Guinness Brownies

Ingredients used

For this Guinness brownies recipe, you will need only a few of very basic pantry ingredients:

• Dark chocolate. I used 85% dark chocolate here. You can go with fewer cacao percentages but don't go below 75%. The darker, the better.
• Oat flour. Oat flour is great here since these brownies don't need to rise like other desserts. Plus, oats are whole grain, meaning healthier and more nutritious, an excellent source of fibers that keep our heart healthy (1).
• Cacao powder. Raw cacao powder is just beautiful. Unprocessed, bitter, deep-flavored, and incredibly healthy, one of the richest sources of polyphenols – a powerful antioxidant. (2) Cacao powder health benefits are numerous and you don't need to feel guilty indulging in chocolate treats anymore. This superfood is filled with only good healthy stuff.
• Butter. When baking sweets like these, I usually go with coconut oil. But since this IS a St. Patrick's inspired dessert, this time I used butter. 
• Sweetener. To sweeten these beer brownies, I used coconut sugar. Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index than regular table sugar, which makes him a healthier sugar alternative.
• Guinness beer. AKA The star of this dessert. Guinness stout, with its roast coffee and caramelized flavors pairs so well with dark chocolate. It gave these brownies richness and a beautiful depth of flavor.  

Other pantry ingredients you’ll need:

• Egg - I used free-range, pasture-raised.
• Vanilla extract.
• Salt - I used Himalayan salt.

How to make Guinness Brownies

These brownies, like any other brownies, are a no-brainer to make. It requires some mixing but you'll need only basic equipment.

Equipment

• Measuring cups.
• Mixing bowl.
• Small saucepan.
• Whisk.
• 9x9' baking pan.

Step by step instructions

• Step 1: Prepare ingredients.
  • Start with preparing and measuring all the ingredients. Use measuring cups.
  • Position an oven rack in the middle and preheat the oven to 350F (176C).
  • Line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some of the paper hanging out opposite sides like handles. Set aside.
  • In the microwave or a double boiler, melt dark chocolate and butter until completely smooth. Set aside to cool.
• Step 2: Make Guinness syrup.
  • In a small saucepan, bring Guinness beer to a boil.
  • Boil for 5 minutes, until reduced by half (you should have ⅓ cup reduced syrup). Set aside to cool.
• Step 3: Mix the ingredients.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk coconut sugar, with eggs, and vanilla extract.
  • Add melted dark chocolate and Guinness syrup and whisk to combine.
  • Stir in oat flour and cacao and a pinch of salt. Keep stirring until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Use the whisk.
• Step 4: Bake the brownies.
  • Pour the mixture into a prepared baking pan.
  • Bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Be careful not to overbake!
  • Take the pan out of the oven. Let it cool slightly.
• Step 5: Serve.
  • Carefully take the brownie out of the pan and place it on a wire rack to cool completely.
  • Dust with cacao powder (I like to use a small fine mesh).
  • Slice and serve (I like to use a pizza cutter). 

This makes 9 slices that serve 9 people.

Substitutions

• Flour. You can substitute oat flour with any whole grain flour. Or use plain/all-purpose flour if you prefer. Substitute at a 1:1 ratio.
• Butter. You can substitute butter with coconut oil. Substitute at a 1:1 ratio.
• Make it gluten-free: Use certified gluten-free oats/oat flour or almond flour.

Tips for storing

• Counter: Once brownies are completely cooled, store them in an airtight container and keep them on the counter for up to 3 – 4 days.
• Refrigerator: Brownies will keep for up to a week in the refrigerator, in an airtight container.
• To freeze: Place the brownies in an airtight container. Keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw on room temperature.

Recipe tips

• To check whether brownies are done, insert a skewer or toothpick into the center. If the toothpick comes out clean or with just a few crumbs on it, they are ready to come out of the oven.
• Make sure you use eggs at room temperature. Pull them out of the fridge before baking so they can rest for a bit. Or run the eggs under warm water to speed this process or set them in a bowl of warm water.
• If you're using coconut oil, in order to get all the health benefits from it, make sure to choose organic, virgin coconut oil rather than refined versions.
• If using butter, choose organic unsalted grass-fed butter.

If you're looking for more St. Patrick's Day recipes to try, here are some of my favorites.

• Irish Soda Bread Muffins
• Healthy Guinness Chocolate Cake
• Shamrock Protein Shake
• Matcha Pancakes
• Matcha Chia Pudding
• Matcha Protein Shake

 More desserts to try