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; 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 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips (about 2/3 cup); 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 tablespoons Guinness Stout beer; 1/4 cup powdered sugar

If you’re a chocolate lover looking for something with a twist, this Guinness Chocolate Brownies Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine rich, moist brownies infused with the deep, malty flavor of Guinness Stout topped with silky chocolate ganache – pure magic in every bite!

A stack of three square chocolate brownies is shown, each with two layers: a thick, dark brown spongy bottom layer with a moist texture and a smooth, thick layer of chocolate frosting on top with subtle wavy lines. The brownies sit on a piece of light brown parchment paper over a wooden surface, with two chocolate chips to the left and a black bottle cap with gold details on the right. The background features blurred dark bottles and a white marbled texture. 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 remember the first time I baked these Guinness Chocolate Brownies – the aroma alone was enough to convince me they’d be spectacular. And they absolutely delivered with that perfect balance of cakey and fudgy textures that keeps you coming back for more.

Moist and flavorful: The Guinness Stout adds a unique depth and richness that elevates the chocolate taste beautifully.
Textural perfection: These brownies strike the perfect balance between cakey and fudgy without being heavy.
Easy to make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have luscious brownies ready in just 45 minutes.
Decadent topping: The smooth chocolate ganache infused with a hint of Guinness makes these brownies feel extra special.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you start, make sure to gather quality ingredients. A good Guinness Stout and Dutch-processed cocoa powder really bring out the best flavor and texture in these brownies.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of dark Dutch-processed cocoa powder, a small white ceramic bowl filled with glossy semi-sweet chocolate chips, a small white ceramic bowl with smooth powdered sugar, a small white ceramic bowl of golden melted unsalted butter, a small white ceramic bowl of rich dark Guinness stout beer, a small white ceramic bowl of clear vegetable oil, two large whole brown eggs with clean shells, a small white ceramic bowl of fine all-purpose flour, a few coffee beans representing espresso powder, a vanilla bean pod, and a small white ceramic bowl of coarse salt, all arranged with perfect symmetry and realistic proportions, 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.
Guinness Stout beer: Its rich, malty flavor enhances the chocolate and adds complexity.
Sugar: Sweetens the batter and balances the bitterness of cocoa and stout.
Espresso powder (optional): Boosts the chocolate flavor even more without overpowering.
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the overall flavor.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and contributes to the fudgy texture.
Large eggs: Bind the ingredients and help create that cakey-fudgy texture.
All-purpose flour: The base structure for these brownies—nothing fancy, just reliable.
Dutch-processed cocoa powder: Gives a smooth, deep chocolate flavor and darker color.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips: For the luscious ganache topping that melts perfectly over the brownies.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the ganache topping to the perfect 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 easily you can make it your own. Whether you want to tweak flavors, add texture, or accommodate dietary needs, these brownies invite a little creativity without losing any of their indulgent charm.

Nutty upgrade: I love tossing in a handful of toasted walnuts or pecans for a crunchy contrast to the cakey-fudgy texture. It adds an irresistible earthy note that pairs beautifully with the deep stout flavor.
Spiced twist: For a cozy, seasonal spin, sprinkle in ½ teaspoon of cinnamon and a pinch of cayenne pepper. The warmth surprises your palate and makes these brownies feel like a warm hug on a chilly day.
Gluten-free option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend of your choice. Just be sure to gently fold it in to keep the brownies tender and moist.
Dark chocolate lovers: Swap semi-sweet chocolate chips in the ganache for bittersweet or even a hint of 70% dark chocolate to deepen the richness without adding extra sweetness.
Espresso enhancement: While the espresso powder is optional, adding it really elevates the chocolate depth. If you want a caffeine kick, consider doubling it – just be mindful of the flavor balance.

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

A close-up view of a single square piece of chocolate cake with two layers: the bottom layer is dark, moist, and crumbly, while the top layer is a smooth, thick, milk chocolate frosting. The cake piece sits on a piece of brown parchment paper over a white marbled surface. In the blurry background, there are more stacked cake pieces and a dark bottle with gold lettering. A few shiny, dark chocolate chips and a black bottle cap lie near the cake. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Get Ready by Preheating and Preparing Your Pan

First, set your oven to 350°F (180°C) to get it nice and hot. Meanwhile, grease a 9x9 inch square baking pan thoroughly, then line it with parchment paper that extends over the sides. This little parchment “handle” will be your best friend when it’s time to lift the brownies out cleanly and effortlessly. No scraping or crumbling here!

Step 2: Whisk Together the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine ¼ cup vegetable oil, ¾ cup Guinness Stout, 2 cups sugar, ½ teaspoon espresso powder (if you’re using it), ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Whisk everything vigorously until the sugar begins to dissolve and the mixture is homogenous. You should notice a rich aroma starting to develop - that Guinness magic coming through!

Step 3: Add Melted Butter and Eggs for Moisture and Structure

Pour in ¼ cup melted unsalted butter and whisk again until the batter feels silky and smooth. Then, add 2 large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This careful incorporation helps keep the brownies tender and yields that coveted cakey-fudgy texture.

Step 4: Fold in Flour and Cocoa Powder – Don’t Overmix!

Gently whisk in 1 cup all-purpose flour and ⅔ cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder just until the batter looks even. Overmixing here can toughen the brownies, so go slow and stop as soon as everything is combined. The batter will be thick and glossy, and that’s what you want.

Step 5: Bake the Batter to Brownie Perfection

Transfer the batter to your prepared pan, smoothing it out evenly with a spatula. Pop it into the oven and bake for 30 minutes. To test doneness, stick a toothpick in the center: you’re aiming for a few moist, sticky crumbs, not a clean poke. That’s the sweet spot for brownies that are cakey on the outside but decadently fudgy inside.

Step 6: Make the Luscious Guinness Chocolate Ganache Topping

Once the brownies have cooled completely in the pan (patience is key here!), it’s time for the luscious finish. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 5 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips, 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, and 2 tablespoons Guinness. Microwave in 30-second bursts until the Guinness is hot and the butter begins melting. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is silky smooth. Then, stir in ¼ cup powdered sugar until you have a glossy ganache that’s sweet and perfectly spreadable.

Step 7: Spread, Set, and Slice

Pour the ganache over your cooled brownies and spread it to an even layer. Let it set completely at room temperature — this may take some time, but it ensures clean, beautiful slices. Use the parchment edges to lift the whole slab gently out of the pan, and cut into 15 generous bars to share (or not!).

Top Tip

These tips are here to help you get the absolute best from your Guinness Chocolate Brownies Recipe — ensuring rich flavor, perfect texture, and easy handling from start to finish.

Use Parchment Paper: I always line my baking pan with parchment paper that hangs over the sides. This simple step makes lifting the brownies out a breeze and gives you clean, neat cuts without any fuss.
Don't Overmix the Batter: Mixing just until the flour and cocoa are combined keeps the brownies tender. I’ve learned that overmixing leads to tougher brownies, so gentle folding is key.
Let the Ganache Set Fully: Once you pour the chocolate topping over cooled brownies, be patient and let it set at room temperature. Rushing this step can cause the ganache to crack when slicing.
Store Smartly: Since the ganache contains butter and Guinness, refrigerate brownies after two days to keep them fresh and luscious without drying out.

How to Serve Guinness Chocolate Brownies Recipe

A clear glass bowl holds a thick, smooth dark brown chocolate mixture with a shiny surface. Inside the bowl, a silver whisk with thin metal wires is coated in the chocolate, resting in the center. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface that contrasts with the rich chocolate color, and the outer edge of the bowl reflects some soft light. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Top these decadent brownies with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a perfect balance to their rich flavor. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a dusting of cocoa powder adds a lovely finishing touch. If you want to be extra festive, finely chopped toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts add great crunch and a nutty contrast.

Side Dishes

Serve your Guinness Chocolate Brownies alongside a hot cup of coffee or a creamy latte to complement the espresso and stout notes. For an indulgent dessert spread, pair them with fresh berries or a berry compote to cut through the chocolate richness with a hint of fruity brightness.

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 luscious ganache topping, it’s best to refrigerate them to maintain freshness. They’ll keep well for 4 to 5 days this way, so you can enjoy them over several days without losing that fudgy, moist magic.

Freezing

You can freeze these brownies for longer storage. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

To warm up your brownies, let them come to room temperature first. If you want them served warm, microwave a brownie for about 10 to 15 seconds; this softens the fudgy texture without melting the ganache topping too much. It’s a perfect way to reawaken that gooey, decadent goodness.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Guinness Stout adds a unique deep, malty flavor that complements the chocolate beautifully. While you can try other stouts or dark beers, the flavor profile may differ. For best results, stick with Guinness as in the recipe.

Is espresso powder necessary in this recipe?

Espresso powder is optional but highly recommended as it enhances the chocolate flavor without adding a noticeable coffee taste. If you don’t have it on hand, the brownies will still be delicious without it.

How can I tell when the brownies are done baking?

Insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out with a few moist, sticky crumbs but not wet batter. This ensures they stay fudgy yet set properly.

Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

If you’d like to make gluten-free Guinness Chocolate Brownies, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Keep in mind the texture might vary slightly but will still be delicious.

Final Thoughts

Making Guinness Chocolate Brownies is like inviting a little indulgence into your kitchen that always delights. With their moist, cakey-fudgy balance and that luscious chocolate ganache, they quickly become a favorite for celebrations or just a comforting treat. I hope these tips and ideas inspire you to bake with confidence and savor every rich, chocolatey bite. Happy baking!