Guinness Bread is a quick, no-knead, no-yeast bread that delivers a rich, malty flavor with a tender crumb. Made with simple ingredients and a bottle of Guinness stout, this easy-to-make bread pairs wonderfully with soups and stews, tastes great toasted with marmalade, and is a must-have for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup oat flour
• 1/2 cup golden brown sugar, packed
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1 tsp coarse salt
• 11.2 ounces Guinness Draught (1 bottle)
• 1 tbsp rolled oats (for topping)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter and line a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, oat flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt, ensuring there are no lumps in the sugar.
3. Add Guinness: Pour in the Guinness and stir until everything is fully incorporated and no dry flour remains. Avoid overmixing.
4. Transfer to pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle the rolled oats on top.
5. Rest the batter: Let the batter sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes before baking. This helps the yeast in the beer activate, leading to a better texture.
6. Bake the bread: Bake for about 35 minutes, or until the loaf is risen and golden brown. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with only moist crumbs, not wet batter.
7. Cool before slicing: Allow the bread to cool slightly before slicing and serving. Store covered for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage.

Nutrients (Per Serving, Approximate)

• Calories: 196
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 1g
• Saturated Fat: 0.2g
• Sodium: 240mg
• Potassium: 209mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 11g
• Calcium: 72mg
• Iron: 2mg

Why You Should Try Guinness Bread

This bread is not just for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations—it’s a versatile and easy-to-make loaf that can be enjoyed year-round. Here’s why it stands out:

• No Yeast Required: This bread uses baking powder instead of yeast, so there’s no need to wait for it to rise.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with just flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and Guinness, this recipe is as straightforward as it gets.
• Quick and Easy: The batter comes together in minutes, and the bread bakes in about 35 minutes—perfect for busy days.
• Bold Flavor Profile: Guinness stout adds depth and richness, giving the bread a unique malty taste.
• Perfect Texture: The result is a moist, tender crumb with a slightly crisp crust, making it great for slicing and toasting.

If you’re looking for a rustic yet sophisticated homemade bread, Guinness Bread is a must-try recipe that pairs beautifully with both sweet and savory toppings.

The Role of Guinness in This Bread

Guinness stout is more than just a flavor enhancer—it plays a key role in the texture and rise of the bread.

• Deep Malty Flavor: Guinness has notes of caramel, chocolate, and roasted barley, which gives the bread a slight sweetness balanced by earthy bitterness.
• Natural Leavening Agent: The carbonation in the beer helps the bread rise without the need for yeast.
• Moisture and Tenderness: The liquid content in Guinness keeps the bread soft and prevents it from drying out.

While Guinness Draught is the recommended beer for this recipe, you can experiment with other dark stouts to achieve different nuances of flavor.

A Breakdown of the Key Ingredients

Each ingredient in this recipe plays an important role in achieving the perfect texture and taste.

1. All-Purpose Flour & Oat Flour

• The combination of all-purpose flour and oat flour creates a balanced texture—soft and tender but with a bit of structure.
• Oat flour adds a slight nuttiness and enhances the bread’s moisture retention.

2. Brown Sugar

• Using golden brown sugar instead of white sugar provides a richer sweetness with notes of molasses.
• It also helps create a more tender crumb.

3. Baking Powder

• Acts as the primary leavening agent, ensuring the bread rises properly without yeast.

4. Coarse Salt

• Enhances the flavors of the beer, oats, and brown sugar, creating a well-rounded taste.

5. Rolled Oats (Topping)

• Adds a rustic, bakery-style appearance to the bread.
• Gives the crust a slight chewiness and visual appeal.

With just a few simple pantry ingredients, this bread comes together quickly and effortlessly.

How to Serve Guinness Bread

One of the best things about Guinness Bread is its versatility—it can be enjoyed in many different ways, whether you prefer it savory or sweet.

1. With Butter and Marmalade

• The malty, slightly sweet bread pairs beautifully with creamy butter and tangy marmalade.
• Orange or apricot marmalade complements the flavors of Guinness perfectly.

2. As a Side for Soups and Stews

• Serve thick slices alongside hearty dishes like Irish stew, chowder, or beef and Guinness pie.
• The dense texture holds up well to dipping, soaking up broths and gravies.

3. Toasted with Cheese

• This bread is fantastic when toasted and paired with sharp cheddar, blue cheese, or a smear of goat cheese.
• A drizzle of honey or fig jam over the cheese creates an irresistible combination.

4. With Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese

• A slice of Guinness Bread topped with cream cheese, smoked salmon, and a sprinkle of fresh dill makes for an elegant appetizer.

No matter how you serve it, this bread brings a touch of Irish tradition to any meal.

Variations and Customizations

While this recipe is delicious as written, you can experiment with different flavors and add-ins to make it your own.

1. Make It More Savory

• Add grated sharp cheddar cheese for a cheesy twist.
• Stir in chopped fresh rosemary or thyme for an herb-infused loaf.
• Mix in caramelized onions for an extra layer of flavor.

2. Add Nuts or Dried Fruit

• Chopped walnuts or pecans add a bit of crunch.
• Dried figs or raisins give a touch of sweetness and chewiness.

3. Use Different Beers

• Try a chocolate stout for a richer, slightly sweet variation.
• Experiment with porters or dark lagers to find your favorite flavor balance.

These small adjustments allow you to personalize the recipe and create a loaf that fits your taste.

Storing and Freezing Guinness Bread

This bread stores well, making it great for meal prep and leftovers.

Storage Tips:

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container or wrapped in foil for up to 5 days.
• Refrigeration: Keeps well for up to a week but should be toasted before serving.

Freezing Instructions:

• Wrap the whole loaf tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months.
• To thaw, leave at room temperature for a few hours before slicing and reheating.

Conclusion

Guinness Bread is a simple yet bold-flavored loaf that combines the richness of dark stout with the rustic charm of homemade bread. Its quick, no-knead method makes it accessible to bakers of all skill levels, while its deep malty taste and tender texture make it a standout choice for any occasion.

Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, serving it alongside a hearty stew, or enjoying a slice with butter and jam, this versatile bread is a must-try. With endless ways to customize, serve, and enjoy, Guinness Bread is a fantastic addition to your baking repertoire that’s guaranteed to impress and satisfy.