“Grownups only cupcake” seems like an oxymoron, but not at Sticky Fingers, where one of our favorite beers, Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout, is used in a recipe. We were told that the Chocolate Stout cupcakes are adult-only because although most of the alcohol in the cake batter is baked out, the chocolate ganache frosting has beer and liquor in it. We are confident it is not enough alcohol to get even a pleasantly unaware five-year-old buzzed, but they can’t go giving booze to kids.

We couldn’t detect any distinct beer or alcohol flavors in the frosting or the cupcake, which seemed dry compared to others we have had there. We aren’t cupcake experts by any means, so perhaps a baking nut out there can set our beer-focused palates straight.

Regardless, we are interested in trying some beer in our own baking. If you are thinking of doing the same, you may get better inspiration by heading over to Birch & Barley to try some of pastry chef Tiffany MacIsaac’s beer-in-the-recipe desserts. You could also try the Baked Alaska at Rustico, which is served with St. Louis Framboise-infused ice cream, or better yet, go at a time when they partner with Buzz Bakery onsome beery sweets for a special event.

There are tons of beer baking recipes on the interwebs. To keep it local, below are a few from Modern Domestic. We suggest taking a hint from Sticky Fingers and subbing out Guinness for your favorite imperial chocolate stout. Happy (beer) baking!

• Chocolate Guinness Oreos
• St. Patrick’s Day Guinness Cupcakes