If you’re searching for a showstopping dessert that’s rich, dark, and undeniably irresistible, Chocolate Guinness Cake is absolutely the answer. Imagine a moist, tender crumb with deep cocoa flavor, enriched by the unmistakable malty notes of Guinness stout, all crowned with a dreamy cloud of cream cheese frosting. Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or just treating yourself, this cake manages to look decadent and taste even better—and it’ll have everyone swooning at first bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Baking a superb Chocolate Guinness Cake is easier than you might think. Every ingredient plays its vital part, coming together to create a dessert that tastes both luxurious and comforting. Here’s what you’ll need, along with a few helpful tips for each:
- Guinness Stout: The secret ingredient! Its deep, roasty flavor intensifies the chocolate while keeping the cake extra moist.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and moisture, creating a beautifully tender crumb.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Provides that intense chocolate flavor—choose a high-quality variety for best results.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and balances the slight bitterness from the stout and cocoa.
- Sour Cream: The key to a luscious texture, adding subtle tang and keeping the cake from drying out.
- Large Eggs: Help everything bind together while adding lift and lightness.
- Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavors and brings a comforting warmth to the cake.
- All-Purpose Flour: The foundation that gives the cake its structure—don’t forget to sift for a finer crumb.
- Baking Soda: Ensures the cake rises beautifully.
- Pinch of Salt: Just a bit makes all the chocolatey notes pop!
- Cream Cheese (for frosting): Smooth, tangy, and the perfect creamy topping.
- Powdered Sugar (for frosting): Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
- Heavy Cream (for frosting): Whips up the frosting into a dreamy, cloud-like finish.
How to Make Chocolate Guinness Cake
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Get started by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan and place a round of parchment in the bottom—this makes sure your beautiful Chocolate Guinness Cake comes out easily later on, no crumbling.
Step 2: Melt the Butter with Guinness
Add the Guinness and unsalted butter to a large saucepan and set it over medium heat. Slowly stir the mixture as the butter melts—this is when those signature malty aromas start wafting through your kitchen. Once melted and combined, you’re ready for the next delicious step.
Step 3: Mix in Cocoa and Sugar
Whisk the unsweetened cocoa powder and granulated sugar right into the buttery stout mixture until smooth and glossy. This base is key to the cake’s deep chocolate flavor, and it should look rich and dark at this stage. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly so you don’t scramble the eggs later on.
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the sour cream, eggs, and vanilla extract until everything is silky and well blended. The sour cream helps keep the cake tender and adds just a touch of tang to complement the chocolate.
Step 5: Blend Wet and Dry Mixes
Pour the cocoa-Guinness mixture into your wet ingredients, stirring until combined. Next, sift in the flour, baking soda, and salt—sifting makes a surprisingly big difference for a smooth batter and even crumb! Fold everything together gently, just until you don’t see flour streaks.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pour your finished batter into the prepared pan and smooth out the top. Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Try not to peek too much while baking—the cake’s rise and aroma will do all the talking!
Step 7: Cool and Frost
Let your cake cool completely in the pan. Meanwhile, make the frosting by beating cream cheese until smooth, gradually adding powdered sugar, and then slowly pouring in the heavy cream. Beat until everything is light, fluffy, and thick enough to spread. Once the cake is cool, lavish on the frosting in a billowy layer to mimic the look of a frothy pint of Guinness. Admire your masterpiece—this frosting is pure magic paired with the Chocolate Guinness Cake!
How to Serve Chocolate Guinness Cake
Garnishes
This cake is already spectacular, but a few well-chosen garnishes can make it shine even brighter. Try a scattering of chocolate curls, dusting of cocoa powder, or a sprinkle of espresso powder for an elegant finish. If you’re feeling fancy, a few gold flakes or shamrock sprinkles add a playful nod to its Irish inspiration.
Side Dishes
Chocolate Guinness Cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of good vanilla ice cream, sliced fresh strawberries, or even a small drizzle of Bailey’s Irish Cream. For a lighter touch, offer some tart raspberries or a dollop of barely-sweetened whipped cream alongside each slice.
Creative Ways to Present
Rather than the classic round cake, you can bake this recipe as cupcakes for parties—just adjust your baking time accordingly. For a playful touch, serve slices in pint glasses, layered with frosting for a “dessert parfait” effect. Or cut the cake into mini squares and dip the tops in ganache for irresistible bite-sized treats.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, wrap the cake well and store it in the refrigerator. It stays moist and flavorful for several days—the flavors actually get deeper with a bit of time. Just be sure to bring it back to room temperature for the best texture and taste before serving.
Freezing
Chocolate Guinness Cake freezes wonderfully! Wrap unfrosted slices (or the whole cake) tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight before bringing to room temperature and frosting. The frosting itself can be made ahead and stored separately in the fridge or freezer as well.
Reheating
While this cake is delicious at room temperature, if you want a little warm decadence, pop a slice (unfrosted is best for reheating) in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. This gently revives its velvety texture and makes the chocolate flavors more pronounced. Add frosting after reheating for a perfect finish!
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of stout if I don’t have Guinness?
Absolutely. While Guinness gives that classic touch, any dark stout will work. Just keep in mind, different beers may add their own subtle twists on flavor.
Is it necessary to use sour cream, or can I substitute it?
Sour cream is wonderful for texture and tang, but if you’re out, plain Greek yogurt makes a good swap without sacrificing richness.
Do you taste the beer in the cake?
You might be surprised! The stout doesn’t make the cake taste ‘beery’—instead, it enhances the cocoa and adds a grown-up depth. Even those who aren’t beer fans usually love it.
Can I make Chocolate Guinness Cake as cupcakes?
For sure! Divide the batter among muffin tins and bake for about 18–20 minutes. Just keep an eye on them for doneness, as timing may vary a bit.
How far in advance can I make this cake?
This cake is a total star for parties because you can make it a day or two ahead. In fact, it tastes even better the next day after a night in the fridge—just bring it to room temperature before serving.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried Chocolate Guinness Cake, now is the time to dive in and discover why it’s a beloved favorite for so many. Whether you bake it for a special occasion or just a weekend treat, it promises to charm everyone with every rich, chocolatey bite. Happy baking—your new signature dessert awaits!
Print
Chocolate Guinness Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Irish-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and decadent flavors of this Chocolate Guinness Cake, a moist and fudgy dessert with a hint of stout. Topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting, it’s a perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cake:
- 1 cup Guinness stout
- 10 tablespoons (1 1/4 sticks) unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup sour cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- Pinch of salt
Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
- Mix Guinness and butter: In a saucepan, combine Guinness and butter. Stir until the butter melts. Whisk in cocoa powder and sugar until smooth. Let cool slightly.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a bowl, whisk sour cream, eggs, and vanilla. Add the Guinness mixture and mix well.
- Add dry ingredients: Sift in flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir until just combined.
- Bake: Pour batter into pan and bake for 45–55 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool cake in the pan.
- Make frosting: Beat cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar. Slowly add heavy cream and beat until fluffy. Spread over the cooled cake.
Notes
- This cake tastes even better the next day. Store in the fridge and bring to room temperature before serving.
- You can opt for no frosting or use whipped cream as a lighter alternative.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
