Guinness Chocolate Cupcakes

Save this recipe on:

I have a deep love for desserts that surprise you—and these Guinness Chocolate Cupcakes are exactly that. Rich, moist, and deeply chocolatey with just the slightest hint of malty bitterness from the stout, they strike the perfect balance between decadence and depth. I remember the first time I made these for a St. Patrick’s Day gathering—let’s just say they didn’t last long on the dessert table.

The Guinness doesn’t make the cupcakes taste like beer. Instead, it enhances the chocolate flavor in the most magical way, similar to how coffee deepens chocolate in other recipes. Paired with a creamy, smooth Irish cream frosting or a simple chocolate buttercream, these cupcakes become an unforgettable treat.

Why You’ll Love These Guinness Chocolate Cupcakes

These cupcakes are a crowd-pleaser with a twist. They offer the richness of a classic chocolate cupcake, but with a grown-up upgrade. The stout beer not only intensifies the chocolate but also gives the cake an incredibly tender crumb. They’re festive yet easy to make, and perfect for everything from celebrations to casual baking days.

What Kind of Guinness Should I Use?

Stick with the classic Guinness Draught for this recipe. It has a smooth, creamy finish and isn’t as bitter or overpowering as the Foreign Extra Stout. The Draught blends beautifully into the batter, leaving behind its signature depth without overwhelming the cupcake.

Options for Substitutions

If you’re avoiding alcohol, you can substitute the Guinness with strong brewed coffee or a dark non-alcoholic stout. For dairy-free options, almond milk and vegan butter work well without affecting the texture much. And for the frosting, feel free to swap in vanilla buttercream or a coffee-flavored frosting if Irish cream isn’t your thing.

---

Ingredients for Guinness Chocolate Cupcakes

All-purpose flour – Forms the base structure of the cupcakes and balances the wet ingredients to achieve a tender crumb.

Granulated sugar – Sweetens the cupcakes and helps with moisture retention, giving a soft, springy texture.

Unsweetened cocoa powder – Adds deep, rich chocolate flavor. Use a high-quality brand for best results.

Baking soda – Works with the acidic Guinness and sour cream to leaven the cupcakes and create a light, fluffy texture.

Salt – Enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness.

Guinness Draught – Provides richness and depth, intensifying the chocolate and adding a malty background flavor.

Unsalted butter – Adds moisture and richness, and helps create a tender crumb when combined with sugar.

Sour cream – Contributes creaminess and helps keep the cupcakes moist and flavorful.

Eggs – Provide structure and help bind the ingredients together.

Vanilla extract – Rounds out the flavor and complements the chocolate and stout.

Optional frosting (Irish Cream Buttercream or Chocolate Buttercream) – Adds a creamy, sweet contrast to the rich cupcakes.

---

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Cupcake Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners. This ensures the cupcakes bake evenly and are easy to remove.

---

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Mixing them separately helps ensure even distribution when you combine them with the wet ingredients later.

---

Step 3: Heat the Guinness and Butter

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the Guinness and butter. Stir occasionally until the butter is melted. Remove from heat and whisk in the sugar until dissolved. Let this mixture cool slightly before proceeding.

---

Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients

To the cooled Guinness mixture, whisk in the sour cream, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. This step creates the rich, creamy base that will keep the cupcakes ultra-moist.

---

Step 5: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet, stirring gently until just combined. Do not overmix, or the cupcakes may become dense.

---

Step 6: Fill the Cupcake Liners

Divide the batter evenly between the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full. This ensures they rise just to the top without overflowing.

---

Step 7: Bake the Cupcakes

Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

---

Step 8: Frost and Finish

Once cooled, frost with your choice of Irish Cream Buttercream or Chocolate Buttercream. For an extra flair, dust with cocoa powder or top with chocolate shavings.

---

How Long to Prepare Guinness Chocolate Cupcakes

Prep Time: The hands-on time to prepare the batter and get the cupcakes into the oven is about 20 minutes. This includes mixing both dry and wet ingredients separately and combining them carefully. Melting the butter with Guinness takes just a few extra minutes, and cooling the mixture slightly before adding eggs is essential.

Bake Time: These cupcakes take about 18–20 minutes in the oven. You’ll want to allow them to cool completely before frosting, which takes another 30 minutes or so. Altogether, you’re looking at just over an hour from start to finish.

---

Tips for Perfect Guinness Chocolate Cupcakes

• Use room temperature ingredients for smoother mixing and even baking.
• Don’t skip the step where you let the Guinness-butter mixture cool slightly. Adding eggs to hot liquid can scramble them.
• For deeper flavor, use Dutch-processed cocoa.
• Always sift cocoa powder to avoid dry clumps in the batter.
• Let the cupcakes cool completely before frosting to prevent the buttercream from melting.

---

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overmixing the batter: This can lead to dense, chewy cupcakes. Mix until just combined.
• Using the wrong type of Guinness: Stick to Draught; other types may overpower the flavor.
• Skipping the cooling time: Warm cupcakes will melt the frosting and ruin the texture.
• Overfilling the liners: This can cause the batter to overflow. Stick to 2/3 full.
• Undercooking: Use a toothpick to check for doneness; it should come out with a few moist crumbs.

---

What to Serve With Guinness Chocolate Cupcakes?

1. Irish Coffee

Warm, spiked with whiskey, and topped with whipped cream—it pairs beautifully with the chocolate notes.

2. Vanilla Ice Cream

A classic creamy contrast to the rich, fudgy texture of the cupcakes.

3. Fresh Berries

Raspberries or strawberries balance the richness with a touch of acidity and brightness.

4. Bailey’s-spiked Hot Chocolate

For a cozy, indulgent experience—especially in cooler weather.

5. Salted Caramel Sauce

Drizzle over the frosting or serve on the side for an extra layer of flavor.

---

Storage Instructions

Room Temperature: Store unfrosted cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Once frosted, they’re best eaten within 2 days if kept at room temp.

Refrigerator: Frosted cupcakes can be refrigerated for up to 5 days. Bring them to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Freezer: Freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 2 months. Wrap each one individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge or for a few hours at room temp before frosting.

---

Estimated Nutrition (per cupcake, unfrosted)

• Calories: 220
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Sugar: 18g
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 190mg
• Cholesterol: 40mg

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these cupcakes without Guinness?

Yes, you can substitute with strong brewed coffee or a non-alcoholic stout. The flavor won’t be exactly the same, but it will still be delicious.

Can I use a boxed cake mix instead?

While you can, the depth of flavor from this homemade recipe is hard to replicate. If using a mix, replace the water with Guinness for a similar effect.

What frosting works best with these cupcakes?

Irish Cream Buttercream is a popular match, but classic chocolate or coffee buttercream also complements the rich base.

How can I tell when the cupcakes are done baking?

Insert a toothpick in the center—if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, they’re done.

Can I make mini cupcakes with this recipe?

Absolutely! Reduce the baking time to about 10–12 minutes and check for doneness with a toothpick.

---

Conclusion

Guinness Chocolate Cupcakes are an irresistible blend of deep cocoa flavor and malty richness that transforms an ordinary dessert into something unique and memorable. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, or just craving something a little extra, these cupcakes deliver on taste, texture, and wow factor. Easy enough for beginners but impressive enough for seasoned bakers, they’re bound to become a favorite in your baking rotation.

---

Print

Save this recipe on: