These Chocolate Baked Guinness Donuts are a luxurious blend of deep chocolate flavor and the rich, malty notes of Guinness Extra Stout. The texture is perfectly soft, thanks to the stout, while the cocoa powder delivers a deep, indulgent chocolate taste. The final touch? A smooth and creamy Bailey’s Irish Cream glaze that adds just the right amount of sweetness with a hint of Irish charm. Baking instead of frying makes these donuts a breeze to whip up, and they’re perfect for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations or any time you crave a unique and indulgent treat. Whether served with coffee in the morning or enjoyed as an after-dinner dessert, these festive treats are sure to impress!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Donuts:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup Guinness Extra Stout
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 teaspoons Bailey’s Irish Cream
- 2 teaspoons water
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate large bowl, whisk together Guinness, egg, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and melted butter.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Grease a donut pan with nonstick spray and fill each cavity about ⅔ full with the batter.
- Bake for approximately 12 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the donuts comes out clean.
- While the donuts cool, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, Bailey’s Irish Cream, and water until smooth.
- Dip the tops of the donuts in the glaze, then place them on a wire rack to dry before serving.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 32 minutes
Kcal: 342 kcal | Servings: 6 donuts
Why This Recipe Works
1. The Magic of Guinness in Baking
Guinness is a well-known Irish stout famous for its dark color, creamy head, and rich, malty flavor. When used in baking, Guinness does something truly special it enhances the chocolate’s natural richness, giving it a deeper, more complex taste. The carbonation also helps create a light and airy texture, which is especially beneficial for baked goods like donuts, cakes, and brownies.
Chocolate and stout are a match made in dessert heaven, balancing bitterness with sweetness to create a well-rounded flavor. The result is a donut that is indulgent without being overly sweet, making it perfect for those who enjoy desserts with a slight edge.
2. The Perfect Alternative to Fried Donuts
Traditional donuts are deep-fried, which gives them their signature crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior. While delicious, frying can be messy, time-consuming, and heavy on oil. Baked donuts, on the other hand, provide a wonderful alternative that is easier to prepare and a bit lighter without sacrificing flavor.
Since this recipe is baked rather than fried, it requires minimal effort—no need to worry about hot oil, thermometers, or frying messes. Simply mix the batter, pour it into a donut pan, and let the oven do the work. The end result? Soft, cake-like donuts with a slightly crisp exterior that pairs beautifully with the glaze.
3. Bailey’s Irish Cream Glaze: The Ultimate Finishing Touch
A donut is only as good as its topping, and this Bailey’s Irish Cream glaze takes things to the next level. Bailey’s is an Irish liqueur made with whiskey, cream, and cocoa, making it the perfect addition to a chocolate-based dessert.
This glaze is incredibly simple, requiring only three ingredients powdered sugar, Bailey’s Irish Cream, and water. It’s smooth, sweet, and just boozy enough to give these donuts an extra layer of indulgence. The glaze also sets beautifully, creating a glossy finish that makes the donuts look as good as they taste.
Serving Suggestions
These Guinness-infused donuts are perfect for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, but they’re also a great year-round treat for chocolate lovers. Here are a few ways to enjoy them:
- With Coffee or Irish Coffee – The combination of chocolate, stout, and Bailey’s pairs exceptionally well with a hot cup of coffee. For an extra festive touch, serve with Irish coffee—hot coffee with a splash of whiskey and a dollop of whipped cream.
- As a Dessert Platter – Arrange the donuts on a tray alongside other Irish-inspired treats, such as Irish whiskey truffles, shortbread cookies, or Bailey’s cheesecake bites.
- With Ice Cream – Warm the donuts slightly and serve them with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.
- Topped with Whipped Cream or Chocolate Drizzle – If you want to take the presentation up a notch, add a swirl of whipped cream or a drizzle of melted chocolate before serving.
Tips for the Best Baked Donuts
To ensure that your donuts turn out perfectly every time, here are some helpful baking tips:
- Use the Right Guinness – Guinness Extra Stout is the best choice for this recipe because it has a deep, rich flavor. Avoid using lighter versions of Guinness, as they may not impart the same depth of taste.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter – Overmixing can lead to dense and tough donuts. Stir the ingredients until just combined for a light, fluffy texture.
- Grease the Donut Pan Well – Even though these donuts are baked, they can still stick to the pan if not properly greased. Use a good-quality nonstick spray or brush the pan with melted butter.
- Let the Donuts Cool Before Glazing – If the donuts are too warm when dipped in the glaze, the icing will melt and become too thin. Allow them to cool for at least 10 minutes before adding the glaze.
- Double the Glaze for Extra Sweetness – If you love extra glaze, consider making a double batch and dipping the donuts twice for a thicker, more decadent coating.
A Fun and Unique Dessert for Any Occasion
While these Chocolate Baked Guinness Donuts are an obvious choice for St. Patrick’s Day, they’re also a fantastic dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, celebrating a special event, or simply craving something unique, these donuts are sure to impress.
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily experiment with different flavors by adding a pinch of cinnamon, espresso powder, or even a splash of vanilla extract. You can also swap out the Bailey’s for another liqueur, such as Kahlúa or a chocolate liqueur, to create a new twist on the glaze.
Conclusion:
Chocolate Baked Guinness Donuts with Irish Cream Glaze are the perfect combination of rich chocolate, smooth stout, and creamy Irish liqueur. They’re easy to make, visually stunning, and absolutely delicious whether served at a holiday party or enjoyed with your morning coffee.
By baking instead of frying, these donuts offer a slightly lighter, more approachable way to enjoy a classic treat while still delivering all the indulgence of a deep-fried dessert. The Guinness adds depth, the chocolate provides sweetness, and the Bailey’s glaze ties everything together with a luscious finish.