Boozy Boost: For an adult-only treat, a splash of Irish whiskey in the chocolate topping amp up the stout flavor, and yes—it’s every bit as indulgent as it sounds.
Dairy-Free Adaptation: I’ve used coconut oil instead of butter, both in the batter and the topping, with great success. The brownies are just as moist and the flavor shines through beautifully.
Seasonal Flair: A pinch of cinnamon or cayenne pepper in the batter can add warmth and a subtle spicy kick that’s perfect for cozy fall afternoons.

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: Preheat and Prep for Success

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C) to ensure it’s ready when your batter is. Grease a 9x9 inch baking pan thoroughly, then line it with parchment paper that hangs over the edges. The parchment not only prevents sticking but makes it easy to lift the brownies out once baked—think of it as your brownie lifeline!

Step 2: Whisk Together the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the vegetable oil, Guinness stout, sugar, espresso powder (if using), vanilla extract, and salt. Whisk everything together until the sugar starts to dissolve and the mixture looks smooth—this step sets the stage for moist, flavorful brownies.

Step 3: Incorporate the Melted Butter and Eggs

Pour in the melted unsalted butter and whisk until everything is well incorporated. Then crack in the eggs one at a time, whisking after each addition to build a smooth, uniform batter that will bake up perfectly cakey-fudgy.

Step 4: Gently Mix in the Dry Ingredients

Sift together the all-purpose flour and Dutch-processed cocoa powder and add them to your bowl. Use a gentle whisking motion to combine everything just until no streaks of flour remain—overmixing can tense up the batter and dry out those brownies, so go easy!

Step 5: Bake and Cool the Brownies

Pour the luscious batter into your prepared pan and smooth it into an even layer. Slide it into your preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes. Keep an eye out: a toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist, sticky crumbs—not wet batter. This is your cue that the brownies are perfectly baked and ready to cool fully in the pan before moving on.

Step 6: Whip Up the Decadent Chocolate Ganache

While the brownies cool, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips, butter, and Guinness stout in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat it for about 30 seconds until the butter starts to melt and the mixture is hot. Whisk vigorously until smooth and glossy, adding extra short bursts of microwaving if needed to melt everything completely.

Step 7: Finish with Sweet Ganache Topping

Mix in the powdered sugar to your ganache until fully combined and silky. Pour this luscious topping evenly over the cooled brownies, then spread gently with a spatula. Let the ganache set fully at room temperature for clean, beautiful slices that shine with chocolaty richness.

Step 8: Slice, Serve, and Enjoy

Use the edges of the parchment paper to lift the brownies from the pan onto a cutting board. Slice into 12 bars for perfect portions. These brownies are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days, then refrigerated for up to 4 to 5 days because of the ganache topping. Just bring them to room temp before serving to revive that melt-in-your-mouth magic.

Top Tip

Mastering the perfect Guinness Chocolate Brownies Recipe is all about balancing moisture and flavor. These tips will help you get that ideal cakey yet fudgy texture and bring out the best in the stout and chocolate combination.

Don’t Overmix: Once the flour and cocoa are added, whisk just until combined. Overmixing can make the brownies tough rather than tender and moist.
Watch Your Bake Time: The brownies should come out with a few moist crumbs on the toothpick, not completely clean. This keeps them fudgy and irresistible.
Cool Completely Before Ganache: Patience is key! Adding the chocolate topping over warm brownies can cause it to melt unevenly and not set nicely.
Use Parchment Paper: Lining your pan with parchment that sticks up over the edges makes removing the brownies a breeze without breaking or crumbling.

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

For an extra touch of indulgence, dust your brownies with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or cocoa powder. A few fresh raspberries or a dollop of whipped cream add a lovely tart contrast to the rich chocolate and stout. You can also try a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of the ganache for a delightful salty-sweet harmony.

Side Dishes

Serve these Guinness Chocolate Brownies with a scoop of vanilla or coffee ice cream to complement the deep chocolate and stout flavors. A cup of strong black coffee or a creamy latte pairs beautifully, as does a glass of milk for a classic combo. If you want to keep the theme going, a small pour of Guinness or a stout beer on the side is fun too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Guinness Chocolate Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Because of the luscious ganache topping, it’s best to then refrigerate them, where they’ll keep well for 4 to 5 days. This helps preserve both the texture and flavor.

Freezing

You can freeze brownies for longer storage by wrapping individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator, then let come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Reheating

To warm your brownies, microwave a single piece for 10 to 15 seconds or gently warm in a low oven (around 300°F/150°C) for 5 minutes. This softens the ganache and enhances the richness without drying out the brownies.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I substitute the Guinness with another beer?

Yes! While Guinness stout provides a distinctive rich flavor, other dark stouts or porters can be used. Just keep in mind it will subtly change the final taste of the brownies.

What’s the best way to tell when the brownies are done?

Insert a toothpick in the center. It’s perfect when it comes out with a few moist but not wet crumbs attached. This ensures the fudgy texture you want.

Why is espresso powder included?

Espresso powder is optional but it enhances the chocolate flavor, adding depth and richness without tasting like coffee.

How do I get clean cuts when slicing brownies with ganache?

Make sure the brownies and ganache are completely cooled and set. Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry before slicing. Clean the knife between cuts for neat pieces.

Final Thoughts

There’s something seriously comforting about these Guinness Chocolate Brownies — the perfect balance of cakey, fudgy, and rich stout-infused chocolate topped with a silky ganache. Whether for a cozy night in or sharing with loved ones, this recipe brings a little indulgence and warmth to any occasion. I hope you enjoy every bite as much as I do!