If you’re looking for a dessert that combines rich chocolate goodness with the deep, complex flavors of stout beer, this Chocolate Guinness Cake Recipe is a true treasure. This cake bursts with moist texture and subtle hints of roasted malt from the Guinness, making it a spectacularly unique treat that’s perfect for any celebration or just an indulgent night at home. The balance of cocoa and beer creates an irresistible depth, while the optional cream cheese frosting adds a silky, tangy contrast that perfectly complements the cake’s bold flavor. Once you try this Chocolate Guinness Cake Recipe, it’s bound to become one of your favorite go-to desserts.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s fantastic about this Chocolate Guinness Cake Recipe is how straightforward the ingredients are, yet how each one plays a pivotal role in creating that luscious texture and rich taste. From the robust Guinness stout to the creamy sour cream and cocoa powder, every item brings its own magic to the table.
- Guinness stout (1 cup): Provides that signature deep, malty flavor and moistens the cake beautifully.
- Unsalted butter (10 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps blend the flavors seamlessly.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (3/4 cup): Gives the cake its intense chocolate character.
- Granulated sugar (2 cups): Sweetens evenly while balancing the bitterness of the stout.
- Sour cream (3/4 cup): Keeps the crumb tender and adds a subtle tanginess.
- Eggs (2 large): Bind the ingredients and contribute to the cake’s structure.
- Vanilla extract (1 tablespoon): Enhances the depth of flavor without overpowering.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): Provides the base structure of the cake.
- Baking soda (2 1/2 teaspoons): Reacts with the acidic Guinness and sour cream for a light, airy crumb.
- Pinch of salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies chocolate flavor.
- For optional cream cheese frosting: Cream cheese (8 ounces), powdered sugar (1 cup), heavy cream (1/2 cup) – adds a rich, tangy topping that mimics a perfect pint’s foam.
How to Make Chocolate Guinness Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Preheat
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line it with parchment paper at the bottom. This ensures your cake will release easily and have a clean edge, perfect for serving.
Step 2: Combine Guinness and Butter
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter into the Guinness stout. This step helps infuse the butter with the stout’s unique flavor, setting the tone for the entire cake.
Step 3: Add Cocoa Powder and Sugar
Whisk in the unsweetened cocoa powder and sugar until the mixture is smooth and glossy. This creates the base of the cake’s rich chocolatey goodness that’s extra moist thanks to the stout.
Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients
Remove the saucepan from heat and let it cool slightly. Meanwhile, whisk together the sour cream, eggs, and vanilla extract in a separate bowl. Then, combine this with the Guinness mixture, ensuring everything is blended evenly for a smooth batter.
Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Gently fold them into the wet ingredients, stirring just enough to combine. This keeps the cake tender and prevents overmixing.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and slide it into the oven. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The cake will have a moist crumb and a beautiful, slightly glossy top.
Step 7: Cool and Frost
Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan. For the frosting, beat the cream cheese until smooth, then gradually mix in powdered sugar. Slowly add heavy cream and beat until fluffy. Spread this over the cooled cake to mimic the creamy head of a pint of Guinness, creating a stunning and delicious finish.
How to Serve Chocolate Guinness Cake Recipe
Garnishes
To enhance the charm of your cake presentation, consider dusting the top lightly with cocoa powder or finely grated dark chocolate. Fresh raspberries or a sprinkle of coffee beans also add a sophisticated touch while complementing the chocolate stout flavors wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs delightfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly whipped cream, adding a cool contrast to the rich, dense cake. For adults, a glass of Guinness or Irish coffee can turn this dessert into a full-on themed indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
For a memorable occasion, serve individual slices on slate boards or rustic wooden plates and add edible gold leaf or chocolate shavings on top. You could also turn this recipe into cupcakes for a party-friendly version that grabs attention with just as much flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once baked and frosted, store your Chocolate Guinness Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This keeps it fresh for up to 4 days. Bringing it to room temperature before serving helps release the full flavor and moist texture.
Freezing
If you want to keep this cake longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze. It freezes exceptionally well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bring to room temperature when ready to enjoy.
Reheating
To warm up leftovers, place cake slices in the microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds. This softens the cake and enhances its gooey richness without drying it out. Be careful not to overheat, especially if the cake is frosted.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of stout instead of Guinness?
Absolutely! While Guinness provides a classic flavor profile, other stouts with similar roasted, malty notes can work beautifully. Just keep the stout flavor balanced so it doesn’t overpower the chocolate.
Is this cake gluten-free or can it be made gluten-free?
The original Chocolate Guinness Cake Recipe uses all-purpose flour with gluten, but you can swap it for a gluten-free flour blend that measures one-to-one. Make sure the blend includes xanthan gum for structure.
Can I omit the cream cheese frosting?
Yes! The cake is rich and flavorful enough to be enjoyed on its own. For a lighter option, try topping slices with whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar instead.
Will the cake taste strongly of beer?
Not at all. The Guinness offers a subtle complexity rather than a beer-forward flavor, enhancing the chocolate without overwhelming it. If you prefer, let the cake rest a day, which helps mellow out the stout notes.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
Insert a toothpick or skewer in the cake’s center; if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs clinging, the cake is done. Overbaking can dry the cake, so keep an eye towards the end of the baking time.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Guinness Cake Recipe is a heartfelt celebration of flavors that’s sure to delight both chocolate lovers and those looking for a sophisticated twist on a classic dessert. Its moist texture and unique stout-infused richness make it one of those recipes you’ll want to whip up again and again, especially when you want to impress friends or enjoy a special treat at home. Give it a try—you won’t regret having this scrumptious cake on your recipe roster!
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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
This rich and moist Chocolate Guinness Cake is a decadent Irish-inspired dessert that combines the deep flavors of stout beer and cocoa. Perfectly complemented by a creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting, it’s an indulgent treat that’s simple to prepare and even better the next day.
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
Optional Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Prepare Pan and Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper to ensure easy removal after baking.
- Melt Butter and Combine with Guinness: In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine the Guinness stout and unsalted butter. Stir continuously until the butter has fully melted.
- Add Cocoa and Sugar: Whisk in the unsweetened cocoa powder and granulated sugar into the Guinness-butter mixture until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly.
- Mix Wet Ingredients Separately: In a separate bowl, whisk together the sour cream, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and uniform.
- Combine Mixtures: Pour the cooled Guinness mixture into the wet ingredients and mix well to combine all components evenly.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined and no streaks of flour remain.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared springform pan. Place it in the oven and bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, allow the cake to cool completely in the pan.
- Prepare Frosting: Beat the cream cheese in a bowl until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar while continuing to beat. Slowly pour in the heavy cream and beat until the frosting becomes light and fluffy.
- Frost the Cake: Once the cake has fully cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting generously on top to mimic the frothy head of a pint of Guinness.
Notes
- This cake improves in flavor and texture when left overnight. Store it in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving.
- You can omit the cream cheese frosting if preferred, or substitute with whipped cream for a lighter topping.
