Chocolate Guinness Cake Recipe

If you love the idea of a rich, moist chocolate cake that also carries a subtle hint of deep, malty stout, you’re in for a real treat with this Chocolate Guinness Cake Recipe. This cake is a true showstopper with its tender crumb and luscious cream cheese frosting, creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures that you’ll want to make again and again. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving something decadent, this Chocolate Guinness Cake Recipe brings joy to every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple, pantry-friendly ingredients come together to create this unforgettable cake. Each one plays a crucial role: from the Guinness stout adding moisture and depth, to the cocoa powder providing rich chocolate intensity, and the sour cream keeping the crumb tender and soft.

• Guinness stout: The star ingredient that gives this cake its signature rich, malty flavor and tender texture.
• Unsalted butter: Adds creaminess and richness without overpowering other flavors.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: Provides deep chocolate notes and beautiful dark color.
• All-purpose flour: The foundation that holds the cake together with just the right density.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps create a moist crumb.
• Baking powder and baking soda: Work together to give your cake lift and a soft texture.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the sweetness and chocolate flavors.
• Large eggs: Bind the batter and add richness.
• Sour cream: Keeps the cake incredibly moist and adds a subtle tanginess.
• Vanilla extract: Amplifies the flavors and adds a warm, fragrant note.
• Buttermilk: Helps tenderize the cake and adds a hint of tang.
• Cream cheese: Essential for the luscious frosting that perfectly complements the cake’s richness.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting and ensures a silky texture.
• Heavy cream: Lightens the frosting and gives it a fluffy, spreadable consistency.

How to Make Chocolate Guinness Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

The first step is preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your cake pan to ensure the layers come out perfectly. Using either a 9-inch round pan or two 8-inch pans works beautifully—it’s about what you prefer for thickness and presentation.

Step 2: Combine Guinness and Butter

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter into the Guinness stout, stirring occasionally. This warming step blends the flavors and creates a luxurious base for the chocolate. Once the butter has melted, whisk in the cocoa powder until everything is smooth and velvety. Let it cool slightly so it won’t cook the eggs later.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

While the Guinness mixture cools, sift together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and prevents clumps of sugar or cocoa, which helps your cake bake evenly.

Step 4: Whisk Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, sour cream, and vanilla extract. The eggs add structure, while sour cream lends moisture and a subtle tang that balances the sweetness perfectly. Once combined, gently fold this mixture into your dry ingredients—don’t overmix, just combine until there’s no more flour visible.

Step 5: Incorporate Guinness Chocolate Mixture and Buttermilk

Slowly pour the cooled Guinness-chocolate mixture into the batter, stirring gently until smooth and uniform in texture. Next, stir in the buttermilk, which adds an extra touch of tenderness and richness. The batter should be luscious and a bit thick, ready to bake.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared pan(s) and pop it into the oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes, but start checking around 30 minutes to avoid overbaking—your goal is a moist crumb, so the cake should come out with a toothpick that’s mostly clean but still has a few moist crumbs attached.

Step 7: Cooling Time

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes to firm up a bit, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the frosting from melting when applied.

Step 8: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat together softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until creamy and smooth. Add the heavy cream and vanilla extract and whip until fluffy and glossy. This frosting is a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and smooth that pairs incredibly well with the deep chocolate of the cake.

Step 9: Frost and Enjoy

Once the cake is completely cool, spread the frosting evenly on top (and between layers if making a layered cake). Slice, serve, and prepare for compliments galore!

How to Serve Chocolate Guinness Cake Recipe

Garnishes

The classic cream cheese frosting stands beautifully on its own, but if you want to elevate presentation, consider garnishing with fresh berries, a dusting of cocoa powder, or even some dark chocolate shavings for a touch of elegance. These simple additions can brighten the look and add bursts of flavor.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream if you want an extra special treat. For a cozy drink pairing, try a smooth cup of coffee or a pint of Guinness to echo the cake’s flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive occasion or a potluck, try making cupcakes instead of a single cake, frosting each generously. You can also layer this cake with fresh strawberries or raspberry jam between layers for a fruity surprise. Serving it on a beautiful cake stand or rustic wooden board adds a charming touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen and develop after sitting, making your next slice just as delightful as the first.

Freezing

You can freeze the baked cake (without frosting) by wrapping it well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It will keep nicely for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then frost and enjoy as if freshly made.

Reheating

If you prefer your cake slightly warmed, pop a slice in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. This wakes up the chocolate flavors and gives the frosting a softer texture—perfect for cozy gatherings.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of beer instead of Guinness?

While Guinness gives this cake its distinct malty flavor and color, you can experiment with other stouts or dark beers for slight variations. Avoid light beers as they won’t provide the same depth.

Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for Guinness?

Yes! You can use a non-alcoholic stout or even strong brewed coffee to mimic the rich, roasted flavors without the alcohol, though this will slightly change the cake’s character.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that includes xanthan gum to keep the cake’s texture intact.

How long does it take to make the Chocolate Guinness Cake Recipe from start to finish?

From prepping ingredients to frosting, you’re looking at about an hour total—15 minutes of prep and around 35 minutes baking, plus cooling and frosting time.

Can I double the recipe for a larger cake?

Yes, you can double all ingredients and bake in a larger pan or multiple pans. Just adjust cooking time as needed and keep a close eye on doneness with a toothpick test.

Final Thoughts

Making this Chocolate Guinness Cake Recipe is like giving yourself a big, warm hug in dessert form. It’s rich, comforting, and surprisingly simple, perfect for sharing with family or friends. I promise, once you try this, it’ll become your go-to celebration cake or a special weekend treat. So go ahead, bake it, enjoy it, and spread the love with every decadent bite!

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