Ingredients

For the Brownies

• 1 cup Guinness stout
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
• 1½ cups granulated sugar
• ½ cup light brown sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon espresso powder (optional)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

For the Chocolate Ganache

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Optional Garnishes

• Chocolate shavings
• Flaky sea salt
• Cocoa powder
• Mini chocolate chips

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.

Step 2: Reduce the Guinness

Pour the Guinness into a small saucepan and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Cook for 8–10 minutes, allowing it to reduce to about ½ cup. This concentrates the rich, malty flavor.

Remove from the heat and let it cool slightly.

Step 3: Melt the Chocolate and Butter

In a large heatproof bowl, combine the butter and chopped semi-sweet chocolate.

Melt them together over a pan of simmering water or in the microwave using 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth.

Allow the mixture to cool for a few minutes before adding the remaining ingredients.

Step 4: Mix the Batter

Whisk the granulated sugar and brown sugar into the chocolate mixture until well combined.

Add the eggs one at a time, whisking thoroughly after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and the cooled reduced Guinness.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, espresso powder, baking powder, and salt.

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips.

Do not overmix, as this can make the brownies less fudgy.

Step 5: Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.

Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached.

Avoid overbaking to maintain a rich, fudgy texture.

Step 6: Cool Completely

Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before adding the ganache.

Step 7: Prepare the Ganache

Heat the heavy cream until just beginning to simmer.

Pour it over the chocolate chips and let it sit for 2 minutes. Add the butter and stir until smooth and glossy.

Spread the ganache evenly over the cooled brownies.

Step 8: Slice and Serve

Allow the ganache to set for about 30 minutes, then slice into squares using a sharp knife.

Garnish with chocolate shavings or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt before serving.

Tips for the Best Guinness Brownies

• Reduce the Guinness before adding it to intensify its flavor.
• Use high-quality chocolate for the richest brownies.
• Do not overmix the batter after adding the flour.
• Slightly underbake the brownies for an extra fudgy texture.
• Cool completely before slicing for clean, neat squares.
• Chill the brownies for 30 minutes before cutting for even sharper edges.
• Add espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor without making the brownies taste like coffee.

Delicious Variations

Salted Caramel Guinness Brownies

Drizzle caramel sauce over the brownies before serving and sprinkle with flaky sea salt.

Guinness Cream Cheese Brownies

Swirl sweetened cream cheese into the batter before baking.

Triple Chocolate Brownies

Add white chocolate and milk chocolate chips along with the semi-sweet chocolate chips.

Walnut Guinness Brownies

Fold 1 cup of chopped toasted walnuts into the batter.

Irish Cream Brownies

Add a splash of Irish cream liqueur to the ganache for extra richness.

Peanut Butter Guinness Brownies

Swirl creamy peanut butter through the batter before baking.

Storage

Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week.

Freeze individual brownies in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Guinness Brownies pair perfectly with:

• Vanilla ice cream
• Whipped cream
• Fresh raspberries
• Chocolate sauce
• Salted caramel sauce
• Hot coffee
• Espresso
• Irish cream coffee
• Cold milk
• Fresh strawberries

Nutrition Information (Per Brownie)

• Calories: 310
• Protein: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fat: 17g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Cholesterol: 65mg
• Sodium: 140mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 28g
• Calcium: 2% DV
• Iron: 10% DV