With just 4 ingredients, these moist Guinness Brownies have a delicious hint of creamy, beer flavor. Starting with a box mix keeps this dessert ridiculously easy with just 5 minutes of prep time.
These brownies with alcohol are perfect for St. Patrick’s Day and beyond! Even if you aren’t a beer lover you need to give this recipe a try! The stout beer adds a yummy, malty flavor.
This post was originally published on February 18, 2019, and has now been updated to include new images and better instructions.
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Why this recipe works
I love alcohol-infused cupcakes and these Beer Brownies with box mix are another fun spiked treat idea to try!
Starting with a boxed brownie mix cuts down on prep time and the ingredients you need to have on hand. The results are a rich and decadent treat every time.
By simply using beer in place of the liquid called for on the boxed mix the consistency is always right.
Stout beer and chocolate pair really well together. With its sweet undertones and dark caramel-like flavors, stout and chocolate are a match made in heaven. The beer enhances the chocolate without being too overpowering.
You probably won’t even be able to really tell that it’s beer that’s flavoring these Guinness Brownies.
This unique dessert is simple but feels out of the ordinary. And it’s even more outrageous when topped with Beer Flavored Whipped Cream.
Infusing a dessert with a little booze is a fun idea to serve for celebrating an adult’s birthday or for a holiday like St. Patrick’s Day or Father’s Day.
Because the beer brownies actually have so little beer, and because they were baked, I let my kids try them. I make Fireball Cupcakes all the time and feel fine about the small amount of alcohol that is in them.
Even if you aren’t a beer lover you need to give these Guinness brownies a try! The stout beer adds a yummy, malty flavor to the brownies.
Ingredient notes
You can use any type of brownie mix you like as the base for these Stout Brownies. Let your love of chocolate be your guide.
Read the back of your brownie mix to see what other ingredients you need. Typically, it will say eggs, oil, and water. Make sure you use the correct amounts, per your box mix.
While I used Guinness to make these Beer Brownies, you can use any other type of stout beer. There are tons of varieties to be found at the grocery store so choose whatever sounds good to you.
You could also use a porter-style beer which typically has chocolate notes.
How to Make Guinness Brownies
- In a large batter bowl, add the brownie mix, oil, eggs and stout beer.
- Mix well, following the directions on the back of your brownie mix (some can be mixed by hand, others call for a mixer).
- Pour your spiked Beer Brownie batter into a greased 8 x 8 baking dish.
4. Bake in a 350-degree oven for about 25 minutes. (again, check the directions on the back of the box, then make sure a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean).
Cool before cutting.
Tips and Tricks
- A milk chocolate brownie mix really lets more of the malty stout flavor come through but any boxed mix will work.
- Baking with beer is pretty easy. It’s best to have your Guinness be at room temperature and a little flat. Pour it out of the can or bottle and into a glass to sit for a while before using it.
- Want to jazz up the Beer Brownie presentation a little bit? Check out my Tiered Brownie Cake idea! It’s so simple and is a great way to serve brownies for a special occasion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Store these yummy brownies in an air-tight container for up to a week. But I doubt they will last that long.
Beer is the most popular alcohol to use, but I’ve also made them with an orange liqueur which was delicious. Bourbon would also be tasty. I would skip vodka, gin, and tequila.
Nuts are always a delicious addition to brownies. But you can add other baking chips like chocolate chips (for an extra chocolatey burst) or peppermint chips.
Related recipes
- Boozy Moscow Mule Cupcakes – all the flavors of your favorite Moscow Mule in a cupcake.
- Beer Ice Cream with Chocolate and Chile – ice cream infused with chile and beer is an unexpectedly delicious treat.
- How to Make Beer Whipped Cream – four ingredients and filled with rich, stout flavor.
Guinness Brownies
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Hand Mixer
- 8 x 8 baking dish
- measuring cup
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 1 Box of Brownie Mix
- 1/4 cup Guinness Stout Beer
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
Instructions
- In a large batter bowl, add the brownie mix from a box, oil, eggs and Guinness beer.
- Mix well, following the directions on the back of your brownie mix (some require a hand mixer).
- Pour beer brownie batter into a greased 8 x 8 baking dish.
- Bake in a 350-degree oven for about 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted in the center.
- Cool before cutting.
Notes
- A milk chocolate brownie mix really lets more of the malty stout flavor come through but any boxed mix will work.
- Baking with beer is pretty easy. It’s best to have your Guinness be at room temperature and a little flat. Pour it out of the can or bottle and into a glass to sit for a while before using it.
- Want to jazz up the Beer Brownie presentation a little bit? Check out my Tiered Brownie Cake idea! It’s so simple and is a great way to serve brownies for a special occasion.
- Serve these Guinness brownies with beer-infused whipped cream!
- Store these yummy Beer Brownies in an air-tight container for up to a week.
Um, yes please!