Name: Guinness Chocolate Brownies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 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, 142 g); 2 tbsp unsalted butter (28 g); 2 tbsp Guinness Stout beer (30 ml); 1/4 cup powdered sugar (29 g)

If you love rich, decadent desserts with a twist, then this Guinness Chocolate Brownies Recipe is about to become your new favorite. These brownies boast the perfect mix of cakey and fudgy textures, all elevated by the deep, malty flavor of Guinness stout.

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

Whenever I make these Guinness Chocolate Brownies, they disappear way too quickly. The unique flavor combo and moist texture make them a total showstopper — whether it’s for a casual weeknight treat or impressing friends at a party.

Perfect Texture: A luscious balance between cakey and fudgy that keeps you wanting more.
Rich Flavor: Guinness stout adds a subtle depth that pairs beautifully with cocoa.
Simple Ingredients: Pantry staples come together with a splash of beer for an extraordinary taste.
Decadent Topping: A glossy chocolate ganache with Guinness that seals the deal.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you dive in, let’s talk about the key players in this Guinness Chocolate Brownies recipe. Choosing the right cocoa and beer, for example, makes all the difference. Plus, a few tips to make sure your brownies come out moist and flavorful every time.

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 tender and moist without weighing them down.
Guinness stout beer: Adds a malty richness that complements the chocolate perfectly.
Sugar: Provides sweetness and balances the bittersweet cocoa and stout.
Espresso powder: Optional, but it enhances chocolate flavor beautifully.
Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, inviting aroma and depth to the batter.
Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies other flavors.
Unsalted butter: Melted to bring richness and smooth texture.
Eggs: Provide structure and richness to the brownies.
All-purpose flour: The base that gives the brownies their cakey element.
Dutch-processed cocoa powder: For a rich, deep chocolate flavor without acidity.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Create a smooth, glossy topping that melts just right.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the ganache for a perfect 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 wonderfully adaptable it is. Whether you're craving an extra chocolate kick or want to make it fit certain dietary needs, these brownies give you plenty of room to customize while keeping that moist, fudgy magic intact.

Go Nuts: I love tossing in a half cup of chopped toasted walnuts or pecans into the batter for some delightful crunch—it adds a great contrast to the rich, gooey texture.
Double the Stout: For a bolder Guinness flavor, try increasing the stout in both the batter and the ganache by an extra tablespoon. It intensifies the deep, malty notes that make these brownies so irresistible.
Gluten-Free Swap: If you need to keep things gluten-free, swapping the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend works beautifully without sacrificing that perfect cakey-fudgy balance.
Vegan Delight: For a vegan twist, substitute the eggs with flax eggs and replace butter with a plant-based alternative; just be mindful the texture shifts slightly but stays delicious.
Seasonal Spice: Add a pinch of cinnamon or a pinch of chili powder to give a warm, seasonal vibe that's surprisingly wonderful with the rich cocoa and stout.

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 with Care

Start by setting your oven to 350°F (180°C). While it warms up, grease a 9×9 inch square baking pan and line it with parchment paper, letting the edges extend beyond the sides. This overhang will be your lifesaver when removing the brownies cleanly—no sticking or crumbling here!

Step 2: Whisk Together Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, pour in the vegetable oil, ¾ cup Guinness stout, sugar, espresso powder (if you're using it—trust me, it amps up the chocolate flavor), vanilla extract, and salt. Whisk everything until the mixture is smooth and well combined. You'll notice how the sugars start to dissolve slightly, making a glossy base for the brownies.

Step 3: Add Butter and Eggs

Next, stir in the melted unsalted butter until the mixture looks uniform and silky. Then, add in the eggs one at a time, whisking thoroughly after each addition. This step helps build a luscious batter that will bake up fudgy and moist.

Step 4: Gently Fold in Dry Ingredients

Sift together the all-purpose flour and Dutch-processed cocoa powder, then fold them gently into the wet batter. Be careful not to overmix here — just enough to combine so you keep that gorgeous cakey-fudgy texture. The batter will be thick, rich, and full of promise!

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour the brownie batter evenly into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Pop it into the oven and bake for about 30 minutes. You’ll want to check doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out with some moist, sticky crumbs but no wet batter. This is key for that perfect moistness we all crave.

Step 6: Cool Completely Before Topping

Once baked, let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Patience here pays off—the brownies firm up beautifully and prevent your ganache from sliding off.

Step 7: Make the Luscious Guinness Chocolate Ganache

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips, 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, and 2 tablespoons Guinness stout. Microwave on high for about 30 seconds until the butter begins to melt and the stout is hot. Whisk the mixture until completely smooth, adding a few extra 10-second bursts as needed. Stir in the powdered sugar until the ganache becomes glossy and silky.

Step 8: Spread Ganache and Set

Pour the ganache evenly over the cooled brownies and spread with a spatula. Let it sit at room temperature until the topping has fully set. This luscious layer adds that extra rich punch, making these brownies truly irresistible.

Step 9: Slice, Store, and Enjoy

Using the parchment paper edges, lift the brownies out of the pan and place on a cutting board. Cut into 12 to 15 squares, depending on how generous you want each piece. Store them in an airtight container—keeping them at room temperature for up to 2 days works well, then refrigerate because of the ganache topping. For freshest flavor and texture, enjoy within 4 to 5 days.

Top Tip

These tips will help you get the absolute best results from your Guinness Chocolate Brownies Recipe, ensuring every bite is perfectly moist, fudgy, and full of rich, balanced flavor.

Use Dutch-Processed Cocoa Powder: I’ve found that this type of cocoa powder really deepens the chocolate flavor and gives the brownies a beautiful dark color, which pairs wonderfully with the Guinness stout.
Don’t Skip the Espresso Powder: It’s optional, but adding even just ½ teaspoon really boosts the chocolate intensity without making it taste like coffee!
Watch the Bake Time Closely: Overbaking dries out the brownies. I always start checking at 30 minutes, looking for a toothpick with a few moist crumbs—not wet batter.
Use Parchment Paper Overhang: This little trick makes lifting the brownies out of the pan super easy and helps keep their shape intact when cutting.

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 a little extra flair, consider topping your Guinness Chocolate Brownies with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to accentuate the chocolate and stout flavors. A dollop of lightly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side also complements these brownies perfectly. Fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries can add a bright touch that cuts through the richness beautifully.

Side Dishes

Serve your Guinness brownies alongside a rich espresso or a creamy Irish coffee for a cozy dessert pairing. If you’re feeling festive, a simple glass of chilled stout or a robust red wine like a Cabernet Sauvignon can also elevate your brownie experience. For a casual get-together, fresh fruit or a light citrus salad works well to balance the decadence.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. After that, because of the rich chocolate topping with butter and stout, it’s best to move them to the refrigerator to keep them fresh. They’ll stay delicious for up to 4 to 5 days this way, but aim to enjoy them sooner for the best texture and flavor.

Freezing

If you want to freeze your Guinness Chocolate Brownies, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge before bringing to room temperature.

Reheating

If your brownies have been refrigerated or frozen, warming them up gently will restore their soft, fudgy texture. I recommend microwaving a single serving for about 15 seconds or warming in a low oven (around 275°F / 135°C) for 5–7 minutes. Enjoy them warm for a truly comforting treat!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of beer instead of Guinness?

While you can experiment with other stouts or dark beers, Guinness has a unique flavor that really complements the chocolate. Using something lighter or more bitter might change the taste, so I recommend sticking with Guinness if possible.

Are these brownies gluten-free?

The recipe calls for all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. However, you can substitute a gluten-free flour blend in equal amounts to make them gluten-free without sacrificing texture.

How do I know when the brownies are done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center around the 30-minute mark. You want it to come out with a few moist crumbs attached but no wet batter. This ensures the brownies remain moist and fudgy rather than dry.

Can I make these brownies ahead of time for a party?

Absolutely! These brownies keep well when made a day ahead. Store them covered at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerated for up to five days. Just bring to room temperature or gently warm before serving.

Final Thoughts

Making these Guinness Chocolate Brownies is one of my favorite baking adventures because they strike the perfect balance between cakey and fudgy, packed with rich flavors that everyone loves. They’re a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for cozy nights, celebrations, or whenever you need a little chocolate pick-me-up. I hope you enjoy making and sharing them as much as I do—happy baking!