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; 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); 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 2 tbsp Guinness Stout beer; 1/4 cup powdered sugar (29 g)

If you’ve never tasted a brownie infused with the deep, malty richness of stout beer, you’re in for a treat! This Guinness Chocolate Brownies Recipe strikes the perfect balance between cakey and fudgy, delivering moist, rich brownies topped with a glossy Guinness chocolate ganache. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become your go-to for indulgent dessert cravings.

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 made these brownies — the aroma of Guinness mingling with chocolate had me hooked instantly. The mix of cakey and fudgy textures makes every bite amazing, and topping them with that smooth ganache? Pure dessert magic.

Moist and Flavorful: The Guinness stout adds a rich depth that makes these brownies unforgettable.
Perfect Texture: A wonderful cakey yet fudgy bite that’s neither too dry nor too gooey.
Easy to Make: Simple ingredients come together quickly with straightforward steps.
Decadent Ganache Topping: A luscious, silky chocolate layer that elevates the entire dessert.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Let’s chat ingredients before you get started. I always recommend using a good quality Guinness Stout since that’s the star of this recipe’s flavor. Also, Dutch-processed cocoa powder really shines here, giving a smoother chocolate taste that complements the stout perfectly.

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 overpowering the flavor.
Guinness Stout beer: Adds that signature rich malty note; equals magic in every bite.
Sugar: Sweetens and helps create the perfect fudgy texture.
Espresso powder (optional): A small addition that enhances the chocolate depth beautifully.
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and rounds out the flavors.
Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies chocolate flavor.
Unsalted butter, melted: For richness and to bind all the flavors together.
Eggs: Provide structure and moisture for the cakey-fudgy texture.
All-purpose flour: The base that holds the brownies together.
Dutch-processed cocoa powder: Offers a smooth, mellow chocolate flavor that works perfectly with stout.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips: For the decadent ganache topping—melts into silky goodness.
Additional butter (for topping): Creates that glossy, rich finish.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens and smooths the chocolate ganache.

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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 parts about this Guinness Chocolate Brownies Recipe is how easy they are to personalize. Whether you want to amp up the chocolate, add a nutty crunch, or make them friendlier for special diets, these brownies are a fantastic base to experiment with.

Add Some Crunch: Sprinkle chopped walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts into the batter before baking. I love the contrast of a crisp nutty bite against the soft fudgy brownie—it’s such a crowd-pleaser!
For Deeper Coffee Flavor: If you really enjoy the mocha notes, don’t skip the espresso powder. It wakes up the chocolate and complements the stout in a delightful way.
Substitute the Guinness: Don’t have Guinness on hand? No worries—any stout beer works beautifully to keep that rich, malty flavor.
Go Dairy-Free: Swap the butter for coconut oil and use dairy-free chocolate chips for a vegan-friendly twist. The texture might change just a bit, but the bold flavor remains!
Seasonal Twist: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of chili powder for a warming spice note that’s perfect for fall and winter gatherings.

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: Preheat and Prep Your Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×9 inch square baking pan and line it with parchment paper, ensuring you leave some overhang on the sides. This little trick makes it so much easier to lift the brownies out after they’ve cooled, avoiding any stickiness or crumbling.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together 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. Keep whisking until everything is fully combined and the sugar starts to dissolve, which helps create a smooth batter.

Step 3: Incorporate Butter and Eggs

Whisk in the melted ¼ cup unsalted butter until the mixture looks smooth and glossy. Then, add the 2 large eggs one at a time, whisking after each addition. This ensures the eggs combine thoroughly and help with the brownie’s texture.

Step 4: Add the Dry Ingredients Gently

Next, gently fold in 1 cup all-purpose flour and ⅔ cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder. Whisk just until everything is incorporated—overmixing can lead to tougher brownies, and we want these to stay tender with that perfect cakey-fudgy balance.

Step 5: Bake Your Brownies

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan and smooth out the surface. Pop it into the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist, sticky crumbs—not completely clean, because we want that luscious fudginess.

Step 6: Let Them Cool Completely

Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven and allow them to cool fully in the pan. This cooling step is important so the brownies finish setting before we add the ganache topping.

Step 7: Prepare the Guinness Chocolate Ganache

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 5 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips, 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, and 2 tablespoons Guinness stout. Microwave for about 30 seconds, until the stout is hot and the butter just starts to melt. Whisk until smooth, heating a little longer if needed to get a luscious, glossy ganache.

Step 8: Sweeten and Spread the Ganache

Whisk in ¼ cup powdered sugar until the ganache is silky and well combined. Pour it evenly over the cooled brownies and spread it into a smooth layer. This rich topping makes the brownies feel extra special and indulgent.

Step 9: Chill and Serve

Let the ganache-topped brownies cool completely so the topping firms up nicely—this also makes cutting neat bars a breeze. Use the parchment paper edges to lift the brownies out of the pan and slice into 12 delicious squares. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, then refrigerate because of the ganache. Enjoy within 4 to 5 days for the best taste and texture.

Top Tip

These tips will help you achieve the perfect balance of cakey and fudgy textures while enhancing the rich stout flavor that makes this Guinness Chocolate Brownies Recipe truly special.

Use Parchment Paper with Overhang: This makes it so easy to lift the brownies out of the pan without any sticking or crumbling. Trust me, it’s a game changer when cutting neat bars.
Don’t Overmix the Batter: Gently incorporate the flour and cocoa powder until just combined. Overmixing can make the brownies tough instead of tender—patience is key here!
Watch Your Bake Time Closely: Aim for a toothpick that comes out with moist, sticky crumbs, not completely clean. That’s what gives you the fudgy center with cakey edges.
Add Espresso Powder: If you want to boost the chocolate flavor even more, don’t skip the espresso powder. It’s subtle but adds a delicious depth.

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

Sprinkle a little flaky sea salt over the Guinness chocolate ganache just before it sets for a sophisticated sweet-and-salty finish. For a festive twist, add some chopped toasted nuts or a dusting of cocoa powder. A dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully with these brownies too.

Side Dishes

These brownies are so rich they shine best on their own, but if you want to round out a dessert spread, try serving them with fresh berries or a simple berry compote. A robust coffee or an Irish cream liqueur makes an excellent companion beverage, enhancing the stout notes of the brownies.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your Guinness Chocolate Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Because of that luscious ganache topping, it’s best to refrigerate them after the first two days to keep things fresh and prevent spoilage. They stay delicious for 4 to 5 days when refrigerated.

Freezing

Wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. To thaw, simply leave them at room temperature for a few hours or overnight in the fridge — the ganache might firm up beautifully after thawing.

Reheating

If you like your brownies slightly warm, pop them in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. This softens the ganache and makes the brownies even more indulgent. Just be careful not to overheat, or the ganache may become too soft and runny.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I substitute Guinness with another beer?

Absolutely! While Guinness Stout lends its signature depth and richness, any similar stout beer will work well and give you a comparable flavor profile.

Why does the recipe call for espresso powder?

Espresso powder intensifies the chocolate flavor without adding a strong coffee taste. It’s optional but highly recommended for that extra rich dimension.

How do I know when the brownies are done?

Bake until a toothpick inserted comes out with just a few moist, sticky crumbs attached. Avoid baking until fully clean — that’s key to keeping the brownies cakey yet fudgy.

Can I make these brownies ahead of a party?

Yes! You can bake and top the brownies a day ahead. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the ganache fresh and serve them at room temperature for the best texture.

Final Thoughts

This Guinness Chocolate Brownies Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites because it strikes such a perfect balance — rich, moist, cakey, fudgy, and deeply chocolatey with a boozy twist. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just treating yourself, these brownies never disappoint. I hope you enjoy baking and savoring every bite as much as I do!