Rich, dense, fudgy chocolate Guinness brownies:
Something not a lot of people in the blogworld know about me:
I happen to really love beer.
Surprised?
My first beer experience took place in Sapporo, Japan, and it wasn’t exactly a wonderful welcome into the alcoholic world. I was six years old, eating dinner with my family, and the only drinks on the menu were beer and soda. I loathe soda… and I asked for apple juice, which they sadly did not carry.
So I ordered the next best thing: a pint of beer.
I still remember my mom’s face… and how she asked my dad with alarm, “They’re not really going to bring her a beer, are they??”
Yes, they really did bring me a beer.
They set the glass right down on the table in front of me, and my mother was completely horrified. As were the people at the next table.
But my dad was amused.
He told me, “Go ahead and drink it, Katie.” So, feeling all grown-up and important, I took a sip. Just one sip. Then I made a face and pushed the glass across the table. The waiter laughed and brought me a water.
And it would be almost twenty years before I’d change my opinion of beer.
While Guinness is not normally my beer of choice (I’m an IPA girl), it does extraordinary things to these chocolate brownies, adding over-the-top richness and deep chocolate flavor.
I am in love.
Question of the Day: Beer: do you love it or hate it?
I used to think I hated it… But that was back in college when my idea of beer was 6-packs of Bud Light (I call it “beer water”) being downed 8 or 9 at a time by people who really didn’t care about the flavor and were only drinking to get drunk. Craft beer is an entirely different experience: in each beer, it’s not uncommon to detect three or four (or five or six!) distinct flavors all at once, setting your tastebuds on an exciting adventure as they try to pick up on each flavor.
*Edit for vegans:
I’ve just been informed that, depending on where you live, not all Guinness is vegan, although the company is in the process of changing their filtering system so that all Guinness will be vegan. Feel free to use your favorite vegan stout in this recipe. If you’re gluten-free, you can use gluten-free beer.
Chocolate Guinness Brownies
Chocolate Guinness Brownies
Print This Recipe
[mrp_rating_result show_count="false" show_rich_snippets="false"]
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp milk of choice (30g)
- 1 cup Guinness or your favorite stout (240g)
- 2 tbsp flaxmeal (11g)
- 1/2 cup plus 3 tbsp olive oil or vegetable or coconut oil (110g)
- 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract (15g)
- 1 cup spelt, all-purpose, or Bob’s gf flour (120g)
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa or cacao powder (80g)
- 1/4 tsp plus 1/8 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 cup brown sugar or date sugar (115g)
- only if using Bob’s flour, add 1/4 tsp xanthan gum
- 1/3 cup stevia baking blend OR regular sugar (you can reduce to 1/4 cup if you have no sweet tooth and are used to healthy desserts)
- 2/3 cup mini chocolate chips, optional
Instructions
Guinness Brownies Recipe: Preheat oven to 330F and grease a 9×13 pan. Set aside. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all liquid ingredients and flaxmeal. In a separate bowl, thoroughly combine all remaining ingredients. Pour wet into dry, stir to combine, and pour into prepared pan. Bake 13-17 minutes (13 for fudge-like brownies, 17 for cakey brownies). Brownies will look underdone when they come out but this is okay! Let cool, then refrigerate overnight and the texture will firm up nicely. DO NOT eat until the next day, as the taste and texture will change while they set.
Link Of The Day:
christine says
I’m exactly the same: hated beer in college, didn’t appreciate it til I discovered craft beers… and I’m an IPA girl, too.
M says
Not sure if you’re aware, but Guinness is not vegan!
Chelsea says
From what I’ve read, Guinness made in Canada is not vegan, while that made in the US is, and there’s realty no way to tell which is which.
Sue K says
At some point the US maker licensed to make Guinness here changed (used to be Coors, I think?) -so now, it’s no longer vegan in the US. I made a vegan Irish Stout stew last year using Killian’s Irish Stout.
Chocolate Covered Katie says
Oh wow, I didn’t know this and didn’t even think about the fact that it might be unvegan because of how it’s processed. I feel awful and have edited my post. I took out the first photo (of me holding a can of Guinness). Unfortunately I can’t change the url of the post, but hopefully I’ve made it clear enough in the actual post that Guinness is not suitable for vegans. I really am so very sorry :(.
No says
No “I’m sorry” is not acceptable. You shouldn’t have made the mistake in the first place. When your blog gets hundreds of thousands of people visiting it every day your not allowed to make errors like that. You should know that guinness is not vegan.
Michelle says
She’s not allowed to make errors? I’m pretty sure that she is human and is therefore allowed to make errors. I have no doubt that every single one of us vegans have made mistakes and eaten (or drank…) something that was not vegan. (I know I have!) The only thing we can do is learn from our mistakes and not repeat them once we know better.
Lauren says
OMG. You are such a rude person LOL. Get a life.
Cdub says
Stop reading Katie’s blog if you’re going to be so rude to her, it is unnecessary. She’s corrected her mistake.
Mariel says
I bet you’re a lot of fun at parties.
thegrrrr8est says
I bet she’s not! 😉
Jamie says
How about you look at the positive instead – look at how many people will now be educated about Guinness not being vegan.
Oh and also, rude poster person, you should probably know the difference between your and you’re. You’re not allowed to make errors like that.
Annie says
Good call. It is indecent to harass someone for a relatively minor mistake which didn’t even have a bad outcome; and especially when the accuser him/herself is being a hypocrite.
Alissa says
Everyone is allowed to make errors. That’s called being human. Particularly when someone adopts and unconventional lifestyle like veganism that requires lots of adaptations and adjustments, there will be errors. Yes, Katie gets hundreds of thousands of page views, meaning she gives free recipes and stuff to hundreds of thousands of people. Maybe a thank you and some understanding would be a more appropriate reaction than turning all vegan police…
Gigi says
Wow, I thought this site was a jack*** free zone. If someone cares that some beers use a few obscure animal products in the production of it, I bet they know to NOT DRINK THOSE BEERS since more careful vegans I know (not lazy ones like me who go by the ‘close enough’ principle) check basically everything they put in their bodies. So I think an innocent mistake is totally okay here.
Stephanie says
You’re horrible and should be ashamed to say such things while concealing your name. Everyone makes mistakes!
Sarah says
You are the kind of vegan that makes me nervous to tell people I’m vegan. It’s the ultra crazy, unrealistic loons that give us sane vegans a bad reputation.
Sacia says
That is so rude! Not Sara, the person being mean to Katie!
Sacia says
That is so ride! Who do you think you are!
Jamie says
Oh, get over yourself. Any strict vegan will know what is and what isn’t vegan. And omnivores, like myself, ARE SUPER STOKED ABOUT TRYING OUT THIS RECIPE!! Thanks Katie!!!! (Do not let anyone make you feel bad about this!!!!)
thegrrrr8est says
Oh. So YOU’RE the one perfect human on the planet.
Good to know.
Hubris is such an ugly color.
EVA says
Damn….last time I checked this wasn’t your blog, so you don’ t make the rules. “No”, if YOU are the one paying the URL bills and giving your time to create this website then by all means your point is valid. But I don’t think that’s the case so SUCK IT.
dhj says
Hey maybe nobody but me and “No” knows this but…Katie is definitely the gatekeeper of what all of her readers put into their bodies.
(Katiegurl this recipe looks TOTES AMAZEBALLS [I’m under 30 so I can say that]. Thank you for all you do.)
Steph says
Sweet Jesus I’m pretty sure that person was just after the attention which you all have so generously given.
Maggie says
Get off it, jerk. Katie’s done more for the vegan movement than you ever will, with or without the occasional mistake. Love that you posted anonymously, by the way.
Maggie says
Also…you realize that you’re not even using the correct form of “you’re” while you condemn her for making a mistake, right?
Casper says
I know Katie is a vegan and her recipes are but I don’t think that there is any guarantee anywhere. Plus she often talks about honey when it’s in a recipe. If you are a strict vegan you should check things for your self and not blame others.
Just to let you know there are many people out there who choose to not eat animals products for health benefits and not ethical reasons.
Brandi says
Wow. Are you kidding me? So, I guess you are the only person in life that is perfect and doesn’t make mistakes?! I honestly thought you were joking at first, but clearly you are just a really over-the-top judgmental person.
Kate says
What a jerk. Nobody cares that you made a mistake, katie. Thank you for letting us know, though, thats really kind of you and im sure stict vegans are super grateful (im just here for the dessert lol). Dont let this loser get you down. <3
Monica says
What a total douche! Get a life!
Con says
Everyone makes mistakes. Not everyone knows everything there is to know about every vegan and non vegan product available.
Tayler says
Get Over yourself. Everyone makes mistakes and Katie is one of the best dessert bloggers out there! She is funny, happy, straightforward and has none of your negative energy. You shouldn’t be judgmental at all, especially that you are being anonymous. Katie, don’t let people like this person up there ruin your day. Everyone LOVES your recipies!!!
Kathleen says
Wow, what’s it like to be perfect?
Lol says
Haha, definitely a troll.
Steph says
Apparently everyone likes to feed trolls here.
Jessica says
Don’t be an ass. Katie clearly states in the post it’s bot vegan and that you can use 1C milk of your choice. Just because it’s not vegan you’re making a huge deal of nothing.
Katie never said in her blog that she was vegan or made specifically vegan products. How about saying thank you to her. She took time out of her day to come up with a vegan alternative for this.
Please also watch your make up. It’s most likely not cruelty free. We’re allowed to be human.
Katie it’s ok! Thank you for the edits. And the fact that you are trying to make healthy and vegan alternatives.
Suzanna says
Your comment is unacceptable. She made a little tiny mistake. She doesn’t deserve your cruel words. Why even go on her site just to be mean to Katie. Just because she doesn’t look up everything about every one of her ingredients doesn’t mean you have to treat Katie this way. Like you have always been so perfect. We all think you should apologize for talking this way to her.
I am sorry Katie that you had to receive this person’s unkind and simply immature comment. We all support you!
Suzanna says
Your comment is unacceptable. She made a little tiny mistake. She doesn’t deserve your cruel words. Why even go on her site just to be mean to Katie. Just because she doesn’t look up everything about every one of her ingredients doesn’t mean you have to treat Katie this way. Like you have always been so perfect. We all think you should apologize for talking this way to her.
I am sorry Katie that you had to receive this person’s unkind and simply immature comment. We all support you and hope you don’t take this person’s words.
#1 fan says
What no said is very ………………. @$! ……………….. i just cant explain it . Its okay katie 🙂
Wow. says
…and you’re not allowed to misuse the word “your” and say “your not allowed to make errors like that.” You should know that the correct word here is “you’re.”
Britt G says
So many people have already said it, but I too need to take a moment blast “No” for criticizing Katie. If I were you, I would pray for a change of heart. Until then, you should probably stop interacting with other humans.
Maggie says
There’s an app called Barnivore that let’s you check which alcohols are vegan. Stouts from smaller brands usually are, so you’ll find something else you like.
Sue K says
I was going to suggest that. That’s where I found out that Guinness in the US is no longer vegan either (imported never was) and that Killian’s is. IMO Killian’s tastes better anyway 😉
Suzanna says
(I am talking to the person of whom said Katie’s behavior was unacceptable, at the very top.)
Kane says
Katie – Guinness is vegan now: https://www.guinness.com/en-us/frequently-asked-questions/
With St. Patrick’s Day coming up and this recipe in your most recent email, I thought people might want to know that. Maybe time for another update in the article?
Kane says
Guinness is vegan now: https://www.guinness.com/en-us/frequently-asked-questions/
Jess @ The Baguette Diet says
I’ve tried to become a beer fan, tasting beers from all over the world and asking friends for suggestions. While there are few beers that I don’t mind (Cactus Delirium!), in general I still just don’t like it though. At least, not to drink…I love beer reduction sauces and Guinness stew, for example, and I’m really curious to give these brownies a try!
Erin | The Law Student's Wife says
CHEERS from a fellow IPA lover! Laughing at your first beer experience. I’m glad you stuck with it–these brownies look incredible!
Lia @ Luscious Living says
Oh my goodness my roomy would love these! She’s a huge Guinness and brownie fan! Put them together, and who knows. I’m forwarding her this recipe!
Alexe @ Keys to the Cucina says
This recipe looks ah-mazing! I’m a beer girl too haha and will never change, its the best. Can’t wait to try this one out!
Michelle says
These look delicious! Super fudgy 🙂 I was wondering though if you meant a 9×13 inch pan? I’ve never seen 9×14. I wouldn’t think it would make a huge difference but I was just curious.
Chocolate Covered Katie says
You are 100% right. Fixed!
Becki @ Bites 'n Brews says
I’m on a sessionable beer kick right now. There’s something nice about going out to lunch and having a 2.8%ABV Berliner Weisse and being able to function after 🙂
D says
Could I use red wine instead of beer? Or maybe strong coffee?
Chocolate Covered Katie says
Coffee sounds really good. As does wine, actually… If you try it before I do, let me know how it goes!
Ashlie says
I’ve used red wine in place of beer in chocolate cake recipes and it is AH-mazing! Haven’t done so with brownies but I’m sure it would work–definitely do it if that’s what you like!
D says
Update: Red wine made the brownies WAY too boozy. Not recommended.
Also, I would like to submit a big wet raspberry (the gesture, not the fruit) for that bitter, illiterate creature who scolded you about the Guinness. Get a life!
Samantha says
This made me laugh, glad you updated. 🙂
Jody says
Yeah! I love, love craft beer! I’m always happy to find a fellow beer lover. I love the hoppy beers but also have been drinking more porters lately. Michigan is completely booming with craft breweries and a new tap room seems to open every month. It’s a fun hobby and the great thing about craft beer, is you sip and enjoy them. Then after one, that’s it, bedtime. One and done!
Heather says
Use a different stout if you care about your brownies being vegan! Guinness contains fish bladders.
Miz says
In case you missed it, Katie already corrected this mistake from another commenter.
Heather says
It wasn’t corrected when I left the comment, obviously. So sick of rude people online.
Jenny says
How was that rude? Miz was just pointing out that it was corrected. She didn’t say it in a disrespectful manner at all!
Stephanie says
Oh, I saw all the comments but could not fathom what would be included… fish bladders hmmmm… yum? makes me ambivalent about having drank the rest of the can….
Tumbellina82 says
It doesn’t actually contain fish bladders as an ingredient. It uses isinglass which is produced from fishes swim bladders (that contain air not urine) as a fining agent to clarify the beer. It helps the yeast to flocculate and settle to the bottom and then the beer is tapped of the top or filtered. So the isinglass is retained with the yeast in the bottom of the vat. Hence isinglass fined wined can be drunk by kosher observent Jews even if the fish wasn’t kosher. But there can be minute residues of isinglass in the beer and vegans might be concerned at drinking something that has been produce making use of animal products even if they are not ingesting the animal products.
Kelly J. R. says
I am a huge fan of microbrews but I can’t stand light beer. If my choices were a bud light or no beer at all, I would take no beer at all. My favorite beer is Bourbon Barrel Stout by Central Waters Brewery in Amherst, WI – just a 20 min. drive from our farm. I love tasting new microbrews.
Christina says
I love that beer!!!! I’m in Milwaukee, WI 🙂
EVA says
Hey woah, I’m in Kenosha! It’s funny how I’m in the “beer and cheese” state, yet I can’t eat dairy or beer! HA!
Melissa says
Go Wisconsin! May have to try this with Luna Coffee Stout 😉
Christina says
Hmm, I’ve made Irish Car Bomb cupcakes before, but never tried beer brownies! I’ll certainly give these a shot. Funny that you love IPA…I’m new to that style of beer (which my boyfriend has happily been introducing me to). My first beer experience was at my 3rd birthday party (yes, three years old) – there’s a photo of me holding a can of beer after having tried a sip. Awful! And hilarious. But, my German grandparents introduced me to good beer in my teens, and I sure do enjoy it now!! Yay for beer! (P.S. you should try the app called Untappd – it’s a great way to log & rate the beers you drink, and a good way to keep track of the ones which you dislike).
Raquel Evans says
I’d never heard of Irish Car Bomb cupcakes before, but after a quick google search I am enlightened. I must try these!
Hillary Shemin says
A friend sent me an email recently with your “Oatmeal to go” recipe.. I made it, loved it and have been browsing your blog since. I really enjoy reading your recipes…I shared my pictures of MY Oatmeal to Go bars and your recipe on FB and a bunch of people liked it and tried it, too. This recipe sounds really fun.. Unfortunately I’m really watching my calories right now so have to be careful how much baking I do., but I still love reading your fun posts, love your pictures and will keep coming back. Keep it up! ~Hillary @ PhotosByHillary
Swiftie22 says
These look really good! I’m planning on making them with milk (I’m only 13). But I was wondering… is there anything I can use to sub the flaxmeal? An egg maybe? (I’m not vegan).
Thanks in advance. 🙂
Chocolate Covered Katie says
Sorry, I’ve not tried it so I really can’t say.
Eve says
Swiftie, flaxmeal is really easy to find in every grocery store these days. It’s good for you and won’t effect the flavor of the recipe at all. Good for you for baking healthy at 13! Do your parents mind that you are baking “beer brownies”? Keep up the great blogging Katie! WE LOVE YOU!!!! Eve
Suzette says
Swiftie did say in her post that she would be using milk in place of beer due to her age. 🙂
Darla says
Would also love a substitute if anyone has ideas. Cannot eat flax. Thanks!
karen says
I would think anything you can use for an egg allergy, if you don’t want to use egg. We don’t use flax because I don’t have a desire to buy it for the little times I need an egg substitute.
Since she mentioned it would crumble, I assume it is used as a binder, so you could use 1/2 mashed banana or 1/4 cup applesauce. There is also a gelatin replacement but of course not vegan. Hope that helps.
I am saving this for latter, though, it sounds really really good!
karen says
I wanted to add more, since the recipe calls for 2 tbsp, usually 1 egg = 1 tbsp of flax, so you might want to double the applesauce or banana, or even use 2 eggs.
Kara says
I think I read somewhere that you can use ground up chia seeds instead. Good luck! Swiftie, I glad to see another teen baker :). I just buy flax seeds and then grind them in a coffee grinder.
Amber says
One egg would almost certainly work in place of the flaxseed.
Swiftie22 says
Thanks to everyone who replied! I think I’m going to try karen’s idea of using mashed banana. And Eve, yes I know flax is good for you, I just didn’t want to use it because I can’t seem to find it where I live, and even if I did, I don’t think I’d use it too often, but thanks anyways. 🙂
Jules @ WolfItDown says
These sound great!
I remember my first encounter with beer too, needless to say… long story short – I was not impressed, hah! But then, when I got older, and I tried Newcastle Brown, it reminded me of that dark ale my dad had let me try some of years and years ago, and now it’s my favourite 😛 I can imagine adding a little bit of ale to the batter will give it quite a round flavour, might even work with Newkie Brown if I’m lucky! x J
Annette says
That is too funny!
I’m not much of a poster or even some type of social network. The reason why I posted because you asked quote “Beer, do you love it or hate it?” While I happen to hate it, I just don’t care for the taste at all.
For me it happened to other way around tried it in HS for the first time and after that when we would ditch we would buy 40 ouncers and party up at someone’s house now that was only for 1-2 years of HS. After that and Now I can’t stand it! that was 35 years ago, I think only within the last year or so I’ve tried this new mix of wine and beer combo that was ok but I would never have a beer again… LOL
Thanks for the post (I really enjoyed your story) and the recipe..
Annette
Ceara @ Ceara's Kitchen says
Love the idea of a Beer brownie – two of my favourite things together! Living in Belgium, I love all the “craft” beers they have here!! My favourite would be a good wit beer like Hoegaarden – I’m definitively not a Guinness girl!
Noora says
Beer is good sometimes. Espeacially after sauna. I like wine and cider more though 🙂
Dawn says
I was a beer water girl in college and 30+ years later, I’m still a beer water girl.
Wine? That’s a whole different story!
Avra-Sha Faohla says
Oh, gosh, I’ve tasted beer twice in my life, and both times I couldn’t stand it. I’m a real girl; my alcohol of choice is a sweet red wine, or a Moscato. Other than wine, I have also tasted and enjoyed chocolate or coffee liqueur (the Starbucks one is the one I tasted–it’s dairy-free, so it’s likely vegan!), but only in very small amounts.
What was the first beer that you actually liked?
Chocolate Covered Katie says
I don’t actually remember 🙁
Kelly @ hidden fruits and veggies says
I LOVE beer and any time you can add beer to something, it always comes out even better.
P.S. Don’t beat yourself up about not knowing that Guinness wasn’t vegan (unlike one angry comment I just read) — I feel like it’s practically impossible to know the status of literally every food in the world, especially when not every business freely gives that sort of information and the recipes can change without notice (and be different between geographies).
Lisa @bitesforbabies says
These look so fudgy and delicious! I love the ingredients that you used! I recently made some brownies with spinach in them but I might try substituting some ingredients with yours just to see how they turn out!
tiffany says
Hi Katie!
I am going to Tokyo next month for week vacation and I know you lived there for some time. Do you have any suggestions of things to do? I have already found a good list of vegan restaurants so I am good on the food recommendations but I would love to know if there are one or two “must see” or “must do” things you know of.
Thanks so much!
Chocolate Covered Katie says
To be honest, it’s been 10 years since I was last there so I’m probably not the best person to ask. But have fun!!
Alice says
I live in Tokyo now! I’ll recommend Harajuku (Takeshita Doori) and Shibuya 109 for shopping, Daikanyama or Ebisu for an elegant, classy feel, Roppongi hills Observational tower to see the whole city and once AND go to a art museum if interested, Shinjuku for host clubs, Shibuya’s “Lock Up” prison themed-restaurant, Asakusa for temples, and Shimokitazawa for vintage/recycle shops and funky college kids and art galleries.
Hollie says
I’ve made Guinness brownies before and I can honestly say they are one of the absolute best. It’s the best beer.
Mariel says
I love, love, love beer! I hate IPA’s though. I’m definitely a fan of stout’s. I’ve been craving them a lot lately which is problematic because I’m pregnant. Argh! I’ll have to do a little more research but I think I could make these still! Guinness has a low ABV and most of the alcohol will burn off anyways. If I do decide to make these maybe I’ll bring them to a Superbowl party on Sunday so my cravings will be satisfied but I won’t eat the whole dang pan! Lol.
Jamie says
I was just telling someone that my hesitation with blogging is that random people can be so rude, and while you can *generally* ignore that crap, it still creeps into your mind as something you will have read and who needs that? But I’m so very glad you put up with it and we can benefit from your recipes. I make your black bean brownies all. the. time. My daughter calls them the best brownies, ever, and she’s had full sugar/fat/non-vegan ones.
I don’t expect you to know this answer, I’m just talking it out: do you think subbing almond flour for the flour would work, in general? I’ve started making things with almond flour here and there, to cut carbs and a little gluten (I want to cut carbs more than the desire to cut gluten, so a GF flour doesn’t work for that want). I’m totally willing to make these with AP as 1c is not much when you look at the per serving 🙂
Also, you do drink Sierra Nevada if you are an IPA person, yes? Cuz it’s the yum. No idea of it’s vegan status because, well, I’m not vegan 🙂 But Sierra Nevada = happiness.
Chocolate Covered Katie says
Love Sierra Nevada (although Dogfish Head is my favorite). Unfortunately I’m not sure about your almond flour question though. But you can always make my coconut flour brownies instead!
Charlie says
Just for your knowledge, it’s not just Guinness beer that’s not vegan, but many beers. When beer is filtered an agent is added to bind to particles that then get flushed out. There’s plastic, moss and fish stomach (isinglass) based ones. What one a beer uses won’t usually be disclosed, unless the beer is making a point to be a vegan beer.
Sacia says
Plastic! Gross!
Miz says
Here’s a great list of vegan beers for people all over the world! http://www.barnivore.com/beer/
I had no idea that Guinness wasn’t vegan either, and as someone with food allergies, that is very disconcerting. What if someone with fish allergies were to drink it? Most would associate maybe a fryer/pan at a restaurant or sauces in Chinese food as possibly containing fish, but beer would have been one of my last guesses. Thank you Katie and everyone else for making us aware of it!
lou says
wow, with this kind of thinking NOTHING is vegan! lol! for the record, guiness does NOT even CONTAIN fish bladders, they are only used in the processing. in other words, the actual beer that you would be drinking contains NO animal product. that said, “animal products” in one form or another are used to a degree in the processing of so many things, i have no idea how anything is considered “vegan” by vegans.
people should really start switching to the term “plant-based” (as many are already trying to do), in order to separate the non-obsessive plant food (no meat, fish, fowl, eggs, or dairy products) diet (focused on health), from the political “vegan” diet, which gets hung up on things like honey, altoids, and guiness. ya’in’t helpin nobody by screaming about honey… you’re just making veganism look psychotic.
Gigi says
I totally agree with your philosophy! I think by making “vegan” look like a crazy strict diet most people think it is, we’re scaring away people who might want to try it out. When I first went vegan, I really stressed out about the whole processed sugar thing and almost gave up all together, but then eventually I just realized that if I couldn’t eat an Oreo once a month, I might as well just commit myself to the looney bin. For me, being vegan is more about asking waiters to hold the cheese on sandwiches and having a good mental excuse to pass up on that plate of cookies than sweating about whether a few beers here or there MIGHT have a fish-by-products in them.
Emily says
But oreos are vegan… I think it’s a matter of degree. When people are first starting out, I give them a lot of leeway and don’t exhaustively list for them all the things that aren’t vegan. But as I’ve been vegan longer and longer, I do discover those things and try to cut them out. I’m not perfect on wine, I’m sure, because Barnivore doesn’t have all brands listed and sometimes I’m out at a bar and can’t really ask to inspect their entire cabinet. But when I buy my own at the store, I do check.
Gigi says
NOPE! Oreos MIGHT be vegan. It depends on what kind of refined sugar is in them and varies from package to package (http://www.isitvegan.com/2011/06/02/are-oreos-vegan/l). It’s stuff like this and alcohol I don’t get hung up on though. Surprisingly, you’re one of the only people I’ve personally heard that got more strict instead of less so. I actually have a cousin that started veganism at about the same time as me, and we both feel happier and healthier (especially mentally :]) being a little more flexible.
Emily says
But they’re on PETA’s accidentally vegan food list… 🙁
Julie says
Mmm, these look wonderful!!! BTW, I made your banana doughnuts this morning. I always make them as mini muffins to keep things moving along nice and fast. They’re awesome and I used up a bunch of bananas that had ripened past their prime.
I never really liked beer until I got pregnant. Yes, pregnant. I knew I had a little boy in there when I started craving beer and hot sauce like nobody’s business. It was a strange thing for a vegetarian (at the time, now vegan) to want hot sauce since I didn’t eat much of it. Well, my awesome husband knew the non alcoholic beer world well so, knowing I hate yellow bitter beers, he introduced me to n/a Kaliber which is soooooo good!! I drank gallons of that while pregnant, some days it was the only thing that would quench my thirst. I still really like it now that I can drink again and I like that without alcohol, I can really chug it down if I want to. A crisp cold beer after a long day out working in the garden is the absolute best thing on a hot summer day. As for the hot sauce … I ate that straight up, with a spoon. Pregnancy is weird.
Stephanie says
I’m sure that if you dig a bit there are plenty of stouts and porters you can find that are made locally and are vegan in your local stores that are comparable to Guinness. I am going to try and find one and give this recipe a try!
Veronica says
So do we chill these before eating?
Chocolate Covered Katie says
Yes it’s a good idea to refrigerate overnight.
Jess @ Keeping It Real Food says
I’ve tried to like beer, but it’s always been hard for me to commit. For some reason, it makes me feel drunker faster than other types of alcohol. That said, occasionally I do enjoy a fruity lambic beer or a really dark porter or stout. Even then, though, I can barely finish half. Give me a glass of wine, though, and it’ll be gone embarrassingly quick…
Ayaka says
Your story made me laugh… Yes, it used to be pretty easy to get alcohol or cigarette in Japan even when you are under age. (I am close to your age and grew up in Japan) I think you cannot get them that easily anymore though 😉
Erin says
These look AMAZING! I used to drink beer like you stated, just to get drunk in college…yikes. Beer was never a favorite of mine until I started trying different craft beers. It’s a totally different world! I love so many- usually I’m a stout person (oatmeal, coffee or chocolate stout!). I also love Brooklyn Brewery beers, especially their pennant ale.
Michelle @ Esculent Dreams says
Oh this is so interesting. I usually HATE (i.e. ABSOLUTELY ABHOR) beer but I can see how it would be great for brownies! Loved the story as well haha!
Jamie @ Dishing Out Health says
Oh my gosh these look heavenly! I’m not a fan of Guinness myself, however have loved it in recipes. It’s rich bold flavor does wonders!
Healthy and Homemade says
Oh my word! I cannot wait to make these for my hubby, he loves beer 🙂
Jackie Rybeck says
I have always disliked the taste of beer, but if it’s a CCK recipe I gotta try it…These look almost between a brownie and a piece of fudge..yum.
No idea why I dislike beer, but! My favorite rib recipe is made with cooking the ribs in beer and liquid smoke before baking or grilling with BBQ sauce…
And don’t let rude people stop your great posts and blogging. Vegans know what they can and can’t eat, and she had no reason to be rude about it. You were gracious in apologizing and for even allowing her post….
Valerie says
These look incredible! My roommie and I are going to make these with the season Real Ale Coffee Porter… because coffee + chocolate = yum.
I remember how sad I was when I first discovered that Guinness was not vegan, so I know how you feel right now. And I’m sorry for your loss.
When faced with comment meanies, just remember these wise words from Kevin Gnapoor (Mean Girls): “Don’t let the haters stop you from doing your thang.”
Santana says
1- these sound amazing! I can’t wait to try them 🙂
2- we use almond flour in our house. Is there a way to sub the AP flour for almond? (Or coconut?)
becauseHeloves! says
I know she has coconut flour brownies using both kale and zucchinni (I probably did not spell that right!)
Judy Gray says
Wow! We all make mistakes… I am eager to try this recipe!!!!
EVA says
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR INCLUDING A NON-BEER OPTION!
Now I just need to invest in a cheap tub o’cocoa.
I’ve never tried beer (being only 18, a GOOD 18 year old) but I doubt I’d like it. I can’t drink anything but water due to my stomach issues and it not sitting well. Plus, I’m gluten-free, so I bet all the decent tasting beers are the ones with the gluten!
Ellen says
I wish I liked beer! I’d be so much cooler, haha. I’m more of a wine girl though. That being said I adore beer bread so I bet these brownies are great!
Jyo says
Mouth watering …..even though I don’t drink beer I am going to make this for my hubby
Let’s see if I can resist from tasting the beer then 🙂
Katie I notice you use spelt flour in almost all…I found it in whole foods the other day
But it’s very pricey..I am wondering where are you buying it from?? Any better place to but it from??
Chocolate Covered Katie says
I get mine from Whole Foods, but I’m sure you can also find it online.
FamilyOnABudget says
I am an IPA and Stout girl myself. I can’t wait to make these. I don’t have Guinness on hand but I do have some really good stouts that might work with adjustments. If you want a top notice chocolate stout try Southern Tier Choklat Stout Imperial Chocolate Stout. (it is on the vegan list reference above.) This stout is a dark chocolate treat with or without the brownie.
Andypandy says
Thanks for all your hard work and great recipes Katie.
Emma says
Hey Katie! Though I am not vegan, I love your recipes and I also happen to LOVE stout. One of my favorites is made by Founders Brewing. I just looked at their website and they state all their beers, with a couple exceptions (breakfast stout), are vegan. I bet this recipe would be great with either their oatmeal or imperial stout! Also, ignore the nasty comments, you are a gem!
Sarah H says
I love beer. I had always thought I preferred pale beers, but recently I’ve had some VERY tasty dark beers and I think I’m converted! A local brewery makes an award winning peanut butter cup coffee porter. It is amazing.
Carley @ Optimistic Health says
Guinness in brownies. Done!
Natalie says
You can also buy chocolate stout which does taste like chocolate – would probably be really nice in this recipe too – not sure if it is vegan or not?
Chocolate Covered Katie says
LOVE chocolate stout 🙂
Kim says
Thanks for this recipe! My son has an egg allergy and it’s not easy to find a good brownie recipe (The ones I’ve tried have been very cakey and crumbly.) i’m going to skip the beer and use milk instead plus I saw that someone mentioned using almond meal as a substitute for some of the regular flour. I’ve been doing this in many of my egg-free recipes and it adds so much flavor and moisture. (I use Bob’s brand and directions for flour replacement are on the package.) Another option is to use sour cream or plain yogurt instead of egg or flax (not vegan, I know…but I’m just going with egg allergies here.) Anyhoo – can’t wait to try these and thanks for listing all of the options!
Ashley says
I love Guiness and this Ichthysaur (Icky) IPA. Delicious!
Dana says
I love anything with Guinness. Will definitely need to try these soon. Maybe there is a homebrew you could make that would be vegan?
Cristina says
May I suggest using Trader Joe’s Stockyard Oatmeal Stout! It is very yummy and vegan!
Kaila @healthyhelperblog! says
Such an interested recipe! Never would have thought of using beer in a brownie recipe! Way to stay creative!
Morgan says
Oh my golly. These look wonderfully delightful! Thank you for sharing this recipe, and I appreciate your creativity with “strange” things to put in brownies. Very glad VA has so many local breweries too! I have made chocolate cakes and brownies with coffee and red wine as substitutes. They are both delicious, but for the red wine, it might be a good thing if you like it. Or don’t mind the taste. :]
Rachel Herriott says
Hi Katie. I’m a vegan but that was an easy mistake to make. I love you anyway 😉 Keep up the fantastic job. You’re awesome and helped me see that vegan is best. Take care and ignore the haters xx
Wendy says
I’m from Australia, so don’t know what an IPA beer is? But I like to mix a light beer with lemonade for a refreshing Shandy. 🙂
Tumbellina82 says
India Pale Ale. A light hoppy style of beer: Cooper’s pale, 150 lashes, Fat Yak.
D says
Hey Katie! Sorry about the recipe, I know you must always be excited to introduce another totally original idea on your site. I can’t wait to see more breakfast recipes in the future! I was wondering if you’ve tried any chocolate beers before, it seems right up your alley :). I’m not sure if it’s vegan, but my mom drinks Brooklyn Brewrey Chocolate Stout. She loves it!
D says
Oops, should be “brewery”.
Chocolate Covered Katie says
I will have to look out for it!
becauseHeloves! says
These look so fudgy and chocolatey! I must make them
Jasmine says
Guinness extra stout in North America is vegan. To help make every Guinness vegan , there is a petition! These brownies look absolutely fabulous, and I will be making them with the extra stout.
This is the petition. http://www.change.org/en-GB/petitions/guinness-make-vegetarian-vegan-beer-available-in-europe/sign
Kristin says
Hi Katie,
I noticed that you tagged this as gluten-free (with the Bob’s AP flour option). I think most GF folks would be aware of this, but Guiness (and most beers) are unfortunately not gluten free. I’ll be trying this with some sort of substitute–Green’s makes a tasty dark beer that is certified GF.
Thanks for the fab recipes!
Sarah says
According to my boyfriend, Guiness is really low in gluten ppm. So if you’re making it for someone who just has an intolerance (NOT CELIACs), then it might not bother them if they aren’t too sensitive (Apparently it doesn’t affect people who are gluten sensitive)! I haven’t tried it out yet (I’m gluten free as well), but I’ll let you know the results!
Sarah says
And Green’s is AMAZING!!
Sarah says
I love IPAs too!! Unfortunately I discovered craft beer after I had to go gluten free for health reasons. My boyfriend is super into craft beer and I try his sips once in a while… My favorite was this gluten free IPA I had at this pizza place in Atlanta, GA. It was AMAZING!!!! I wish I could buy it more.. but it’s probably better that I don’t. Ha!
And don’t worry about that person who made the nasty comment, you’re amazing and I love visiting your blog (I check it almost every day and have tried most of the recipes)! Thank you for providing us healthy and DELICIOUS recipes!!
ashley says
Do you need to refrigerate if using milk instead of the beer? Also, is whole wheat flour an acceptable replacement for AP/spelt? Thank you!
Becky @ Becky Cooks Lightly says
Katie, I hate beer but love brownies…and your photos are amazing!
Rachel says
This post was tagged as gluten-free but I wanted to remind you that Guinness is not gluten free as it is made from barley. There are GF beers on the market, but they won’t have that rich creaminess that Guinness has. However, if you are celic or gluten intolerant (which I am) you will have to sub. Thanks for the great recipes, I really enjoy your posts.
Chocolate Covered Katie says
Thanks for the reminder. I’ve edited the post to make it more clear. Sorry for the confusion!
Jordan Younger says
OMG these look to die for. Once my fully raw February is over (even though it just started…) these will be one of the first recipes on my list!!!! Xo
robin says
Hi Katie,
I was wondering if you could use any beer for the Guinness brownies?
Chocolate Covered Katie says
Stout will work.
Raquel Evans says
Almost every time my husband has a beer I try a sip and decide that, yep, it still tastes like beer, and it’s BAD. I’ve had sips of the whole spectrum of craft beers and I can kinda tolerate the ones that are very light on hops flavor, but otherwise no. Which is a bummer because I’d like to be the kind of girl who drinks beer out of the bottle with the guys…but the closest I can get is hard cider.
The brownies, on the other hand, I would definitely try. If nothing else my carb loving Irish descent husband will appreciate them. 🙂
April / The Traveling Austin Vegan says
So, I’ve actually read conflicting reports on the vegan-ness of “Guinness Extra Stout – North America brewed and bottled” in particular. Some reports are vague, but I’ve heard a few reports that say that this one specific type is ok, since they’re only absolutely required to use isinglass in the UK. For what it’s worth.
dazy says
I just made these and they are AMAZING! I am not vegan, so I used three egg whites instead of the flax. Given the options from Katie, I decided to make these with white flour, coconut oil and white sugar, and used Magic Hat Stout (Heart of Darkness) instead of Guinness. Thank you for a wonderful recipe. I have made several of your recipes and they are all incredible. This will likely be my go-to brownie recipe from now on.
Chocolate Covered Katie says
Thank you so much for trying them!
Katie says
I love your Sapporo beer story! I live in Japan and Japanese people have such great sense of humor. Those brownies look awesome, I will make some as soon as I can find a market in my area that carries Guiness!
Holly says
There’s a fantastic chocolate stout made by Bison Brewing. It’s organic, too!
Malin says
Question about flax meal:
Is it a fine meal? Can I just put flax seeds in a foodprocessor and make it as fine as possible? This still means that there are little chunks…
Looove the recepie, thank you!,!!
Chocolate Covered Katie says
Yes that will work!
becauseHeloves! says
In the fridge right now! I used 3/4 cup regular cocoa powder and 1/4 cup Dutch, as well as using milk for the beer and 3/4 cup white whole wheat flour and 1/4 cup AP flour, because I don’t like brownies made with completely whole wheat flour. I bet they’ll be good!
becauseHeloves! says
They were yummy! Verrrrry fudgey texture! Baked them for 13 minutes, and there was another sub I forgot to mention. I used 3 tbsp applesauce instead of the final 3 tbsp oil.
karah says
Hi! Just made these! Should I cover them while refrigerating overnight?
Unofficial CCK Helper says
There is no need.
Nicola says
Made these for the Superbowl (and in honour of my uncle who died last week who worked at Guinness – eerie timing on the recipe). They were delicious!! Mine were maybe a tad undercooked (more like the inside of a lava cake – still yum!). I used only 1/4 cup of regular sugar and I think next time I’d up that a teensy bit. They were yummy, but definitely had the bitterness of the chocolate and stout. Extremely delicious mixed in my vanilla yogurt this morning (Guinness brownies – the breakfast of champions!).
ys says
If Guiness isn’t vegan, you should have deleted this post and rewrote it with a vegan stout beer.
Nicola says
Good Lord, get over it. She fixed the post to inform readers it’s not vegan. It’s not like this is billed as a vegan dessert blog. It’s billed as a Healthy dessert blog and she happens to be vegan so most of her recipes are vegan. You don’t pay for it, she doesn’t owe you anything. She made an error, she fixed it.
catta92 says
Agreed! Her error brought the issue of animal products in drinks to public attention and that’s a good thing! If someone reads this post, because he/she likes Guinness, he/she will learn about this and maybe will stop buying it. And maybe one day Guinness will stop using animal products…
Synthia says
Katie!!! You really are the queen of deserts. I just told my fiance about these brownies and he perked up immediately!
hope dc is treating you well!!!
-Syn
Sarah Grace says
You are literally GENIUS for this recipe. It looks so delicious. I have loved following you ever since you started. One of my first inspirations for making my blog last spring! Can’t wait to try it!
xoxo Sarah Grace, Fresh Fit N Healthy.
Christina @ The Beautiful Balance says
My first experience with beer was grabbing my dad’s beer on the counter thinking it was my can of pop and immediately running to the sink to spit it out. It took me until about 3 years ago to enjoy beer.
Sue says
I noticed you didn’t have any sugar listed in the nutrition facts. Did you forget to list it?
dixie says
I wish I could print just the recipe when I want to. They all sound great!
Felicia says
Personally, I just pull recipes up on my phone and keep it in the kitchen with me while I cook. I prop it up somewhere I can see it but where it won’t get damaged.
Felicia says
I didn’t like that beer until maybe a year ago. I’d drink it, but it certainly wasn’t my alcohol of choice. I was a rum and coke girl since high schoo– ahem, since I could drink.
But now I’m really getting into it. A bunch of my friends like craft beers, or make their own beer, and I’m trying more kinds. Like you, my idea of beer was Bud Light (yuck) or Keystone (double yuck) downed fast at parties to get drunk fast. When I got out of college I actually drank beer that had flavor.
So, now beer is pretty much my main choice (unless someone has a really great wine – I can’t afford nice wine, so I rarely drink it). It’s fun to try all the flavors.
I’ll definitely have to try these brownies, too!
Do you think they’d work with another kind of beer? Or just stout?
Unofficial CCK Helper says
Any beer will do.
Troy in Las Vegas says
I would have never thought about beer being vegan or not as that is not on my radar. Hmmm… Who knew?
Annnywaaaayyyy… I also had never thought after all these years to put beer into brownies. So now my wheels are turning… This recipe sounds exciting and opens up another world though.
Can anyone please answer to the alcohol content? Would I be correct to assume that would ‘bake off’ as does spirits or wine?
Thank you in advance for your answers / Knowledge and thank you KATIE for all your hard work.
Piggy says
Looking forward to making this for my guinness-lover husband on his birthday. Thank you Katie!
Elle says
I have make a chocolate & Guinness cake before, now I’m ooking forward to making this recipe.
I’m not vegan, but about a year ago, after years of suffering, it was discovered I have egg and dairy intolerance so all the desserts I can eat need to be (practically) vegan – so I’m so glad I’ve found your blog!
I also try to keep most the food in the house healthy and “clean” (I bake almost all of our bread, for instance) and have a child with corn (maize) allergy, which makes me appreciate the healthy approach of your blog even more (I’ve been reading it for the past 4 hours… and it is way past bedtime in my part of the globe).
Thanks!
Elle says
Update: Made these on Friday. Used Murphy’s as local store was out of Guinness. Used regular wheat flour and 2Tbsp of potato starch instead of the flaxmeal (no such thing at my local store). Baked for 17 and a half minutes an put in the fridge for 10 hours before cutting and eating.
Brownies were excellent but too soft & moist. It might be the potato starch – I’ll try just one Tbsp next time and might also try to substitute half of the oil with apple sauce (used coconut + sunflower oil this time).
Thanks again for the recipe!
Haley says
These are seriously awesome – from a true brownie lover and non-vegan. I made them exactly according to the recipe and they are super fudgy and very flavorful. I can see this being a go-to (at least until we use up all the Guinness in our fridge).
I could see them being a little thicker, so I might make them in a smaller pan next time… if anyone has experience with that, please post it!
Sarah B says
Made these using olive oil. Tip to anyone who plans on making these – don’t use olive oil! Even if it’s a mild variety. There’s a lot of oil in this recipe and the olive oil flavor is strong and does not mix well with chocolate. Next time I’ll try canola or coconut oil for sure. I love using Guinness in chocolate baked goods, so I’m sure this would be awesome.
Sarah B says
3rd time is the charm. On the 2nd attempt, I used half coconut oil, half canola. So much better! However, we found the brownies were too bitter and too rich. So on the 3rd try, I cut the Guinness down to half a cup, and replaced the other half cup with almond milk. And when measuring the cocoa, I didn’t fill it quite all the way to the top (probably slightly more than 3/4 of the way), then topped off the full cup with flour. You’ll find most brownie recipes have slightly more flour than cocoa. Perfection! Everyone loved them, especially topped with vanilla coconut ice cream.
A couple other things to note: I’m not vegan, just dairy intolerant. I used all purpose flour, and an egg instead of spelt flour to hold it together. For my oven, 330 for 17 minutes is perfect, anything under was undercooked. As someone else noted, these make pretty thin brownies, not your typical thicker brownie. But the texture was consistent from end to end, top to bottom, so it doesn’t bother me. Also – I found the brown sugar very difficult to mix in with the dry ingredients evenly (lots of clumping), so after combining all the wet ingredients, I whisked the brown sugar into the wet. Much easier.
Sarah B says
Oops! Meant to say flax meal, not spelt. I used an egg instead of flax meal to hold it together / prevent crumbling.
Bianca says
Can I halve this recipe for a 8 x 8 pan? I can’t wait to try this. Pinned! 🙂
Unofficial CCK Helper says
Sure, why not?
Patty says
Hopefully I’m not repeating anyone, but I stopped reading ALL the posts. Sorry, just too many! Beer, YES, YES, YES!!!! Love craft beer, and love cooking with it. That being said, I’m always looking for beer recipes. Do any of you know of a good vegan beer cookbook? If not, that would be an awesome idea Katie! I’m always looking for dessert or appetizer recipes that are vegan with beer.
Unofficial CCK Helper says
There is a cookbook called The Tipsy Vegan.
Rebecca R says
Finally found some Guinness around here and can’t wait to try this recipe! I’ve been trying to go through your recipes one by one… Big fan :). Just wondering if you’ve tinkered with chocolate and beets before? There are lots of recipes out there but they all seem to require lots of butter, sugar and white flour!
Chocolate Covered Katie says
Aw thanks! I’ve done the red velvet cupcakes with beets! 🙂
Claire says
ok, I’ve made a lot of your recipes and had trouble with a few that require baking. I’ve made the Guinness brownies and the chocolate chip bars and neither of them baked properly in the allotted time given in the recipe. (not simply underdone, but RAW). I’ve followed your instructions precisely, but have had to bake both much longer than you’ve stated. I’ve never had this problem with any other recipes that require baking… The Guinness brownies are “ok”, the flax flavor is almost overpowering however. Once that settles in your mouth, the flavor is quite good. It’s just that initial bite that’s a bit much. I had the same problem with the chocolate chip bars that called for molasses. The molasses was just too much; overpowering. Any suggestions with the bake time and the flavors??
Unofficial CCK Helper says
Since none of the other commenters have had trouble with baking time, it sounds like your oven is the issue here. Check out CCK’s troubleshooting FAQ page at the top of her blog for more information and help. Here’s the link:
https://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/faq-page/recipe-questions-and-troubleshooting/
c. smith says
This recipe looks fabulous, however, I am wondering if it makes a difference if you use Guinness Draught or Guinness Stout? With stout being much more bitter, I am wondering if the same amount of sugar can be used for either version? Will they be two different but equally great tastes? Thanks.
Unofficial CCK Helper says
Nope, makes no difference!
Sarah says
Hi, I’m wondering how underdone these are supposed to look after baking. I took mine out of the oven after 15 minutes and they are so raw looking still that when I tilt the pan I can see the batter move. Is that normal? Thanks!
Unofficial CCK Helper says
No, should not be liquid. Firm but not completely set. Put in the fridge uncovered overnight and they will be fine the next day.
hyperglycemic says
First off, you are my favorite, and these are AMAZING!!! But I wanted to let you know that you may want to hesitate in recommending Stevia baking blends for those watching their blood sugar. Both the NuNaturals brand and the “Stevia in the Raw” that you can find at grocery stores contain a dangerous additive called maltodextrin. Maltodextrin has a glycemic index of 130! (Pure glucose is 100 and is usually the highest possible index any food can have). Pure stevia, or Truvia (which is stevia mixed with a natural sweetener Erythritol) would be excellent natural stevia choices.
Rebecca R. says
How would you store these? Thanks!
Unofficial CCK Helper says
Fridge.
Claire Chenault says
Hey Katie! I’m 16 years old, and this is the first recipe of yours I’ve completely followed; I made these brownies with AP flour, coconut oil (first time ever using it!), and a cup of skim milk and I have to say that these are divine! I divided them into sixteenth a and I’ve already eaten 3! The flavor and consistency reminds me exactly exactly of a Godiva Chocolate Cheesecake! I have to ask, how exactly does you come up with your amazing recipes? (The bizarre ones, like your brownie batter dip, which turned into an excellent mmicrowave mug cake)
Michael Angelo says
Wow! These Brownies are simply beautiful. I am on a juice diet and being a total chocoholic was desperate to find something that would satisfy but still be healthy. I substituted the guinness with the milk and can honestly say they turned out fantastic!
Will be making more regular for sure thanks Katie 🙂
mimi says
I just can’t stand this so called vegans being so annoying, seriously??? the beer??? who cares???? Katie is amazing, the thing is eating delicious healthy stuff, give her a break, you won’t die because the (eyes rolling here) beer is not vegan… OMG and she does have the right to make a mistake, the person who made that comment is disgusting, get a life please.
Bec says
Definitely fell in love with these brownies!! So.rich. Do these freeze well?
Unofficial CCK Helper says
They freeze well!
Lisa says
Hi. I saw these and couldn’t wait to get to the recipe. I don’t usually bake from scratch. Is there a boxed brownie mix I could use and add the beer to? I’m not vegan, gluten-free or soy free. I’d just like to make the brownies. They look delicious. Any suggestions?
Ruby says
So I just made these, and are in the fridge right now. But of course I couldn’t resist before trying them, and omg! Even without the refrigeration they are soooo fudgey and delicious! I did make a few modifications because I didn’t have some things on hand, so here they are, I hope they help someone else attempting this recipe: 1 cup of coffee instead of Guinness, half of a beaten egg instead of flax meal (not vegan+don’t have flax meal), and 1/4 cup coconut oil+1/4 cup and 3 tbsp instead of the full 1/2 cup of oil. Everything else i followed to the T. Im so glad i made these, I was considering other healthier brownie recipes but im a very loyal CCK fan. 🙂
Ruby says
Oops i meant 1/4 cup and 3 tbsp of apple sauce! I left that out for some reason lol
Sarah says
I so have to try this! Coffee and Chocolate?? In love already!!!
Corrin says
I just made these and they are awesome!! I made the recipe exactly as suggested, and they turned out great. Definitely up there in my top brownie recipes. Thank you so much for sharing!
Michael says
I’m definitely a beer geek. Going to make these using Belching Beaver’s Peanut Butter Milk Stout. Anyone know how long to bake these in an 8″ square pan?
Nicole B. says
Good grief, beer and chocolate is just pure heaven. I’m in love with this recipe!
Eve The Full Teaspoon says
Great recipe. It’s the third time I make it this year and it always turns amazing. I made a batch two weeks ago and it was all gone in 2 hours. My friend, one of her Kids, and even her ex husband, who came by to pick up the children, they all ate them to the last one!
deb dana says
I didn’t have the patience to go through all 200 or so comments with all the trolling and negativity that’s going on so I don’t know if anyone spoke about what’s really so inspired about using a stout the bitterness of the stout really enhances the bittersweet chocolate affect its really very very inspired and creative and great I made these brownies they are to die for I was attracted to them because I didn’t feel like messing with frosting some of Katie’s other brownies are wonderful as well but didn’t have time to do the frosting thing and these don’t need it they’re just so amazing I used coconut flour had to increase liquid by about 30% to adjust for adsorptive properties of coconut flour
Sarah says
Wow! These are so good! My family usually doesn’t drink beer(we didn’t have any in the house) so i replaced the beer with milk and these were the most amazing things i have ever tried! Even though i am not a vegan….I really really enjoy most of your recipes!
anni says
I made these brownies yesterday. They are absolutely divine! Maybe even my go-to brownie recipe. Very easy to make and so-so-so delicious! I used all the optional chocolate. As I’m not vegan I didn’t have to worry about the beer, so I used a dark cherry flavoured beer and it resulted in a slight cherry taste. Highly recommended!
Penny Ballantyne says
Hello Katie, I just baked your Black Bean Brownies and as you say they are Awesome, moist and chocolaty! However, the brownies are less than 1/2″ high, actually they didn’t rise at all while baking. I followed the recipe exactly and used an 8″X8″ pan with the oven (temp. checked & correct) at 350 degrees. Can you explain or offer any help? Many thanks. We are already addicted to your chocolate chip cupcakes so I think we may be tempting fate to perfect this recipe! Penny
Alice says
I baked these last week and they were (still are, nom nom) gorgeous! Thank you for a lovely recipe. 🙂
Marya Tracer says
Can you add chocolate protein powder to this recipe as a sweetener?
Kathy Runk says
About the “Guinness isn’t vegan” discussion….according to The Chicago Tribune website and Vegan.com, Guinness Extra Stout brewed in North America does not use isinglass. I made these brownies with it and they were delicious! I am not vegan or even vegetarian but I respect other people’s lifestyle choices so I am glad there’s an alternative.
ilona says
Katie, I’m a Guinness girl. Do you have a recipe for this with out sugar with stevia or honey and coconut flour or almond flour instead of the GF flours?
Molly says
Can it be made without the extra 1/3 cup of sugar? Or can you add more brown sugar?
Jason Sanford says
You can definitely sub in extra brown sugar. But do not omit the sugar without subbing in brown sugar, as they would not be sweet enough nor would their texture be correct.
Saz says
Ummm, think the “quick and easy” in the title is a bit misleading when you then say at the very bottom of the post to NOT eat until the following day. Who wants to make something only to eat it a day later.
Katie says
I searched around the internet for a vegan beer brownie recipe and they all seemed to call for expensive ingredients.
This recipe was perfect! It turned out great with a dark lager! Thanks Katie!
Shilpa says
These were terribly bitter! Assuming that was from the Guinness. Even the beer lovers thought so. I was so embarrassed to have served these.
Jason Sanford says
I’ve made these and never had that problem. Guinness brownies are quite a common thing so adding it to a chocolate recipe should not be bitter unless the beer was bad. Can you tell me more about the other ingredients you used and if you changed the recipe at all, such as cutting back on the sugar or oil or using a different flour?
Shilpa says
Did not make any substitutions and bought the Guinness the same day so I doubt it went bad. I used 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/3 cup white sugar, all purpose flour, almond milk, and recommended amount of vegetable oil. I also baked for 17 minutes and they still came out fudge-y, not cakey. I tasted the leftover Guinness and am certain this was the reason for the bitterness. Perhaps these are better suited for Guinness lovers.
Jason Sanford says
That could be true! I love Guinness lol!