Guinness Brownies & Baileys Icing: Irish Desserts Worth Sinning For

Whether you're celebrating St. Paddy’s Day or just want to impress your friends with a dessert that screams “decadence,” these Guinness brownies with Baileys icing are it. We're talking deep, dark chocolate flavor with a whisper of stout and a silky smooth Irish cream topping that'll leave your guests wondering if you moonlight as a pastry chef.

🍺 Why Guinness & Baileys Are a Match Made in Dessert Heaven

The combo of Guinness and Baileys Irish Cream isn’t just for Irish Car Bombs at the bar—it’s a dynamic duo that works absolute magic in baked goods. The Guinness adds a malty depth to the brownies, making them extra rich and moist, while the Baileys in the icing brings a creamy sweetness with a subtle kick.

🧁 Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to bring this sinful treat to life:

For the Brownies:

• 1 cup Guinness (reduce to ¾ cup)

• 1 cup unsalted butter

• 1½ cups semisweet chocolate chips

• 1¾ cups granulated sugar

• 3 large eggs

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

• ½ tsp salt

For the Baileys Icing:

• ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)

• 2 cups powdered sugar

• 3–4 tbsp Baileys Irish Cream

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt
  

🔥 Step-by-Step: How to Make Guinness Brownies with Baileys Icing

Step 1: Reduce the Guinness

Pour the Guinness into a small saucepan and simmer on low until it reduces to about ¾ cup. This intensifies the flavor. Let it cool.

Step 2: Make the Brownie Batter

Melt the butter and chocolate chips in a saucepan over low heat, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat. Stir in sugar, then whisk in the eggs one at a time. Add the vanilla and reduced Guinness. In a separate bowl, sift the flour, cocoa powder, and salt—then mix it into the wet ingredients.

Step 3: Bake It

Pour the batter into a greased or parchment-lined 9x13 pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs. Let them cool completely.

Step 4: Make the Baileys Icing

In a bowl, beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then beat in Baileys, vanilla, and salt until fluffy. Slather that icing all over your cooled brownies.

🎉 Optional Add-Ons & Variations

Want to take these brownies over the top? Here are some fun twists:

• Add a drizzle of whiskey caramel or salted caramel sauce on top

• Sprinkle with sea salt flakes for contrast

• Mix in chopped dark chocolate or nuts for texture

• Add espresso powder to deepen the chocolate flavor

• Want it boozier? Add a splash of Baileys into the batter

🥄 Serving Tips & Storage

• Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a Baileys-spiked whipped cream

• Store in an airtight container at room temp for 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week

• These brownies freeze beautifully—just don’t frost them until after thawing

☘️ When to Serve This Irish Dessert?

These boozy brownies are a hit at:

• St. Patrick’s Day parties

• Irish-themed potlucks

• Cozy nights in with Netflix and a whiskey

• Or literally any occasion where dessert is required

❓ FAQs

Can I make these without alcohol?
Yes! Swap Guinness with a chocolate stout-flavored soda or cold brew coffee. For the icing, use Irish cream-flavored coffee creamer instead of Baileys.

Can I use a boxed brownie mix?
Sure, if you're short on time. Just add the reduced Guinness to your batter, but cut back on other liquids.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. The brownies can be baked 2–3 days in advance and iced just before serving.

🧾 The Final Crumb

If you’re after a dessert that’s bold, boozy, and borderline sinful—this is it. With the rich bitterness of Guinness and the creamy sweetness of Baileys, these brownies are basically Ireland in dessert form. One bite and you’ll see why these treats are worth every single calorie. 🍀🍫