If you’re seeking a dessert that’s guaranteed to win over any crowd, these Chocolate Guinness Cupcakes are pure delight. The moistness and depth from the stout combine with intense cocoa, producing cupcakes that are rich but never heavy, perfectly complemented by luxurious cream cheese frosting. It’s a recipe that brings together everything you love about chocolate, with a little Irish twist, making it a go-to for celebrations or anytime you want an excuse to bake something unforgettable.

Chocolate Guinness Cupcakes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe relies on simple yet essential ingredients, each carefully chosen to create deep flavor, irresistible texture, and that signature cupcake crumb. Take a peek at what makes every bite of Chocolate Guinness Cupcakes memorable:

Guinness stout: Adds incredible moisture and a hint of malty, almost coffee-like richness that makes the chocolate really shine.
Unsalted butter: Provides a tender crumb and subtle dairy flavor while allowing you to control the salt.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: Offers that bold chocolate taste and gives the cupcakes their beautiful dark hue.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens and balances the deep cocoa flavors.
Brown sugar: Adds a touch of molasses and extra moisture for cupcakes that stay soft and rich.
Sour cream: The secret to a tangy undertone and extra-luscious, moist crumb.
Large eggs: Help bind the batter and make your cupcakes fluffy and light.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the chocolate flavors and completes the frosting.
All-purpose flour: Keeps things sturdy but tender, forming the backbone of each little cake.
Baking soda: Ensures a good rise, so your cupcakes come out perfectly domed.
Salt: Brightens all the flavors and keeps things from tasting flat.
Cream cheese (for frosting): Delivers that classic tang and lush, creamy texture.
Powdered sugar (for frosting): Gives frosting its silky smoothness and gentle sweetness.
Heavy cream or milk (for frosting): Lightens the texture of the cream cheese frosting, making it extra spreadable.

How to Make Chocolate Guinness Cupcakes

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Let’s get started by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners. This ensures your cupcakes easily release after baking, and they’ll look delightfully festive right from the start.

Step 2: Melt Butter and Whisk with Guinness

In a medium saucepan set over medium heat, combine the Guinness stout and unsalted butter. Stir until the butter is completely melted and the mixture is smooth. This step is essential for marrying the malty stout with creamy butter, creating the flavor base for your cupcakes.

Step 3: Add Cocoa and Sugars

Whisk the unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and brown sugar directly into the warm Guinness-butter mixture. Make sure everything is thick, glossy, and lump-free. This sets up the chocolatey sweetness that will make your Chocolate Guinness Cupcakes irresistible.

Step 4: Cool, Then Add Dairy and Eggs

Take the pan off the heat and let the mixture cool slightly. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sour cream, eggs, and vanilla extract. Slowly pour the Guinness-cocoa mixture into this bowl, whisking constantly, until everything is fully incorporated and smooth as silk.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

In one more bowl, gently whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This dry mix brings structure to your cupcakes and balances out all the moisture from earlier steps.

Step 6: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the dry ingredients into your wet mixture. Stir just until you don’t see any more flour streaks; overmixing can toughen your cupcakes, and we want them light and fluffy.

Step 7: Fill the Liners and Bake

Divide your batter evenly among the 12 cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until a toothpick poked into the center comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool completely before moving on to frosting—trust me, it’s worth the wait!

Step 8: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cupcakes cool, beat softened cream cheese and butter together until they’re airy and almost fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing well. Beat in the vanilla and a little heavy cream (or milk), until your frosting is velvety smooth and spreadable. Frost the fully cooled cupcakes with generous swoops.

How to Serve Chocolate Guinness Cupcakes

Garnishes

Dress up your cupcakes with a dusting of cocoa powder, shavings of dark chocolate, or a sprinkle of chocolate chips for extra flair. These little touches make the Chocolate Guinness Cupcakes as beautiful as they are delicious.

Side Dishes

If you want to turn dessert into an event, serve your cupcakes alongside fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. The fruity brightness or creamy chill perfectly contrasts the cozy richness of the cupcakes.

Creative Ways to Present

Show off these beauties on a rustic wooden board, a tiered cake stand, or even nestled in cupcake wrappers that match your party’s theme. For St. Patrick’s Day, green sprinkles or edible gold glitter add extra magic to your Chocolate Guinness Cupcakes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Frosted Chocolate Guinness Cupcakes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Flavors deepen and the frosting stays firm and luscious, making them even better the second day!

Freezing

If you’d like to bake ahead, cupcakes (without frosting) freeze beautifully. Once cooled, wrap each in plastic wrap, then tuck them into a freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature, then add fresh frosting before serving.

Reheating

If your cupcakes have been in the fridge and you’d like to serve them close to freshly baked, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This warms the cake and softens the frosting for the best texture and taste.

FAQs

Can I use a different stout if I don’t have Guinness?

Absolutely! While Guinness stout provides the iconic profile that defines Chocolate Guinness Cupcakes, any smooth, dark stout will give similar delicious results.

Can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute your favorite all-purpose gluten-free flour blend in place of the regular flour. The recipe is otherwise friendly to most dietary needs, but always check your stout for gluten content.

Do I have to use cream cheese frosting?

Cream cheese frosting pairs beautifully with the deep chocolatey notes, but you can swap in classic buttercream, whipped ganache, or any frosting you love.

Can I make mini cupcakes instead?

Of course! Just reduce the baking time to 10-12 minutes and keep a close eye on them. You’ll end up with adorable, two-bite Chocolate Guinness Cupcakes that are perfect for sharing.

How can I tell if the cupcakes are done?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cupcakes; if it comes out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter, you’re good to go. Overbaking can dry them out, so check a minute or two before the timer goes off.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something special about pulling a batch of Chocolate Guinness Cupcakes from the oven—the aroma, the rich chocolate flavor, and the creamy swirl of frosting all combine for a dessert that always brings joy. Give these cupcakes a try for your next celebration or cozy night in, and you’ll see why they’re a personal favorite worth sharing again and again!

Chocolate Guinness Cupcakes Recipe

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4.7 from 9 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in these rich and moist Chocolate Guinness Cupcakes topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or any special occasion!

Ingredients

Scale

Main Cupcake Ingredients:

1 cup Guinness stout
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
2/3 cup sour cream
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt

Cream Cheese Frosting:

8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
Mix Guinness Mixture: In a saucepan, combine Guinness and butter. Add cocoa powder and sugars, whisk until smooth. Let cool.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk sour cream, eggs, and vanilla. Pour in the Guinness mixture and whisk to combine.
Add Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt. Fold into the wet mixture.
Bake: Divide batter into liners and bake for 18-22 minutes. Cool before frosting.
Make Frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and cream. Frost cupcakes.