Best Brownies Ever: Irish Car Bomb Brownies
Best Brownies EVER: Irish Car Bomb Brownies is a medium Irish recipe that serves 8. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Marks Irish Kitchen on YouTube.
Prep: 35 min | Cook: 37 min | Total: 1 hr 27 min
Cost: $13.82 total, $1.73 per serving
Ingredients
- 90 g All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
- 200 g Granulated Sugar
- 75 g Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
- 2 g Baking Powder
- 1 g Salt
- 100 g Brown Sugar
- 70 g Dark Chocolate (70% cocoa) (for brownie batter, chopped)
- 85 g Unsalted Butter (melted)
- 80 ml Guinness Stout
- 5 ml Vanilla Extract
- 2 Eggs (large, lightly beaten)
- 90 g Dark Chocolate (70% cocoa) (additional, chopped)
- 140 g Dark Chocolate (70% cocoa) (for ganache, chopped)
- 28 g Salted Butter (melted)
- 30 g Powdered Sugar
- 30 ml Jameson Irish Whiskey
- 113 g Unsalted Butter (softened, for buttercream)
- 180 g Icing Sugar
- 45 ml Baileys Irish Cream
- 5 ml Milk (optional, to thin buttercream)
- 10 g Butter (for greasing baking tray)
Instructions
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
Time: PT5M
Melt Chocolate and Butter
Place 70 g dark chocolate and 85 g butter in a saucepan over low heat, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in Guinness, vanilla extract, and the two lightly beaten eggs.
Time: PT5M
Combine Wet and Dry, Add Extra Chocolate
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, add the remaining 90 g chopped dark chocolate, and stir just until the batter is uniform. Do not over‑mix.
Time: PT5M
Bake the Brownie Base
Grease the baking tray with a thin layer of butter, pour in the batter and spread evenly. Bake in a pre‑heated oven at 180°C for 20‑22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Time: PT22M
Temperature: 180°C
Prepare Jameson Ganache
While the brownies bake, melt 140 g dark chocolate in a saucepan over low heat. Remove from heat and whisk in melted salted butter, powdered sugar, and Jameson whiskey until glossy.
Time: PT5M
Cool Brownies
Remove the baked brownies from the oven and let them cool on a rack for about 15 minutes until firm enough to spread ganache.
Time: PT15M
Spread Jameson Ganache
Pour the warm ganache over the cooled brownies, spreading evenly with an offset spatula. Allow the ganache to set for 5‑10 minutes.
Time: PT10M
Make Baileys Buttercream
In a clean bowl, beat 113 g softened unsalted butter for about 5 minutes until pale and fluffy. Gradually add the icing sugar, then whisk in Baileys Irish Cream, vanilla extract, and a teaspoon of milk if needed to reach a spreadable consistency.
Time: PT10M
Finish and Serve
Spread the Baileys buttercream over the set ganache layer, smoothing the top. Let the assembled brownies sit for another 5 minutes before cutting into squares.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 4 g
- Carbohydrates
- 45 g
- Fat
- 18 g
- Fiber
- 3 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Contains alcohol, Not vegan, Contains gluten
Allergens: Dairy, Eggs, Gluten, Soy (cocoa processing), Alcohol
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of All-Purpose Flour: Gluten‑free flour blend
- Instead of Granulated Sugar: Coconut sugar
- Instead of Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Dutch‑process cocoa powder
- Instead of Brown Sugar: Dark muscovado sugar
- Instead of Dark Chocolate (70% cocoa): Semi‑sweet chocolate
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Margarine
- Instead of Guinness Stout: Other stout beers
- Instead of Vanilla Extract: Vanilla bean paste
- Instead of Eggs: Egg replacer
- Instead of Dark Chocolate (70% cocoa): Semi‑sweet chocolate
- Instead of Dark Chocolate (70% cocoa): Semi‑sweet chocolate
- Instead of Salted Butter: Unsalted butter
- Instead of Powdered Sugar: Granulated sugar (processed)
- Instead of Jameson Irish Whiskey: Other Irish whiskey
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Margarine
- Instead of Icing Sugar: Powdered sugar
- Instead of Baileys Irish Cream: Other coffee‑flavored liqueur
- Instead of Milk: Non‑dairy milk
- Instead of Butter: Cooking spray
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk or Hand Mixer
- Saucepan
- Spatula
- Baking Tray
- Oven
- Cooling Rack
- Offset Spatula (optional)
- Measuring Scale
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Do not over‑mix the batter after adding the chocolate chunks.
- Bake until a toothpick shows only a few moist crumbs to keep the brownies fudgy.
- Allow the brownies to cool sufficiently before spreading the ganache to avoid melting.
- Whisk the buttercream until light and airy for a smooth finish.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a high‑quality stout like Guinness for authentic flavor; a dry stout will make the brownies bitter.
- For an extra glossy ganache, add a pinch of sea salt just before spreading.
- Chill the assembled brownies for 15 minutes before cutting to achieve clean edges.
Troubleshooting
Brownies are dry and crumbly.
Reduce baking time by 3‑5 minutes and ensure the batter is not over‑mixed; the extra chocolate helps retain moisture.
Ganache is too thick and won’t spread.
Warm the ganache gently over a double boiler or microwave in 5‑second bursts, stirring until fluid.
Buttercream is too runny.
Add a little more icing sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze individual squares wrapped in plastic for up to 2 months.
Room temperature: Can sit at room temperature for 2‑3 hours after serving.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Bake the brownie base a day ahead and keep it wrapped; add ganache and buttercream just before serving.
- Ganache can be prepared in advance and stored at room temperature for up to 2 hours.
- Buttercream can be made 24 hours ahead and refrigerated; bring to room temperature and re‑whip before spreading.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Irish Car Bomb brownies in Irish cuisine?
Irish Car Bomb brownies are a modern dessert twist that fuses the classic Irish Car Bomb cocktail—Guinness, Jameson whiskey, and Baileys—with a rich chocolate brownie. While not a traditional Irish sweet, they reflect Ireland’s love for stout and whiskey, turning a popular party drink into an indulgent treat for celebrations.
What are the traditional regional variations of Irish Car Bomb brownies within Ireland?
Because the dessert is contemporary, variations are limited, but some Irish bakers substitute the stout with a local craft ale, use Irish cream liqueur brands other than Baileys, or add a layer of Irish oat crumble for texture. The core concept—stout‑infused chocolate with whiskey ganache—remains the same.
How is an authentic Irish Car Bomb brownie traditionally served in Ireland?
In Irish pubs and home gatherings, the brownies are typically cut into bite‑size squares, dusted lightly with cocoa powder, and served at room temperature alongside a pint of stout or a glass of Irish coffee. They are often enjoyed as a dessert after a hearty meal or as a festive snack.
What occasions or celebrations are Irish Car Bomb brownies traditionally associated with in Irish culture?
These brownies are popular at St. Patrick’s Day parties, birthdays, and informal gatherings where Irish drinks are served. Their boozy nature makes them a fun centerpiece for adult celebrations, especially when paired with other Irish staples like soda bread or cheese boards.
What makes Irish Car Bomb brownies special or unique in Irish dessert cuisine?
The combination of Guinness‑infused brownie, Jameson whiskey ganache, and Baileys buttercream creates a layered flavor profile that balances bitter chocolate, creamy liqueur, and a subtle maltiness from the stout—something rarely found in traditional Irish desserts, which are usually fruit‑based or dairy‑rich.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Irish Car Bomb brownies at home?
Common errors include over‑baking the brownies, which makes them dry; adding the ganache before the brownies are fully cooled, causing it to melt; and over‑whipping the buttercream, which can become grainy. Follow the timing cues in the recipe and let each layer set before moving on.
Why does this Irish Car Bomb brownie recipe use Guinness stout instead of regular beer?
Guinness provides a deep, roasted malt flavor and a creamy mouthfeel that complements dark chocolate, whereas regular lagers lack the richness needed to impart the characteristic “Car Bomb” taste. The stout also adds a subtle bitterness that balances the sweetness of the sugar and Baileys.
Can I make Irish Car Bomb brownies ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes. Bake the brownie base a day ahead, keep it wrapped in plastic, and store at room temperature. Prepare the ganache and buttercream separately; refrigerate the ganache for up to 2 days and the buttercream for 24 hours. Assemble just before serving, or store the fully assembled brownies in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the Irish Car Bomb brownies are done?
The brownie layer should be dense and fudgy with a shiny top, and a toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs. The ganache layer should be glossy and set but still slightly soft to the touch, while the buttercream should be smooth, creamy, and hold its shape without sliding.
What does the YouTube channel Marks Irish Kitchen specialize in?
The YouTube channel Marks Irish Kitchen focuses on modern Irish home cooking, showcasing traditional recipes with contemporary twists, step‑by‑step tutorials, and tips for using Irish ingredients like stout, whiskey, and dairy products.
How does the YouTube channel Marks Irish Kitchen's approach to Irish cooking differ from other Irish cooking channels?
Marks Irish Kitchen blends classic Irish flavors with bold, dessert‑centric concepts and often incorporates popular Irish beverages into sweet dishes. The channel emphasizes clear visual instructions, precise measurements, and practical home‑cook tips, setting it apart from channels that focus solely on savory or heritage dishes.
Last updated: August 29, 2026
