Guinness Brownies Recipe: Rich, Fudgy, and Festive
A velvety dessert infused with malted beer reduction and a tangy cream cheese swirl.
Guinness Brownies Recipe
There are brownies, and then there are Guinness Brownies—a dessert that elevates the classic with a deep, malty flavor and velvety chocolate texture. This recipe from The Pioneer Woman blends Irish stout, chocolate, and coffee for a fudgy, slightly nutty treat that’s a showstopper at parties and a must-try for any home baker looking for something unique and indulgent.
Why You’ll Love These Guinness Brownies
- Double Chocolate Bliss: Loaded with both melted chocolate and cocoa, these brownies deliver a serious chocolate punch.
- Cream Cheese Swirl Genius: The addition of a Guinness-spiked cream cheese layer adds a tangy richness and visual appeal.
- Subtle, Sophisticated Flavor: The stout reduction imparts a caramelized, slightly toasty note without overwhelming the palate.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: These brownies can be prepared up to three days in advance, making entertaining stress-free.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Irish stout beer (such as Guinness) | 1 (15-ounce) can |
| Brown sugar | 2 1/2 cups plus 2 tablespoons, firmly packed, divided |
| Freshly brewed coffee | 2 tablespoons |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tablespoon |
| Semi-sweet chocolate bars | 3 (4-ounce) bars, chopped |
| Unsalted butter | 3/4 cup |
| All-purpose flour | 1 1/2 cups plus 2 tablespoons, divided |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon plus a pinch (divided) |
| Large eggs | 3, divided |
| Cream cheese | 4 ounces, softened |
| Nonstick cooking spray | For the pan |
How to Make Guinness Brownies
1. Make the Guinness Syrup
- Pour the Guinness into a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Reduce to a simmer and cook until the beer is reduced to about 1/2 cup—this concentrates the flavor and removes bitterness.
- Off heat, stir in 1/4 cup brown sugar, coffee, and vanilla. Let cool for 10 minutes.
2. Melt the Chocolate and Butter
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate and butter.
- Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until fully melted and smooth. Set aside.
3. Mix the Brownie Batter
- In a large bowl, combine 2 1/4 cups brown sugar, 1 1/2 cups flour, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
- Add the melted chocolate mixture and 3/4 cup of the Guinness syrup; stir until just combined.
- Add the eggs and whisk until smooth.
4. Prepare the Cream Cheese Swirl
- In a small bowl, stir cream cheese, remaining 2 tablespoons brown sugar, and remaining 2 tablespoons flour until smooth.
- Add 2 tablespoons of the reserved Guinness syrup and whisk until fully blended into a creamy swirl mixture.
5. Assemble and Bake
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Line a 13×9-inch baking pan with foil, spray with nonstick spray, and spread the brownie batter evenly.
- Dot the top with spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture, then swirl with a knife for a marbled effect.
- Bake 45–50 minutes, until set and a tester comes out clean.
- Cool before slicing and serve at room temperature.
Tips for Perfect Guinness Brownies
- Don’t Overmix: Stir the batter until just combined for fudgy, not cakey, brownies.
- Use a Quality Stout: Guinness or another Irish stout offers the best flavor.
- Serve with Flair: Pair with ice cream, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar for extra indulgence.
- Make Ahead: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days—the flavors deepen and improve.
Variations and Substitutions
| Ingredient | Substitute |
|---|---|
| Guinness | Any stout or porter beer |
| Coffee | Espresso powder or omit for a milder coffee note |
| Semi-sweet chocolate bars | Chocolate chips or a mix of dark/milk chocolate |
| Cream cheese swirl | Try mascarpone or a yogurt-based topping for a lighter twist |
FAQs
- Can I taste the beer in the brownies?
- The beer flavor is subtle and enhances the chocolate—not overwhelming. It adds depth and richness rather than tasting like beer.
- How do I store leftover brownies?
- Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. They’re even better the next day as the flavors meld.
- Can I make the recipe ahead?
- Yes! You can bake and refrigerate the brownies up to three days before serving—an ideal dish for gatherings.
- What can I serve with Guinness Brownies?
- They’re delicious on their own, but a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of caramel, or a cup of coffee make them extra special.
- Can I make these gluten-free?
- Use a gluten-free flour blend and check that your beer is gluten-free. The taste may vary slightly.
- Can I freeze the brownies?
- Yes, wrap tightly and freeze for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
What others are reading
The Science Behind Guinness and Chocolate
Stout beers like Guinness are brewed with roasted barley, which imparts a deep, coffee-ish, toasty flavor. When reduced, the beer’s sugars caramelize, adding a subtle molasses note. Chocolate is already rich in cocoa, which naturally contains bitter notes that balance the sweetness. Combining stout with chocolate creates a complex, decadent pairing that’s greater than the sum of its parts.
A Perfect Dessert for St. Patrick’s Day (and Year-Round)
While Guinness Brownies are a natural fit for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, they’re so delicious that you’ll find excuses to make them throughout the year. Their rich, fudgy texture and the contrast of the cream cheese swirl make them an unforgettable dessert.
Wrapping Up
Whether you’re a fan of chocolate desserts, Irish beer, or simply love trying new recipes, Guinness Brownies are a bold, flavorful, and satisfying way to indulge. With their deep chocolate undertones, caramelized stout flavor, and creamy swirl, these brownies are sure to impress guests and satisfy your sweet cravings.
References
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a38831586/guinness-brownies-recipe/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11411/knock-you-naked-brownies/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a42663712/chocolate-guinness-cake-recipe/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lwq-o0Wak2w
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g40218416/brownie-recipes/
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