Subscribe to Finecooking Magazine

What We're Cooking Now

What We're Cooking Now

A stout gingerbread

April 13th, 2009 in Blogs     
LisaWaddle Lisa Waddle, managing editor
5 users recommend


Spring may not be traditional gingerbread weather, but with a fridge full of Guinness left over from St. Patrick’s day, I was looking for creative uses for stout. (Please don’t write in to tell me that “leftover beer” is an oxymoron.)

One of my virtual cyber-buddies, Andrea (and by that I mean I feel part of her life because I follow her blog, but have never spoken to or emailed her), was on the same wavelength, as she recently posted a recipe for Guinness Gingerbread. This was a simple recipe that makes a delicious 9-inch square cake. It’s surprisingly light, without being dry. It's not one of the damp varieties of gingerbreads (which I also love), and it had assertive flavors from the spices and a small bit of unsweetened cocoa. You wouldn’t have guessed there was Guinness in it (or cocoa), although I’m sure it added to depth of flavor (and added a bit of yeastiness). I also tossed in some chopped crystallized ginger, because I’m a ginger nut. This added lovely nuggets of heat to the slices, which only got better with age.

Made me want to experiment more with cooking with beer. Anyone got any recipes to share?


posted in: Blogs, Lisa Waddle, beer, gingerbread

Comments (5)

RuthMaria writes: "In the Sweet Kitchen" by Regan Daley has an oatmeal stout cake that is one of my favorites. It is a dark, spicy cake with some orange zest in it and an oatmeal/pecan broiled topping. It is extremely yummy and with the oats in it you can say that it is breakfast food. Posted: 3:13 pm on May 9th

LisaWaddle writes: Juli,
The NYTimes ran a recipe for Guinness pie back in February. It was from Fergus Henderson and Jaime Oliver, so sounded pretty authentic; might be worth a try. Posted: 4:27 pm on April 15th

GeorgeCooks writes: I've done lots of savory cooking with beer (braises of chicken, beef) but beyond the traditional Guinness cake, never added it to any baking. I'd love some more recipes! Posted: 4:21 pm on April 15th

JuliRoberts writes: I have been on a never ending search for the perfect steak and guiness pie. Ever since I went to Ireland and had one there. I could never replicate the exact same flavor....close, but no cigar! Steak and Beer a pefect pairing! Posted: 11:42 am on April 15th

andreasrecipes writes: I'm so glad you liked the gingerbread! We really enjoy the flavors in it. Posted: 9:43 am on April 13th

You must be logged in to post comments. Click here to login.