Guinness Chocolate Brownies with Baileys Frosting Recipe

If you’re on the lookout for a dessert that’s irresistibly rich, decadently chocolatey, and with a grown-up twist, you’re in the right place. I’m so excited to share my Guinness Chocolate Brownies with Baileys Frosting Recipe—a recipe that delivers deep, fudgy brownies with just the right boozy warmth, crowned by a silky Baileys-infused frosting that will have your family and friends begging for more. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll be a staple for any celebration or just a cheeky after-dinner treat.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Guinness Chocolate Brownies with Baileys Frosting Recipe is thoughtfully chosen to create that ideal balance of rich chocolate, subtle stout bitterness, and creamy sweetness. Pro tip: Investing in good quality cocoa powder and Baileys will elevate these brownies to the next level!

• Guinness: It’s all about the flavor and moisture here—reducing it intensifies the stout’s lovely, malty notes.
• Unsalted Butter: Helps create that smooth, rich texture and lets you control the saltiness perfectly.
• Granulated Sugar: Cooking the sugar with the Guinness and butter gives the brownies their signature chewy, crinkly top.
• Dutch-process Cocoa Powder: This type yields a smoother, deeper chocolate flavor than natural cocoa.
• Vegetable Oil: Keeps the brownies moist and tender without making them greasy.
• Pure Vanilla Extract: Just a splash to uplift the chocolate and Baileys flavors.
• Egg and Egg Yolk: Provide structure with tenderness—don’t skip the yolk for extra fudginess.
• Baking Soda: Helps with the rise and texture—use exactly as called for for best results.
• Salt: Balances and enhances all those amazing flavors.
• Cornstarch/Cornflour: Adds a little softness to the crumb.
• All-Purpose Flour/Plain Flour: The base to bind everything together without toughness.
• Chocolate (chips, chunks, or chopped bars): Mix it up based on what you love—dark, milk, or a combo!
• Baileys Swiss Meringue Buttercream: This is your frosting superstar adding that creamy, boozy Irish twist.

Variations

I love experimenting with this Guinness Chocolate Brownies with Baileys Frosting Recipe because it’s so adaptable. Sometimes I tweak the chocolate types or swap nuts for extra texture. Feel free to make it your own!

• Nutty Upgrade: Adding toasted walnuts or pecans not only brings crunch but a toasty flavor that pairs beautifully with the stout and Baileys.
• Dairy-Free Option: You can substitute the butter and milk in the Baileys frosting with vegan alternatives—just be sure the Baileys you choose is dairy-free.
• Extra Boozy: For an adult-only crowd, a splash of whiskey or Irish cream in the brownie batter intensifies the warmth.
• Seasonal Spice: A pinch of cinnamon or chili powder in the batter adds a cozy or spicy kick that’s surprisingly addictive.

How to Make Guinness Chocolate Brownies with Baileys Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Reduce the Guinness to Concentrate Flavor

This step is a game-changer. Pour your Guinness into a large pot and gently simmer over medium heat. You want to reduce it by half—about 5 to 10 minutes—to intensify those malty, bitter notes without watering down your brownies. Watching this reminds me of the first time I made this: I was skeptical about reducing beer for a dessert but now it’s my secret weapon for flavor depth.

Step 2: Melt Butter and Cook in Sugar

Once your Guinness is perfectly reduced, turn the heat to low and add the butter and granulated sugar. Stir gently until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves fully into the liquid. This slow cooking of sugar creates that classic chewy brownie texture and crinkly top that you’ll come to adore. I usually let this cool for about 5 minutes so I don’t scramble my eggs in the next step.

Step 3: Mix in Cocoa, Oil, and Vanilla

After the mixture cools slightly, whisk in the Dutch-process cocoa powder and vegetable oil. This combo is what gives the brownies a luscious, fudgy body and that deeply chocolatey richness. Then, add the vanilla extract to brighten the flavors even more.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Dry Ingredients

Now, whisk in the egg and egg yolk until everything is smooth and glossy. Then gently fold in the baking soda, salt, cornstarch, and lastly, the flour. I always remind myself not to overmix at this point—the batter should look streaky but not floury. Overworking can make the brownies tough, and that’s the last thing we want!

Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chunks and Bake

Gently fold in your chopped chocolate chunks or chips for gooey pockets of melted chocolate throughout. Pour the batter into a foil-lined 9-inch pan (don’t forget to grease the foil well!). Bake at 350°F (180°C) for 25-27 minutes, checking with a toothpick—when it comes out with just moist crumbs, your brownies are done. Let them cool completely before frosting if you want that perfect frosting texture.

Step 6: Frost with Baileys Swiss Meringue Buttercream

Once your brownies have cooled, spread or swirl the Baileys Swiss Meringue Buttercream on top with an offset spatula. This frosting adds silky richness and perfectly balances the bittersweet brownie beneath. Slice into about 16 pieces if you want to keep them on the sweeter side but feel free to cut larger if sharing with a hungry crowd!

How to Serve Guinness Chocolate Brownies with Baileys Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

I love to add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a dusting of cocoa powder on top of the frosting for a little contrast. Sometimes I throw on some finely chopped toasted almonds or even a few chocolate-covered espresso beans for that extra wow factor. It’s a small touch, but your guests will notice and appreciate the extra layer of texture and flavor.

Side Dishes

These brownies pair wonderfully with a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream or even a splash of cold cream on the side. Serving them with a hot cup of coffee or rich espresso elevates the experience and balances the sweetness. For brunch or afternoon tea, I sometimes serve these alongside sliced fresh strawberries or raspberries to add a tart pop.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like to cut these brownies into bite-sized squares and place them on a decorative board with fresh mint leaves and edible flowers. Another favorite is layering small brownie chunks between layers of whipped cream and crushed cookies in a trifle bowl for a casual but stunning dessert centerpiece. You can also pipe the Baileys frosting into swirl designs to make them look extra festive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover brownies at room temperature, tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container, which keeps them moist for up to 3 days. If you’re in a warm climate, popping them in the fridge helps keep the frosting firm and fresh, though I recommend bringing them to room temp before serving for the best flavor.

Freezing

These brownies freeze beautifully. I usually slice them first, freeze on a tray until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. This way, you can grab a piece at a time without thawing the whole batch. The Baileys frosting freezes well but may firm up considerably, so you might want to soften slightly before enjoying.

Reheating

When reheating, I recommend warming them briefly in the microwave (about 10-15 seconds) to soften that luscious frosting and warm the chocolate—just enough to revive the fudgy texture without melting everything. This little trick always feels like a cozy homemade treat all over again!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Guinness Chocolate Brownies with Baileys Frosting Recipe turns out—a combination of my two favorite indulgences: rich chocolate and Irish spirits. When I first made it, I felt like I’d stumbled upon something magical, and every time I serve it, friends and family go crazy for this decadent treat. If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both comforting and a little bit unexpected, this is your winner. I can’t wait for you to try it and share your own stories of smiles and crumbs around the kitchen table!

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