Guinness Cupcakes

These Guinness Cupcakes are dark, decadent, and incredibly moist. The stout enhances the chocolate, and they're topped with a silky cream cheese frosting to look like the foam on a glass of Guinness. Perfect for St. Patrick's Day!

There’s something special about a chocolate cupcake that’s just right—rich but not too heavy, sweet but not cloying, and perfectly moist.

These Guinness cupcakes hit every mark. The addition of Guinness stout intensifies the chocolate flavor without making the cupcakes taste boozy, giving them a deep, almost caramelized richness.

Topped with a silky Guinness-infused cream cheese frosting, they’re indulgent but well-balanced.

I’ve been making these cupcakes for years, especially around St. Patrick’s Day, but honestly, they’re too good to save for just one time of year.

The Guinness isn’t just a gimmick—it brings out the chocolate’s depth, much like adding coffee to chocolate recipes does.

Whether you’re a stout lover or not, these cupcakes will win you over with their moist crumb and complex flavor.

So, if you’re looking for a rich, moist, and slightly unexpected dessert, these Guinness chocolate cupcakes are it.

Looking for more Irish Recipes for St. Patrick's Day? Be sure to try Irish Cream Baked Donuts, Guinness Chocolate Mousse, and Naturally Green Cakes for St Patrick's Day!

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• Why You'll Love This Recipe
• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Storage
• Top tips
• FAQs
• More St. Patrick's Day Recipes
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Why You'll Love This Recipe

• The Guinness enhances the chocolate without making the cupcakes taste like beer.
• They’re incredibly moist and stay that way for days.
• The cream cheese frosting is rich, smooth, and perfectly complements the deep chocolate flavor.
• They’re easy to make with simple ingredients.
• Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day, birthdays, or any time you want an indulgent treat.
• These cupcakes fall under Irish-American baking, where Guinness is often used in desserts.
• The combination of beer and chocolate is popular in Ireland, especially around St. Patrick’s Day.

Ingredients

• Guinness Stout – Adds depth and richness to the chocolate. You can substitute with another stout or even strong coffee for a different twist.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – Gives the cupcakes their deep chocolate flavor. Dutch-process cocoa will make them darker and slightly more mellow.
• All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure.
• Baking Soda – Helps the cupcakes rise.
• Salt – Balances and enhances the chocolate.
• Unsalted Butter – Adds moisture and richness. Use room-temperature butter for the best texture.
• Granulated Sugar – Sweetens and helps create a tender crumb.
• Eggs – Provide structure and richness.
• Sour Cream – Keeps the cupcakes moist and tender. Greek yogurt can be a good substitute.
• Vanilla Extract – Enhances the overall flavor.
• For the Frosting:
• Cream Cheese – Gives the frosting a tangy, creamy base.
• Unsalted Butter – Adds smoothness and richness.
• Powdered Sugar – Sweetens and thickens the frosting.

See the recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Follow this step-by-step photo tutorial, then scroll down to the recipe card for the full ingredients list and method.

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease with a little oil, or line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.

In a medium saucepan, heat the Guinness over medium heat until it begins to simmer.

Remove from heat and whisk in cocoa powder until smooth. Let cool.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.

In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar until well combined, about 3-4 minutes.

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Add the cooled Guinness-cocoa mixture and sour cream, mixing until smooth.

Gradually add the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.

Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups.

Bake for 18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool completely.

For the frosting: Beat together the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until smooth.

Frost the cooled cupcakes with the Guinness cream cheese frosting so that it looks like the foam on a pint of Guinness!

Storage

• Store cupcakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Unfrosted cupcakes can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Frosting can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to a week.
• Bring cupcakes to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

FAQs

More St. Patrick's Day Recipes

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