Okay, picture this: it’s a chilly evening, you’re curled up on the couch, and you’re craving something seriously indulgent. But not just any dessert – something with a little *oomph*. That’s where my Guinness Chocolate Cake comes in. It’s like a chocolate cake decided to take a trip to Ireland and came back with the most amazing accent. Seriously, if you love chocolate cake but want something a little extra special, think of this as the sophisticated older sibling. It’s moist, rich, and has this incredibly subtle malty flavor that just… works. I promise, you won’t regret trying this! It’s become a tradition for St. Patrick’s Day, but honestly, I make it year-round because it’s just that good.
What is Guinness Chocolate Cake?
What is Guinness Chocolate Cake? What is essentially a rich chocolate cake that gets its incredible moisture and subtle flavors? What is the flavor of Guinness Stout? Think of it as a marriage between the fudgy chocolate cake and the dark, roasted notes of an espresso. Irish stout. It’s not overwhelmingly beer-y. Instead, Guinness enhances the chocolate flavor, making it richer and more complex. The beer also tenderizes the cake, creating a texture that’s unbelievably soft and moist. The frothy head of the stout reacts with the cocoa powder to create an almost magical chemistry. What is a cake?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
How do I begin? This recipe is a total winner. First and foremost, the human condition.flavorIs it out of this world? The rich chocolate is perfectly balanced by the subtle bitterness and maltiness of the Guinness. What I love about this is how sweet it is.easyWhat is Guinness to make? Is it really a matter of mixing everything together? I’ve made this on busy weeknights (don’t judge! ), and it always comes out perfectly. Plus, the ingredients are all pretty good.cost-effectiveWhat are some of the best Guinnesses in the world? Is it incredibly, amazinglyversatileWhat are some good side dishes to serve with powdered sugar, chocolate ganache, or even a cookie? How do you scoop vanilla ice cream? I’ve even used it as the base for trifle! If you’re looking for something different than your usual chocolate cake (which, let’s be honest, isn’t that bad) then this is the place to go. Can get boring after a while), this is your answer. Is this a good alternative to the Red Velvet Cake?
How to Make Guinness Chocolate Cake
Quick Overview
Making this Guinness Chocolate Cake is easier than you might think! You basically whisk together wet and dry ingredients, add in the Guinness, bake, and then cover with a luscious Cream Cheese Frosting. The real magic happens in the oven. You’ll be amazed how quickly this comes together! It’s straightforward enough for even beginner bakers, but it tastes like something you’d get at a fancy bakery. No stand mixer required either, just a couple of bowls and a whisk.
Ingredients
What is Guinness Chocolate Cake?
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened. Make sure it’s *really* soft for easy mixing! * 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar. Don’t skimp on this; it balances the Guinness perfectly. * Use room temperature eggs for better volume. * 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. * 1 cup Guinness stout. This is the star of the show! * 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder. I prefer Dutch-processed for a deeper chocolate flavor. * 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour. Spoon and level the flour for accurate measurement. * 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda. Make sure it’s fresh for the best rise. * 3/4 teaspoon baking powder. Again, freshness matters! * 1/2 teaspoon salt. What is the best sour cream to use? Is full fat the way to go?
What is the recipe for Cream Cheese Frosting?
* 8 ounces cream cheese, softened. Super important that it’s softened, otherwise, you’ll get lumps.
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened. Same as the cake, make sure it’s nice and soft!
* 4 cups powdered sugar. Sift it if you’re prone to lumps.
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
How do I follow
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch springform pan. I always use a springform pan because it makes removing the cake so much easier. You can use parchment paper on the bottom for extra protection against sticking. Make sure to grease every nook and cranny!
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Whisking is important to evenly distribute the baking soda and powder. If you skip this, you might end up with pockets of baking soda, which is not fun. I always do this first so that when the wet ingredients are ready, I just have to quickly combine them.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Gradually add the Guinness, mixing until just combined. Add the Sour Cream and mix well. The batter might look a little curdled at this point, but don’t worry, it’ll all come together in the end. Room temperature ingredients are key here to avoid curdling.
Step 4: Combine
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. What is the best way to avoid overmixing? If you overmix the flour, the gluten will develop, resulting in a tough cake. I like to stop mixing when there are still a few streaks of flour and then finish mixing by hand. How do you use a spatul
Step 5: Bake
If you are using a wooden skewer, pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes. In the center comes out clean. What is the best time to check for doneness in your oven? The top of the cake should spring back lightly when touched. If it’s browning too quickly, tent it with foil.
Step 6: Cool & Glaze
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. While the cake is cooling, prepare the Cream Cheese frosting. In a large bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Set aside. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until smooth. Stir in the lemon juice. Once the cake is completely cool, frost it with the cream cheese frosting.
Step 7: Slice & Serve
Slice and serve. This cake is best served at room temperature. Can you garnish it with chocolate shavings or cocoa powder? I always chill it for at least 30 minutes to allow the frosting to set and then slice. Is it good with coffee or a glass of Guinness?
What are some good ways to serve it with?
What are some of the best ways to serve Guinness Chocolate Cake? Can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.
For a Casual Brunch:Serve with Irish tea or a cup of coffee. A simple platter with Fresh Berries adds a bright contrast to the richness of the cake.
As an Elegant Dessert:Top each slice with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. A glass of dessert wine, like a Port or Sherry, pairs beautifully with the chocolate and Guinness.
For a Cozy Night In:Can you serve a slice of vanilla ice cream with it? What is better than hot chocolate on a cold evening?
St. Patrick’s Day Celebration: What is yourWhat’s with a pint of Guinness? The malty notes of the beer complement the cake perfectly.
My family loves it with a simple drizzle of chocolate ganache. Is it good as a trifle? Irish cream liqueur for an extra kick!
How do I make a Guinness chocolate cake?
How do I make Guinness Chocolate Cake?
Guinness Tip:Don’t pour Guinness straight from the can. Let it sit for a few minutes to allow the foam to settle. How do I measure overflow?
Mixing Advice:Do not overmix the batter! Overmixing develops gluten in the flour, which can result in a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
Temperature Matters:Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature. How do I make a smooth batter?
Frosting Fun:If you find your cream cheese frosting too soft, add a tablespoon of powdered sugar at the same time. If you need consistency, wait until it reaches the desired consistency. If it’s too thick, add a teaspoon of milk or cream.
Oven Wisdom: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on the cake while it’s baking. If the top is browning too quickly, tent it with foil.
Cooling is the key. Let the cake cool completely before frosting. This will prevent the frosting from melting and sliding off.
Ingredient Swaps: I’ve had great success using gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in this recipe! Also, you can swap the sour cream with plain Greek yogurt for a tangier flavor.
Storing and Reheating Tips
This Guinness Chocolate Cake is delicious fresh, but it also stores well!
Room Temperature: You can store the unfrosted cake at room temperature for up to 2 days. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.
Refrigerator Storage: The frosted cake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover it loosely with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the unfrosted cake for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before frosting.
Glaze Timing Advice: I recommend frosting the cake just before serving for the best flavor and texture. If you frost it ahead of time, the frosting might soften slightly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This Guinness Chocolate Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a hug in a cake. It’s the kind of recipe that gets passed down through generations, becoming a family favorite. The incredible flavor, the surprising ease of making it, and the sheer joy it brings to everyone who tries it makes it a total winner. If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also love my Irish Soda Bread or my Baileys Irish Cream Cheesecake. Both are equally delicious and perfect for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or any occasion. Happy baking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Be sure to leave a comment and rating below, and don’t forget to share your own variations!
Guinness Chocolate Cake
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.75 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 0.75 cups unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
- 1.5 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup Guinness stout
- 0.5 cups vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, Guinness, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
