Name: Guinness Chocolate Fudge 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 tsp espresso powder (optional); 1/2 tsp vanilla extract; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 2 large eggs; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 2/3 cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder; 5 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips (about 2/3 cup); 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 2 tbsp Guinness Stout beer; 1/4 cup powdered sugar

If you love rich, indulgent treats with a twist, then you’re going to adore this Guinness Chocolate Fudge Brownies Recipe. These brownies have the perfect mix of cakey and fudgy textures, elevated by the deep, malty richness of Guinness stout and a luscious chocolate ganache topping.

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 Fudge Brownies Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Guinness Chocolate Fudge Brownies Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Guinness Chocolate Fudge Brownies Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, I’m obsessed with these brownies. Every time I make them, they disappear in no time. The Guinness adds an unexpected depth that makes these brownies feel a bit sophisticated, yet they’re super easy to whip up.

Perfect Texture: Balances cakey and fudgy for a moist bite that’s never dry or crumbly.
Rich Flavor Boost: Guinness stout adds a subtle, malty complexity that pairs beautifully with chocolate.
Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples plus Guinness for a unique yet accessible recipe.
Decadent Ganache: A silky chocolate topping that takes these brownies to the next level.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you start, make sure to gather high-quality ingredients for the best results. I highly recommend Dutch-processed cocoa powder—it makes a big difference in the brownies’ rich color and intense chocolate flavor. And don’t skip the Guinness Stout; it’s the star that adds those wonderful deep notes.

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 a unique malty richness that complements the chocolate perfectly.
Sugar: Sweetens and helps create that fudgy texture.
Espresso powder (optional): Enhances the chocolate flavor with a subtle coffee kick.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with a warm, fragrant note.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the deep chocolate notes.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps bind the batter together.
Eggs: Provide structure and moisture, helping the brownies hold their shape.
All-purpose flour: The base that gives the brownies their cakey lift without being too dense.
Dutch-processed cocoa powder: For rich, smooth chocolate flavor and a beautiful dark color.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips: For the ganache topping, adding an extra layer of melt-in-your-mouth chocolate.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens and smooths the ganache for that perfect glossy 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 Fudge Brownies Recipe is how easily it adapts to your preferences. Whether you want to amp up the chocolate, add a nutty crunch, or make it dairy-free, there are plenty of ways to make these brownies truly your own.

Nutty Delight: I love tossing in a cup of chopped walnuts or pecans before baking. It adds a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the fudgy texture.
Espresso Boost: Don’t skip the optional espresso powder – it intensifies the chocolate flavor and makes these brownies taste even richer. I usually add the full ½ teaspoon for that deep mocha note.
Dairy-Free Twist: Swap out the butter in both the batter and topping for a plant-based alternative like coconut oil or vegan butter. The Guinness and cocoa shine through just as well!
Extra Chocolatey: For an indulgent treat, sprinkle an extra handful of chocolate chips on top of the batter before baking. The melty pockets of chocolate make each bite even more irresistible.
Seasonal Spice: Add ½ teaspoon cinnamon or a pinch of chili powder to the batter for a subtle warm kick that pairs beautifully with the stout and chocolate flavors.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Guinness Chocolate Fudge 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: Set the Scene and Prepare Your Pan

First things first, preheat 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, making sure the paper edges hang over the sides. This trick will save you from wrestling with the brownies when it’s time to remove them—just pull up on those edges for easy lifting.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk ¼ cup vegetable oil, ¾ cup Guinness Stout beer, 2 cups sugar, ½ teaspoon espresso powder (if using), ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, and ¼ teaspoon salt until well combined. The mixture will look smooth and shiny once the sugar starts dissolving—this is a good sign!

Step 3: Add Melted Butter and Eggs

Next, whisk in ¼ cup melted unsalted butter until the batter looks uniform and glossy. Then add 2 large eggs, whisking vigorously until everything is fully incorporated. The batter will thicken slightly and have a luscious sheen.

Step 4: Gently Fold in Dry Ingredients

Incorporate 1 cup all-purpose flour and ⅔ cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder by gently whisking until just combined. Be careful not to overmix here—that helps keep your brownies perfectly fudgy and cakey all at once. The batter will be thick with a rich, dark chocolate color.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 30 minutes. To test doneness, insert a toothpick into the center—it should come out with a few moist, sticky crumbs clinging to it. If it’s too wet, bake a few minutes longer but watch carefully to avoid drying them out.

Step 6: Create the Decadent Chocolate Ganache

While the brownies cool completely in the pan, make the ganache topping. Combine 5 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips, 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, and 2 tablespoons Guinness Stout beer in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for about 30 seconds until the beer is hot and butter starts to melt. Whisk until smooth—if needed, microwave an additional 10-15 seconds and whisk again to get a glossy finish.

Step 7: Sweeten and Spread Your Ganache

Whisk in ¼ cup powdered sugar until the ganache is fully combined and shiny. Pour it over your cooled brownies and spread into an even layer. Let the ganache set completely at room temperature before cutting.

Step 8: Slice, Store, and Enjoy

Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the brownies out of the pan and cut them into 12-15 generous bars. Store them in an airtight container—keep at room temperature for up to 2 days, then refrigerate due to the ganache. These brownies taste best within 4-5 days, although they rarely last that long in my kitchen!

Top Tip

These tips come from my own kitchen adventures and will help you master the perfect balance of cakey and fudgy in this Guinness Chocolate Fudge Brownies Recipe.

Use Parchment Paper Overhang: This little trick makes it super easy to lift the entire brownie slab out of the pan without any cracks or mess—trust me, it’s a game changer!
Don’t Skip the Espresso Powder: Even though it’s optional, adding espresso powder really deepens the chocolate flavor. I learned this the hard way after one batch tasted a little flat.
Watch Your Bake Time Closely: Aim for that toothpick to come out with a few moist crumbs, not dry. Overbaking kills the fudgy magic, and I’ve definitely made that mistake before.
Let Brownies Cool Before Ganache: Waiting until the brownies are fully cooled prevents the chocolate topping from melting and keeps it perfectly smooth and glossy.

How to Serve Guinness Chocolate Fudge 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

For a touch of elegance and extra flavor, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of the ganache just before it sets. Fresh raspberries or a dollop of whipped cream also pair beautifully, adding a lovely contrast to the rich chocolate and stout flavors.

Side Dishes

These brownies shine as a standalone dessert but also pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a robust cup of coffee or espresso after dinner. For a festive touch, try serving with Irish cream-flavored whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your Guinness Chocolate Fudge Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Because of the ganache topping containing dairy and stout, it’s best to refrigerate them after that. They’ll keep well for 4–5 days in the fridge, retaining their irresistible moistness.

Freezing

You can freeze these brownies either before or after topping them. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen brownies keep well for up to 3 months. To thaw, leave them at room temperature or warm gently in the microwave for a few seconds.

Reheating

For a warm treat, microwave a brownie piece for about 10–15 seconds. If refrigerated, this helps to soften the ganache and revive that gooey texture. Just be careful not to overheat, so you don’t melt the topping too much.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I substitute Guinness with another beer?

Absolutely! While Guinness Stout gives these brownies their signature flavor, any stout beer will work well and provide a similar rich, malty taste.

Why is the espresso powder optional?

Espresso powder enhances and deepens the chocolate flavor without making the brownies taste like coffee. If you want that extra depth, I recommend keeping it, but it’s perfectly fine to leave it out.

How can I achieve the perfect fudgy yet cakey texture?

The key is not overmixing the batter and carefully watching the bake time. Remove the brownies when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs to keep that perfect balance.

Can I make these brownies vegan?

This recipe includes eggs and butter, so it’s not vegan as-is. However, you could experiment with plant-based substitutes for eggs and butter and ensure your chocolate chips are dairy-free, though the texture and flavor might vary.

Final Thoughts

Making these Guinness Chocolate Fudge Brownies is such a rewarding experience—a little indulgence that feels like a cozy celebration in every bite. With that perfect fusion of cakey and fudgy textures, elevated by the rich notes of stout and luxurious ganache, I genuinely hope this recipe becomes a staple in your kitchen. Happy baking and even happier eating!