With St. Patricks Day just a few days away, I figured it was time for me to figure out a new way to put Irish alcohol into a dessert. I also wanted to make the dessert as easy as possible, because sometimes is nice to have a simple option that also seems really impressive. And that is why I came up with these Easy Guinness Brownies.
With only 7 ingredients, these Guinness Brownies are the perfect simple recipe and a great St. Patrick's day dessert. The whole recipe takes less than 40 minutes to make, and requires very little work.
The brownies themselves are start from a boxed mix, which obviously makes this recipe easier than starting from scratch. You just replace the amount of water called for in the boxed mix with Guinness Extra Stout, or another beer of your choice.
The frosting is also just 4 ingredients, and comes together very quickly. You can choose to add some sprinkles on top, or leave them plain, either way they will look amazing. There is Guinness in both the brownies and the frosting, which gives the final product a deep, rich chocolate flavor, with a creamy boozy frosting.
For another boozy brownie recipe, check out my Boozy Irish Brownies
For another St. Patricks Day recipe you can check out my Irish Cream Sugar Cookies
FAQ: Easy Guinness Brownies
1. Can I use a different type of beer instead of Guinness?
Yes, you can substitute Guinness with other dark stouts or porters. Keep in mind that the rich, malty flavor of Guinness is what gives these brownies their signature depth. If you use a lighter beer, the taste might be less robust.
2. Do these brownies taste like beer?
Not exactly! The Guinness adds a subtle, rich flavor that enhances the chocolate without making the brownies taste like beer. The alcohol content also cooks off during baking.
3. Can I make these brownies alcohol-free?
Absolutely! You can replace the Guinness with an equal amount of coffee or milk for a similar depth of flavor without the alcohol.
4. How should I store these brownies?
Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate them for up to a week. For longer storage, wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
5. Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Of course! Walnuts, pecans, or even chocolate chips can be great additions. Fold them in just before transferring the batter to the baking pan.
6. What’s the best way to cut the brownies neatly?
To get clean edges, let the brownies cool completely and use a sharp knife. For extra precision, wipe the blade clean with a damp cloth between cuts.
7. Can I use this recipe for cupcakes or mini brownie bites?
Yes! Just adjust the baking time. Mini brownie bites or cupcakes will bake faster—start checking for doneness around the 12-15 minute mark.
8. What should I serve with these brownies?
These brownies pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For extra indulgence, drizzle some chocolate or caramel sauce on top!
Easy Guinness Brownies
This easy recipe uses boxed brownie mix for a perfect St. Patrick's Day treat
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 brownies 1x
- Category: Dessert
Ingredients
Brownies
- 1 box Brownie mix
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 2 eggs
- ⅓ cup Guinness extra stout
Frosting
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 tbsp Guinness extra stout
- sprinkles, if desired
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F, then lightly grease a 9x9-inch baking pan. Set aside.
- In a large bowl combine the brownie mix, vegetable oil, egg and Guinness. Mix until well combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the brownies are set, and a toothpick inserted into the center of the brownies comes out with a few moist crumbs. Cool completely.
- Add the butter to a large bowl and beat with an electric mixer until creamy. Add in the vanilla extract and Guinness and beat until just combined. Slowly add in the powdered sugar and continue beating until frosting is fluffy.
- Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled brownies. Add sprinkles if desired. Cut and serve the brownies.
- Store the leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.
