If you’re on the hunt for a bread that’s bursting with rich flavor, moist texture, and a hint of sweetness with a malty twist, this Guinness Beer Bread Recipe is an absolute must-try. Combining the bold character of Guinness extra stout with the comforting heartiness of homemade bread, it’s a fantastic loaf that’s surprisingly easy to make but delivers bakery-quality results. Whether you’re baking for a casual snack, entertaining friends, or looking for a comforting loaf to pair with your favorite stew, this recipe will quickly become a pantry staple you can count on time and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Guinness Beer Bread Recipe calls for straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together beautifully to create a loaf with a perfect crumb and irresistible flavor. Each component plays a crucial role, from the all-purpose flour providing structure to the molasses adding that deep, caramelized sweetness and the Guinness bringing unmistakable depth and aroma.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives your bread structure and chew.
- 1 Tbsp baking powder: The leavening agent that ensures your loaf rises nicely without yeast.
- 1 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
- ¼ cup sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to complement the stout’s bitterness.
- â…“ cup molasses: Provides rich, deep sweetness and a beautiful dark color.
- 1½ cups Guinness extra stout beer: The star ingredient that infuses the bread with its distinctive malty taste and robust aroma.
- ¼ cup butter, melted: Brushed atop the batter before baking to develop a golden, slightly crispy crust.
How to Make Guinness Beer Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF. While the oven is warming, grab a 9×5-inch loaf pan and give it a generous spray with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Setting this up ahead saves time and ensures the loaf comes out effortlessly.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients and Molasses
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, and molasses until evenly combined. Incorporating molasses here adds that subtle sweetness and makes the dough a bit more flavorful than your typical beer bread.
Step 3: Add the Guinness
Pour in 1½ cups of Guinness extra stout and gently stir just until all the dry ingredients are moistened — be careful not to overmix, as you want the bread to stay tender and not tough.
Step 4: Pour and Butter
Transfer the batter to your prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Then pour the melted butter over the top—this little step guarantees a golden, buttery crust that’s utterly irresistible.
Step 5: Bake Your Bread
Bake for 1 hour at 350ºF. The bread is done when the top is beautifully brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool slightly before slicing to enjoy the best texture and flavor.
How to Serve Guinness Beer Bread Recipe
Garnishes
This bread shines as is, but if you want to elevate your presentation, consider spreading soft butter or a smear of cream cheese with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. For a touch of indulgence, a drizzle of honey or a smear of Guinness-infused compound butter makes for a luxe treat.
Side Dishes
Guinness Beer Bread pairs wonderfully with hearty soups and stews, especially beef or vegetable-based dishes that echo the rich, malty notes of the bread. Think Irish stew, beef bourguignon, or a creamy mushroom soup. It’s also incredible alongside sharp cheeses or a robust chili.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, slice the bread and toast the pieces to make warm crostinis topped with smoked salmon, cream cheese, and capers. Or, cube the bread for croutons that add a delicious, dark-hued crunch to your salads and soups. This Guinness Beer Bread Recipe is versatile enough for so many creative serving ideas!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover Guinness beer bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for about 2 to 3 days while maintaining its moist, tender texture.
Freezing
You can freeze this bread easily by wrapping it well in foil or plastic wrap and placing it in a freezer bag. It freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, allowing you to bake ahead and enjoy fresh bread anytime.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly baked warmth, reheat slices in a toaster or oven at 350ºF for about 10 minutes. You can also microwave individual slices for 20 seconds if you’re in a hurry. The crust will crisp up nicely with oven reheating, making it a perfect treat each time.
FAQs
Can I use a different beer instead of Guinness?
Absolutely! While Guinness extra stout provides a distinct malty flavor that defines this bread, you can experiment with other stouts or even darker ales to tweak the taste. Just keep in mind lighter beers will result in a milder flavor.
Is this bread gluten-free?
This particular Guinness Beer Bread Recipe calls for all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. To make it gluten-free, you’d need to experiment with gluten-free flour blends, but results may vary in texture.
Why is there no yeast in this bread?
This recipe uses baking powder as the leavening agent for a quick bread approach, meaning no rising time is needed. It simplifies the process and still yields a wonderfully tender loaf.
Can I substitute the molasses with honey or maple syrup?
You can try swapping molasses for honey or maple syrup; however, the flavor profile will change. Molasses adds a robust richness that complements the Guinness in a way lighter sweeteners don’t quite capture.
What’s the best way to slice Guinness beer bread?
Use a serrated bread knife for clean slices that won’t squish the crumb. Letting the bread cool fully before slicing ensures the best texture and neat cuts.
Final Thoughts
Making this Guinness Beer Bread Recipe is like welcoming a little slice of comfort and tradition into your kitchen, with every bite rich in flavor and warmth. It’s effortless, satisfying, and endlessly versatile—perfect for impressing friends or treating yourself to something uniquely delicious. Don’t wait to bake one up; this loaf is sure to become a beloved favorite.
Print
Guinness Beer Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 12 slices)
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Irish
Description
This Guinness Beer Bread is a moist and flavorful loaf perfect for any occasion. Made with rich Guinness extra stout beer, molasses, and a hint of sweetness, it offers a delightful balance of flavors and a tender crumb. Quick to prepare and baked to golden perfection, this bread is excellent on its own or served alongside soups and stews.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup sugar
Wet Ingredients
- â…“ cup molasses
- 1½ cups Guinness extra stout beer
- ¼ cup butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (177ºC) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, and molasses. Stir these ingredients together to evenly distribute the molasses.
- Add the beer: Pour in the Guinness extra stout beer and stir gently just until the ingredients are combined, being careful not to overmix the batter to keep the bread tender.
- Prepare for baking: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Then, pour the melted butter evenly over the top of the batter to create a flavorful crust.
- Bake the bread: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the crust is golden brown.
- Cool and serve: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Using Guinness extra stout beer adds a rich, malty flavor that’s key to the bread’s unique taste.
- Do not overmix the batter to avoid a dense texture; stir until just combined.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute melted butter with a plant-based alternative.
- Store leftover bread tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
