Guinness Beer Bread Recipe

This Guinness beer bread recipe is a hearty (no yeast required) loaf with a deep, malty flavor and a slightly sweet, tender crumb. Made with just a few simple ingredients, this quick bread bakes up with a crispy, golden crust, perfect for slathering with butter or serving alongside a rich stew.

Nothing beats the simple pleasures of homemade bread, and this Guinness Beer Bread Recipe delivers a delicious flavor with minimal effort. If you’re a fan of dark beer and hearty, slightly sweet bread, this easy beer bread recipe is for you.

Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or just want a warm, golden brown loaf of bread to pair with dinner, this quick bread recipe is a must-try. With only a few dry ingredients and a bottle of Guinness beer, you’ll have an easy Guinness bread recipe that’s ready to enjoy in just over an hour.

Why This Recipe Works

• No Yeast Required – Unlike yeast bread, this recipe uses baking powder as a leavening agent, making it much faster and simpler to prepare.
• Rich Flavors – The Guinness stout gives this bread a full-bodied, slightly sweet flavor, balancing well with the honey and melted butter.
• Perfect Texture – This bread dough bakes up soft on the inside with a crisp, golden brown crust, making it ideal for serving as a side dish or even as a base for my Guinness braised beef stew.

Supplies Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon
• Separate large bowl (for sifting flour)
• Bread loaf pan
• Non-stick spray or olive oil
• Wire rack (for cooling)

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients:

• Flour – Use purpose flour or swap in bread flour for a chewier texture. You can also mix in whole wheat flour or rye flour for extra whole grains.
• Baking Powder – The key leavening agent that helps the bread rise.
• Salt – Enhances the flavor of the bread.

Wet Ingredients:

• Guinness Beer – A full-bodied stout that gives the bread its signature rich flavors.
• Honey – Adds a hint of sweetness. You can substitute brown sugar or maple syrup.
• Melted Butter – Creates a buttery, crisp crust. Do not substitute other fats! 

How To Make Guinness Beer Bread

1. Preheat & Prep – Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F and grease a bread loaf pan with cooking spray or olive oil.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients – In a separate bowl, sift the flour and then stir in the baking powder and salt.
3. Add Wet Ingredients – In the middle of the bowl with dry ingredients, pour in the room temperature Guinness beer and honey.
4. Mix Gently – Use a wooden spoon to fold the beer mixture into the flour until it forms a sticky dough ball. Avoid overmixing—like cake batter, it should be just combined.
5. Pour Batter & Add Butter – Transfer the bread dough to the greased loaf pan and smooth it out. Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the batter.
6. Bake – Place in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool & Serve – Let the loaf of bread cool on a wire rack for about an hour before slicing. Enjoy!

Expert Tips

• Use Room Temperature Beer – A cold can of Guinness beer won’t interact properly with the dry ingredients, so let it sit out before using.
• Check for Doneness – For the best results, use an instant-read thermometer; the bread should reach 190 degrees F internally.
• Experiment with Different Beers – While Guinness stout is a classic choice, you can try an oatmeal stout or another dark beer for subtle variations. You can also give my hard cider beer bread recipe a try. 
• Make it Sweeter – If you prefer a sweeter bread, increase the honey or swap it for brown sugar.
• For a Heartier Texture – Try using self-rising flour or mixing in a small amount of rolled oats for extra chewiness.

What To Serve With It

This Guinness beer bread recipe pairs well with so many dishes! Here are some serving ideas:

• Classic Irish Pairings – Serve alongside my Guinness beef stew or Irish soda bread for a cozy, hearty meal.
• As a Side Dish – This bread is the perfect thing to pair with soups, chili, or a dutch oven roast.
• For Breakfast – Spread it with butter and honey or use it to make French toast.
• With Cheese & Meats – Serve as part of a charcuterie board with sharp cheddar, gouda, and cured meats.
• Toasted & Buttered – A simple but delicious way to enjoy the rich, malty flavors.

More Recipes To Try

Guinness BBQ Sauce Recipe

Smoked Beer Cheese Recipe

How To Smoke A Corned Beef Brisket

Homemade Pastrami Dry Rub