• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

The Simple, Sweet Life

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Subscribe
    • Email
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Home
    • Recipes
    • About
    • Subscribe
    • Email
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
  • Ɨ

    Home Ā» All Desserts

    Published: Jun 16, 2019 Ā· Modified: Nov 16, 2022 by Claire

    Salty and Sweet Chocolate Stout Cupcakes

    Share Something Sweet!

    529 shares
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Yummly
    • Mix
    • Email
    Jump To Recipe Print Recipe

    This easy chocolate cupcake recipe has a salty, sweet twist! With rich stout undertones, a salty pretzel crunch and a sweet caramel drizzle, these chocolaty bad boys are the ultimate decadent treat.

    frosted cupcake on top of two plates with a fork

    When the going gets tough, the tough get baking... with BEER. I kid you not, beer + chocolate cupcakes = literally the greatest thing ever. And I mean literally literally, not figurative literally where people are like "it took literally a million years" and you're just like "No, that'sĀ literally impossible."

    But I digress... word misuse and pet peeves aside, chocolate cake-y stuff and dark beer really is, literally, one of the greatest pairings of all time.

    Even if you're not a fan of beer, YOU. HAVE. TO. TRY. THIS.

    And in case chocolate and beer weren't decadent enough for you (I mean, you deserve the best of the best, the most decadent of most decadent, right?), I threw some crushed pretzels and caramel on these babies. We're going all Emeril Lagasse on these cupcakes over here like...Ā BAM! Pretzels!Ā BAM! Sweet caramel sauce!

    THIS is your midweek pick-me up calling.

    How to make these easy chocolate cupcakes

    First, heat the milk and chocolate for the cupcakes until the chocolate has melted. In a large bowl, beat the egg until light and fluffy. Add the oil and continue beating until combined.

    Whisk in the sugar, flour, cocoa, baking soda and powder, and the chocolate/milk mixture until the batter is lump-free.

    Gently whisk in the beer. If you're too aggressive with your whisking, it will make the beer too frothy.

    Pour the batter into a lined cupcake pan, filling each liner ā…” of the way full. Bake at 350F for 18-20 minutes.

    unfrosted cupcakes next to a bag of frosting

    Second, combine the granulated sugar and water for the frosting in a small saucepan. Heat over medium-high heat until a candy thermometer registers 240F/115C.

    In the bowl of a stand mixer, whip the egg whites until they hold stiff peaks.

    On low, pour the hot syrup into the egg whites, increase the speed to high, and beat until the bowl is no longer warm to the touch.

    On low, begin adding the butter piece by piece until all the butter has been added.

    Add the vanilla extract, increase the speed to high, and beat until the frosting is smooth and creamy.

    creating a swirl in the frosting on the cupcakes with the back of a spoon

    Finally, spoon the frosting into a piping bag with a large, round tip. Pipe the frosting onto the cooled cupcakes, drizzle with caramel sauce and top with crushed pretzels.

    drizzling caramel onto cupcakes

    Tips for making these chocolate stout cupcakes

    • Knowing when your cupcakes are done:Ā There are two ways to test for doneness. 1. Insert a tooth pick in the center of the cupcakes and if it comes out clean, it’s done. 2. Gently press the top of the cupcake and if it almost immediately springs back, it’s done.
    • Looking to save a little time?Ā You can skip the homemade frosting and opt for store bought. You’ll need approximately 1 lbs.
    • If you’re making the frosting in this recipe, don’t be discouraged if it looks curdled after you add the butter. The butter and meringue will separate slightly before coming back together. Just keep whipping the frosting.
    • The secret to smooth, air-bubble free frosting:Ā Once the frosting has come together, turn your stand mixer down to low and continue whipping it for about 5 minutes. This should work out most of the air bubbles.
    • Fill that piping bag like a pro:Ā Spoon your frosting onto a large piece of plastic wrap, roll and twist the ends. Trim one end so there’s about Ā½ā€ in length, drop your frosting into the piping bag (short end first) with the tip already on and pipe!
    • Getting that perfect frosting swirl: To get that perfect swirl to hold your caramel, pipe your frosting onto the tops of your cupcakes. Then, using the back of a spoon, drag the tip through the frosting while you turn the cupcake
    • Storing frosted cupcakes:Ā While cupcakes are always best when eaten the same day they’re made, these can be stored in an air-tight container at room temperature for 1-2 days.

    three frosted cupcakes with a caramel drip

    Did you make this recipe?Ā I’d love to hear how it went in the comments below. Better still, snap a photo and tag it onĀ InstagramĀ withĀ #thesimplesweetlife. I love seeing your creations!

    Print

    Recipe

    Chocolate Stout Pretzel Cupcakes

    frosted cupcake on top of two plates with a fork
    Print Recipe

    ★★★★★

    5 from 12 reviews

    This easy chocolate cupcake recipe has a salty, sweet twist! With rich stout undertones, a salty pretzel crunch and a sweet caramel drizzle, these chocolaty bad boys are the ultimate decadent treat.

    • Author: The Simple, Sweet Life
    • Prep Time: 20 minutes
    • Cook Time: 20 minutes
    • Total Time: 40 minutes
    • Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
    • Category: Dessert
    • Cuisine: American

    Ingredients

    Scale

    For the chocolate stout cupcakes:

    • 1 oz dark chocolate
    • ½ cup milk
    • 1 egg
    • ¼ cup vegetable oil
    • 1 cup granulated sugar
    • ¾ cup all purpose flour
    • 2 oz baking cocoa
    • 1 tsp. baking soda
    • ½ tsp. baking powder
    • ½ cup stout beer

    For the vanilla buttercream frosting:

    • 4 egg whites
    • ¾ cup granulated sugar
    • ¼ water
    • ½ tsp. vanilla extract
    • ½ lb. unsalted butter, at room temp.

    For the garnish:

    • Coarsely crushed pretzels
    • Caramel sauce (store bought or homemade)

    Instructions

    1. Preheat your oven to 350F/175C and line your cupcake pan.
    2. In a small bowl, combine your dark chocolate and milk, and microwave for 30 seconds, or until the chocolate begins to melt.
    3. Stir until the chocolate has melted completely, then set aside to cool in the refrigerator.
    4. In a large bowl, beat the egg until light and frothy.
    5. Add the oil and continue beating until the two have completely combined.
    6. Whisk in the sugar, flour, cocoa, baking soda and powder, and the chocolate/milk mixture.
    7. Add the beer and gently whisk until just combined.
    8. Pour the batter into your lined cupcake pan and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cupcakes comes out clean.
    9. To make the frosting, combine the granulated sugar and water in a small saucepan and heat over medium-high heat until a candy thermometer registers 240F/115C.
    10. While the syrup cooks, beat your egg whites in the bowl of a stand mixer until they hold stiff peaks.
    11. On low, pour the hot syrup into the egg whites, increase the speed to high, and beat until the bowl is no longer warm to the touch.
    12. On low, begin adding the butter piece by piece until all the butter has been added.
    13. Add the vanilla extract, increase the speed to high, and beat until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
    14. Fill a piping bag with the frosting, attach a tip of your choosing (I used a large, round tip), and frost your completely cooled cupcakes.
    15. Drizzle with caramel sauce and crushed pretzels.

    Notes

    • Knowing when your cupcakes are done:Ā There are two ways to test for doneness. 1. Insert a tooth pick in the center of the cupcakes and if it comes out clean, it’s done. 2. Gently press the top of the cupcake and if it almost immediately springs back, it’s done.
    • Looking to save a little time?Ā You can skip the homemade frosting and opt for store bought. You’ll need approximately 1 lbs.
    • If you’re making the frosting in this recipe, don’t be discouraged if it looks curdled after you add the butter. The butter and meringue will separate slightly before coming back together. Just keep whipping the frosting.
    • The secret to smooth, air-bubble free frosting:Ā Once the frosting has come together, turn your stand mixer down to low and continue whipping it for about 5 minutes. This should work out most of the air bubbles.
    • Fill that piping bag like a pro:Ā Spoon your frosting onto a large piece of plastic wrap, roll and twist the ends. Trim one end so there’s about Ā½ā€ in length, drop your frosting into the piping bag (short end first) with the tip already on and pipe!
    • Getting that perfect frosting swirl: To get that perfect swirl to hold your caramel, pipe your frosting onto the tops of your cupcakes. Then, using the back of a spoon, drag the tip through the frosting while you turn the cupcake
    • Storing frosted cupcakes:Ā While cupcakes are always best when eaten the same day they’re made, these can be stored in an air-tight container at room temperature for 1-2 days.

    Nutrition

    • Serving Size: 1 cupcake
    • Calories: 357
    • Sugar: 31.1g
    • Sodium: 237mg
    • Fat: 21.9g
    • Saturated Fat: 11.7g
    • Carbohydrates: 40.2g
    • Fiber: 1.9g
    • Protein: 4.1g
    • Cholesterol: 56mg

    Keywords: easy chocolate cupcake recipe, chocolate stout cupcakes, how to make chocolate cupcakes

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @thesimplesweetlifeblog on Instagram and hashtag it #thesimplesweetlife

    If you liked this recipe, you might also like...

    • 10 ways to upgrade boxed cake mix
    • Chocolate hazelnut cupcakes
    • Fudge sundae cake

    Update Notes: This post was originally published in May of 2016 but was republished with step-by-step photos and tips in June of 2019.

    More Dessert Recipes

    • Spoon with lime curd dripping from it back into a glass mason jar. White flowers, a knife and limes are in the background.
      Lime Curd
    • Close up of birthday cheesecake slice missing a bite.
      No Bake Birthday Cheesecake
    • Two beaters with fluffy white frosting holding a stiff peak in front of a gray background.
      7-Minute Frosting
    • Lemon meringue tartlet on a white plate with other tarts and a jar of lemon curd around it.
      Lemon Meringue Tartlets

    Share Something Sweet!

    529 shares
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Yummly
    • Mix
    • Email

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

    1. Elsa | the whinery says

      May 17, 2016 at 2:34 pm

      OMG! That pour gif literally has me drooling šŸ™‚ Your cupcakes look fantastic! I love the combination of stout and dark chocolate in there... sounds really good!

      Reply
      • The Simple, Sweet Life says

        May 17, 2016 at 11:02 pm

        THANK YOU Elsa! šŸ˜€ I've been looking for a way to change things up and spice up my posts a little bit, so I'm glad you're diggin' the gif. So glad you noticed and liked it. šŸ˜€

        Reply
    2. Antonina says

      May 18, 2016 at 11:40 am

      I agree with Elsa your gif looks fantastic. I am ready to peel one off the screen, ha,ha.. However I tasted those incredible cupcakes and they are divine. Thanks for the recipe but they taste better when you making them.

      Reply
      • The Simple, Sweet Life says

        May 19, 2016 at 9:41 pm

        I'm so glad you liked them Antonina! šŸ˜€ Your comment brings to mind something my grandma always used to tell me: the best meals are ones other people prepare. Cooking and baking weren't her thing, but she was always happy to take leftover desserts off my hands. šŸ™‚

        Reply
    3. Linda @ 2 Cookin' Mamas says

      May 18, 2016 at 1:12 pm

      Never thought I would hear beer and cupcakes in the same sentence but these look delicious! Love your caramel graphic - makes me want to lick the screen. Yum! (and I'm hearing you on word misuse and I have to add spelling too)

      Reply
      • The Simple, Sweet Life says

        May 19, 2016 at 9:43 pm

        I'd heard about people adding beer (usually a stout) to cupcakes, and after having tried it, I definitely get it now. Beer isn't usually my thing, but there's just something about it that makes the chocolate cupcakes extra EXTRA rich. So glad you liked the gif! šŸ˜€

        Reply
    4. Jennifer Dawn says

      May 18, 2016 at 10:42 pm

      These look so good! I love that mix of salty and sweet. The beer was unexpected. I wouldn't have thought to put that in cupcakes.

      Reply
      • The Simple, Sweet Life says

        May 19, 2016 at 9:43 pm

        If you haven't tried beer in cupcakes before, you definitely have to. I promise, you'll TOTALLY understand the hype! šŸ˜€

        Reply
    5. Lou Lou Girls says

      May 23, 2016 at 10:54 am

      Hello fabulous! I’m stopping by to let you know that we will be featuring your yummy cupcakes at our linky party that starts tonight at 7 pm. Pinned and tweeted. I hope to see you tonight! Lou Lou Girls

      Reply
      • The Simple, Sweet Life says

        May 24, 2016 at 9:55 pm

        Thanks so much for the sweet feature! šŸ˜€

        Reply
    6. Kylie | Midwest Foodie says

      June 17, 2019 at 7:58 am

      This is such an informative post! I love the process shots and the tips section also. Will definitely be trying this cupcakes as stouts are one of my favorite beers!! Thanks for sharing!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    7. penelopi says

      June 17, 2019 at 8:13 am

      oh my goodnes!! Love everything about sweets! I will try it out!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    8. Gloria | Homemade & Yummy says

      June 17, 2019 at 12:33 pm

      YUM...these would make GREAT celebration cupcakes. Also, the perfect dessert for a bbq party. I just know they would not last long. Grab one while you can.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    9. Sue says

      June 18, 2019 at 6:31 pm

      Oh my gosh! These sound and look so decadently rich and flavorful!!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    10. Michelle says

      June 20, 2019 at 7:14 am

      Oh, my word! Where have these cupcakes been all my life?! They look and sound delicious and that those photos are amazing too!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    11. Denise says

      June 20, 2019 at 12:25 pm

      Your cupcakes look quite addicting! I love the choice of flavors, they will be a hit at any party!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    12. Sara says

      June 23, 2019 at 8:26 am

      I LOVE chocolate stout cupcakes!! These pictures make me want to devour all of them! And I love your frosting technique (using the spoon) - I absolutely have to try that next time. The pretzel crumbles really make this, too. What a killer combo of flavors and textures! Love it! Absolutely making this later!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    13. Marisa F. Stewart says

      June 23, 2019 at 11:11 am

      When I first saw this recipe I said no way!! Well I went ahead and made some -- they were amazing. I couldn't believe beer (I'm not a beer drinker) could make chocolate cupcakes taste so good. And the buttercream frosting is to die for!! This is a keeper recipe.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    14. Amanda says

      June 23, 2019 at 2:07 pm

      Chocolate and stout are one of my favorite pairings, so these are my kind of cupcakes! The pretzels and caramel just put these cupcakes over the top. Thanks for sharing!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    15. Karyl Henry says

      June 23, 2019 at 7:17 pm

      I'm not a big fan of stout a a drink because it's so heavy. But I love that you use it in this cupcake for the flavor. This looks like an easy and delicious treat

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    16. Jo says

      June 23, 2019 at 8:12 pm

      The flavor combination in this cupcake makes me very happy. I dont have sweet tooth but when the sweetness is balanced well like this, I would gorge on such treats. Looks absolutely amazing!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    17. Julie says

      June 23, 2019 at 8:15 pm

      I love the salty-sweet combination, so these sound amazing! They're also decorated so beautifully -- I love how you pipe the frosting on top.

      Reply
    18. Daniela says

      June 23, 2019 at 11:09 pm

      Your photographs are precious! Love the hands in frame one! And sounds delish :)!

      Reply
    19. Christina Edwards says

      June 01, 2020 at 9:44 am

      I haven't tried this but the simplicity of making it got me interested. Would it be ok if I omit the melted dark chocolate and instead replaced it with Hershey's Special Dark cocoa powder? Thanks!

      ★★★★★

      Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    woman with long brown hair, half up in a bun, sitting in front of an open refrigerator eating a cookie with a white and orange cat.

    I'm Claire, the baker, blogger, and general sprinkle enthusiast behind The Simple, Sweet Life. Whether you like simple sweets, comfort (baked) foods, or works of sugar art, you're sure to find something here to sweeten your day!

    More about me →

    Popular

    • overhead view of fluffernutter brownies on a cooling rack
      8 Ways to Upgrade Your Boxed Brownie Mix
    • a variety of cakes decorated with flowers.
      How to safely use fresh flowers on cakes
    • cacti cookies on a plate with other cookies around it
      How to Make Royal Icing: The Ultimate Guide
    • 10 Things I Wish I Knew About Cookie Decorating

    Summer Favorites

    • Three blueberry doughnuts stacked with another doughnut leaning against them in front of a glass of milk.
      Baked Blueberry Doughnuts
    • Close up of raspberry lemon cupcake on a plate with out of focus cupcakes around it.
      Raspberry Lemonade Cupcakes
    • Side view of a square blueberry buckle with a sliced turned to show the inside of the cake. A bowl of blueberries, pitcher of milk and plates are in the background.
      Blueberry Buckle
    • Halved lemon meringue cupcake with filling dripping out onto a white plate. Lemon curd, bowl of lemons and cupcakes in the background.
      Lemon Meringue Cupcakes

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Quick Links

    About
    Privacy Policy
    Contact

    Recipes

    Scandinavian baking
    Cakes
    Cookies
    Pies and tarts
    Brownies and bars
    Breakfasts

    Follow

    Instagram
    Pinterest
    TikTok

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no cost to you. Purchases from these links helps support this blog so I can keep creating the free recipes you know and love. All affiliate links are clearly marked.

    Copyright Ā© 2023 The Simple, Sweet Life