The Magic of Guinness: A Rich Chocolate Cake Recipe

Dark, rich chocolate meets Ireland’s beloved stout in this decadent guinness chocolate cake that promises an unforgettable dessert experience.

Layers of deep cocoa flavors mingle with the robust notes of Guinness stout, creating a moist and intense cake.

Beer might seem like an unusual ingredient, but it adds remarkable depth and complexity to every bite.

The stout’s slight bitterness perfectly balances the sweet chocolate, resulting in a sophisticated treat.

You’ll be amazed how such simple ingredients can produce such an extraordinary dessert.

This recipe transforms an ordinary baking moment into a culinary celebration.

Guinness Chocolate Cake – Richness Redefined

• Craft Rich Flavor: Guinness adds deep, complex chocolate notes that elevate this cake beyond ordinary desserts, creating a sophisticated taste experience.
• Impress with Simplicity: The recipe requires basic baking skills, making it accessible for home bakers of all levels while delivering professional-looking results.
• Celebrate Versatility: Perfect for special occasions like birthdays, St. Patrick's Day, or adult gatherings where a unique dessert will spark conversation and delight guests.
• Maximize Convenience: One-bowl mixing technique and straightforward ingredients mean minimal cleanup and quick preparation, letting you enjoy baking without stress.

Everything Needed for Guinness Chocolate Cake

• Guinness Stout: A rich, dark Irish beer that adds depth and moisture to the chocolate cake.
• Butter: Provides richness and helps create a tender cake texture.
• Cocoa Powder: Delivers intense chocolate flavor and dark color to the cake.

• All-Purpose Flour: Creates the basic structure of the cake.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with cake's caramelization.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Crucial leavening agents that help the cake rise and become fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.

• Eggs: Bind the ingredients and provide structure to the cake.
• Sour Cream: Adds moisture and creates a soft, tender crumb.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides a subtle, complex flavor enhancer.

• Cream Cheese, Butter: Create a rich, creamy base for the frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps thicken the frosting.
• Guinness Stout: Adds a unique flavor dimension to the cream cheese frosting.

Directions for Deep, Moist Chocolate Cake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set the oven to a cozy 350°F.

Grab your cake pans and give them a light butter massage to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create a Guinness Chocolate Base

Pour Guinness and butter into a saucepan.

Melt them together over gentle heat, then sprinkle in cocoa powder.

Let the mixture cool down and get acquainted.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

Whisk these dry friends together until they’re perfectly blended.

Step 4: Blend Wet Ingredients

• Eggs
• Sour cream
• Vanilla extract

Add the cooled Guinness-chocolate mixture and stir until everything looks happy and combined.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly introduce the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.

Stir gently until the batter becomes smooth and silky.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter equally into two cake pans.

Slide them into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean.

Step 7: Cool Down the Cakes

Let the cakes rest in their pans for 10 minutes.

Then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 8: Prepare Guinness Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat cream cheese and butter until they’re creamy and light.

Gradually add powdered sugar and a splash of Guinness.

Mix until the frosting is smooth and irresistible.

Step 9: Frost and Serve

Once the cakes are cool, spread the luscious frosting between layers and over the top.

Slice, serve, and enjoy your decadent Guinness Chocolate Cake!

Tips for a Boozy, Rich Cake Texture

• Select a robust, full-bodied Guinness stout to enhance the cake's deep chocolate flavor and provide rich moisture.
• Avoid overbaking by checking doneness early and removing cake from oven when a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
• Bring eggs, sour cream, and butter to room temperature for smoother batter and more even cake texture.
• Mix cream cheese frosting gently to maintain a light, smooth consistency without overbeating.
• Use exact measurements of wet ingredients to ensure the cake remains tender and not too dense or dry.

Guinness Cake Mix-Ins and Flavors

• Irish Coffee Chocolate Cake: Replace Guinness with strong brewed coffee for a non-alcoholic version that maintains rich depth.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Swap butter with coconut oil, use almond milk instead of sour cream, and choose vegan cream cheese for the frosting.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute wheat flour with a gluten-free blend containing xanthan gum, ensuring the same moist texture and chocolate intensity.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener in place of sugar, reducing overall calories while preserving the cake's decadent flavor profile.

Serving Guinness Chocolate Cake at Parties

• Rich Irish Pub Vibe: Serve slices on rustic wooden boards with a small glass of Guinness on the side for an authentic pub-style presentation.
• Decadent Dessert Pairing: Complement the cake with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream to balance the rich chocolate flavors.
• Elegant Garnish Touch: Sprinkle cocoa powder or dark chocolate shavings on top, or add a few fresh raspberries for a pop of color and tangy contrast.
• Celebration Plating: Drizzle extra Guinness chocolate sauce around the cake slice for a dramatic and indulgent dessert experience that highlights the cake's unique flavor profile.

Storage for Chocolate Cake Goodness

• Store the frosted cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
• Wrap the entire unfrosted cake in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting.
• Keep individual cake slices in sealed containers or wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds on medium power. For best texture, let the cake sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving to restore moisture and softness.

FAQs

• Why use Guinness in a chocolate cake?

Guinness adds depth and richness to the chocolate flavor, creating a more complex and moist cake with subtle malty undertones that enhance the overall taste.

• Is this cake suitable for kids?

The alcohol content cooks off during baking, making the cake safe for all ages. However, the flavor remains sophisticated and adult-friendly.

• Can I make this cake without beer?

While Guinness is key to the unique flavor, you can substitute with strong coffee or dark stout for similar moisture and depth.

• How does Guinness affect the cake's texture?

The beer helps create an incredibly moist, tender crumb by adding liquid and breaking down gluten, resulting in a softer, more delicate cake texture.

Guinness Chocolate Cake Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Rich Guinness Chocolate Cake beckons chocolate enthusiasts with its deep, malty undertones and luxurious crumb. Dark Irish stout infuses this dessert with complex layers of flavor, promising a memorable indulgence you won’t soon forget.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) Guinness stout
• 1 cup (227 grams) unsalted butter
• 2 cups (400 grams) granulated sugar
• 1 ½ cups (190 grams) all-purpose flour

Chocolate and Dairy Ingredients:

• ¾ cup (65 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 large eggs
• ⅔ cup (160 milliliters) sour cream
• 8 ounces (227 grams) cream cheese
• ½ cup (115 grams) unsalted butter
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) heavy cream

Seasoning and Flavoring Ingredients:

• 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 cups (480 grams) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare equipment: Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and set oven temperature to 350°F.
2. Create liquid base by heating Guinness and butter in saucepan until fully melted, then whisk in cocoa powder and allow to cool completely.
3. Separately combine dry ingredients: sift flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt into a large mixing bowl.
4. Create wet mixture by whisking eggs, sour cream, and vanilla extract until well integrated.
5. Gently fold cooled Guinness-cocoa mixture into wet ingredients, ensuring smooth and consistent texture.
6. Gradually incorporate dry ingredients into wet mixture, stirring carefully to prevent lumps and maintain even consistency.
7. Evenly distribute batter between prepared cake pans, smoothing surfaces with spatula.
8. Bake in preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, checking doneness with toothpick inserted into center.
9. Remove cakes and allow to rest in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire cooling rack.
10. Prepare frosting by beating cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy.
11. Gradually add powdered sugar and remaining Guinness, mixing until silky and spreadable.
12. Once cakes are completely cooled, generously frost and serve at room temperature.

Notes

• Replace sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter texture and tangy flavor boost.
• Swap regular flour with gluten-free blend to make the cake suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Add a dash of espresso powder to intensify the chocolate and Guinness flavors without overwhelming the cake.
• Try dark chocolate cream cheese frosting by mixing in melted dark chocolate for deeper richness.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Irish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 418 kcal
• Sugar: 43 g
• Sodium: 280 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 54 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 57 mg