Guinness Brownies with Mocha Frosting

**Guinness Brownies with Mocha Frosting**

*A Rich, Boozy Chocolate Dessert with Bold Coffee-Chocolate Flavor and a Creamy Espresso Kick*

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### Introduction

When you combine the deep, malty richness of Guinness stout with decadent chocolate and finish it off with a velvety mocha frosting, you get a dessert that's both sophisticated and indulgent. These **Guinness Brownies with Mocha Frosting** are everything you want in a grown-up treat: fudgy, flavorful, and layered with complexity.

The brownies themselves are dense and moist, thanks to the Guinness, which adds an earthy depth without making them taste boozy. The mocha frosting—an espresso-infused buttercream with a hint of chocolate—takes them to the next level, adding a luscious layer of smooth, creamy contrast.

Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, impressing guests at a dinner party, or just treating yourself after a long week, these brownies are sure to satisfy. Let’s dive into the recipe and create a batch of magic.

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### Ingredients

#### For the Guinness Brownies:

* 1 cup Guinness stout (don’t use extra stout or a dry version)

* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter

* 8 oz bittersweet chocolate, chopped

* 1½ cups granulated sugar

* ½ cup packed light brown sugar

* 3 large eggs

* 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

* ¾ cup all-purpose flour

* ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

* ½ teaspoon salt

#### For the Mocha Frosting:

* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

* 2½ cups powdered sugar, sifted

* ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

* 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder or instant coffee

* 2 tablespoons hot water

* ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

* Pinch of salt

* Optional: 1–2 tablespoons heavy cream for smoother consistency

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### Instructions

#### Step 1: Reduce the Guinness

1. Pour the Guinness into a small saucepan and bring to a gentle boil over medium heat.

2. Reduce heat and simmer for about 10–15 minutes, until the beer is reduced to about ½ cup. This concentrates the flavor and evaporates some of the alcohol.

3. Set aside to cool while you prepare the rest of the brownie batter.

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#### Step 2: Make the Brownie Batter

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal.

2. In a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water (or in the microwave in 30-second intervals), melt the butter and chopped chocolate together until smooth.

3. Remove from heat and whisk in both the granulated and brown sugar until the mixture is glossy and slightly cooled.

4. Add eggs, one at a time, whisking well after each. Then stir in the vanilla extract and cooled Guinness reduction.

5. Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gently fold until no dry streaks remain. Do not overmix.

6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.

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#### Step 3: Bake the Brownies

1. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter).

2. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.

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#### Step 4: Prepare the Mocha Frosting

1. Dissolve the instant espresso powder in the hot water and set aside to cool slightly.

2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter on medium speed until creamy, about 2 minutes.

3. Add powdered sugar and cocoa powder gradually, mixing on low until incorporated.

4. Pour in the dissolved espresso, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Increase speed to medium-high and beat until fluffy, 2–3 minutes.

5. If the frosting is too thick, add 1 tablespoon of heavy cream at a time until desired consistency is reached.

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#### Step 5: Frost and Finish

1. Once the brownies are completely cool, spread the mocha frosting evenly over the top using an offset spatula.

2. For a clean presentation, refrigerate the frosted brownies for about 30 minutes before slicing.

3. Cut into squares or rectangles, wiping your knife clean between cuts.

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### Serving Suggestions & Tips

* **Serve chilled or at room temperature.** Both yield a slightly different texture, but equally delicious.

* **Top with chocolate curls, cocoa nibs, or a dusting of espresso powder** for a more elegant finish.

* **Pair with a pint of Guinness or a hot coffee** for the full experience.

* For a **boozier kick**, add a tablespoon of Irish cream liqueur or coffee liqueur to the frosting.

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### Storage

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

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### Final Thoughts

**Guinness Brownies with Mocha Frosting** are the perfect marriage of rich chocolate, smooth coffee, and malty stout. Each bite is indulgent and complex, appealing to chocolate lovers and adventurous palates alike. They're proof that with a few simple upgrades, your basic brownie recipe can become a show-stopping dessert worth celebrating.

Would you like a gluten-free version or suggestions for turning these into a layer cake?