Guinness Chocolate Cake Recipe

Quick & Dreamy Guinness Chocolate Cake Recipe for Beer Lovers

Crafting a decadent Guinness chocolate cake promises an adventure in rich, velvety indulgence that will surprise your taste buds.

Dark beer brings unexpected depth to this classic dessert, creating a complex flavor profile many bakers never explore.

Moist chocolate layers infused with irish stout deliver a subtle maltiness that elevates the entire experience.

Smooth cocoa and robust Guinness intertwine, producing a cake that feels simultaneously comforting and sophisticated.

Professional pastry techniques merge with home-style charm in this remarkable recipe that breaks traditional baking boundaries.

Deep, luxurious notes of chocolate complement the subtle hints of Guinness, resulting in a dessert that feels both familiar and extraordinary.

You won’t believe how something so simple can taste so extraordinary, prepare to be amazed by this incredible culinary creation.

Guinness Chocolate Cake for Rich Flavor Fans

  • Craft a Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: This banana cream pie delivers a perfect balance of creamy custard and fresh bananas that will have everyone asking for seconds.
  • Minimal Cooking Skills Required: Even novice bakers can master this recipe with simple steps and basic ingredients found in most kitchens.
  • Versatile Party Showstopper: Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or as a special weekend treat that impresses without complicated techniques.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the pie in advance and chill, allowing busy home cooks to plan ahead and reduce last-minute stress for dessert.

All About Guinness Chocolate Cake Ingredients

For the Cake Base:
  • Guinness: Adds deep, rich flavor 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.
  • Flour: Gives structure and creates the cake's base.
  • Sugar: Sweetens and helps with cake's texture and browning.
  • Baking Soda: Helps the cake rise and creates a light, soft crumb.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
For the Liquids and Binding:
  • Eggs: Bind ingredients together and provide structure.
  • Sour Cream: Adds moisture and creates a tender, rich cake.
For the Frosting:
  • Cream Cheese, Powdered Sugar: Creates a smooth, sweet frosting base.
  • Heavy Cream: Helps achieve a fluffy, light frosting texture.

Bake the Perfect Guinness Chocolate Cake

Bake the Perfect Guinness Chocolate Cake

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Warm your oven to 350°F. Coat two 9-inch cake pans with butter and line with parchment paper, ensuring smooth edges for easy cake removal.

Step 2: Create Chocolate Guinness Base

Pour Guinness and butter into a saucepan. Heat gently until completely melted and blended.

Remove from heat and whisk in cocoa powder until silky smooth with no lumps.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Granulated sugar
  • Baking soda
  • Salt

Stir ingredients together until evenly distributed.

Step 4: Blend Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk eggs and sour cream until creamy. Slowly incorporate the warm Guinness-chocolate mixture, stirring continuously to create a uniform liquid.

Step 5: Combine Batter

Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture. Mix gently but thoroughly until no flour streaks remain.

Do not overmix to keep cake tender.

Step 6: Fill Cake Pans

Divide batter equally between prepared pans.

Use a spatula to spread evenly and tap pans gently to release air bubbles.

Step 7: Bake Cake

Slide pans into preheated oven.

Bake for 35-40 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should emerge clean.

Let cakes rest in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.

Step 8: Whip Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.

Add heavy cream and continue beating until frosting reaches smooth, spreadable consistency.

Step 9: Decorate and Serve

Once cakes are completely cooled, generously spread frosting between layers and over entire cake.

Slice and enjoy your decadent Guinness chocolate creation.

Great Results with Guinness Chocolate Cake Tips

  • Choose high-quality cocoa powder for a rich, deep chocolate flavor that complements the Guinness beer.
  • Let ingredients like eggs and sour cream come to room temperature before mixing to ensure smoother batter and even baking.
  • Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent a dense, tough cake texture; stir just until ingredients are combined.
  • Line cake pans precisely with parchment paper to guarantee easy cake removal and prevent sticking.
  • Cool cakes completely before frosting to prevent the cream cheese topping from melting and sliding off the cake layers.

New Flavors to Try in Guinness Chocolate Cake

  • Irish Coffee Chocolate Cake: Replace Guinness with strong brewed Irish coffee for a whiskey-infused flavor profile. Add a splash of Irish whiskey to the frosting for extra richness.
  • Dark Chocolate Stout Variation: Use a different dark stout beer like Murphy's or Murphy's Irish Stout. Incorporate dark chocolate chunks into the batter for intense chocolate depth.
  • Salted Caramel Guinness Cake: Drizzle homemade salted caramel between cake layers. Sprinkle sea salt flakes on top of the cream cheese frosting for a sweet-salty contrast.
  • Orange Chocolate Guinness Cake: Add orange zest to the batter and frosting. Include a hint of orange liqueur for a citrusy undertone that complements the rich chocolate and stout flavors.

How to Plate Guinness Chocolate Cake for Dessert

  • St. Patrick's Day Party Showstopper: Create a festive Irish-themed dessert display with green shamrock decorations around the cake. Dust the top with cocoa powder in a clover pattern for extra charm.
  • Decadent Dessert Bar Centerpiece: Slice cake into smaller squares and arrange on a elegant wooden board. Pair with whiskey-infused whipped cream and dark chocolate shavings for an indulgent tasting experience.
  • Cozy Comfort Dessert: Serve warm slices with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce. Add a sprinkle of sea salt to enhance the rich chocolate and Guinness flavors.

Storing Guinness Chocolate Cake Properly

  • Cover the cake loosely with a cake dome or plastic wrap and keep on the kitchen counter for 2-3 days. Ensure the storage area is cool and away from direct sunlight to maintain freshness.
  • Place the frosted cake in an airtight container or wrap carefully with plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. Remove the cake 30 minutes before serving to let it come to room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
  • Wrap the unfrosted cake layers individually in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting and serving. For frosted cake, freeze for up to 1 month, carefully wrapped to prevent freezer burn.

FAQs

  • Can I substitute Guinness with another beer?

Yes, you can use other dark stouts or porters with similar rich, malty flavors that complement the chocolate.

  • Is the cake alcoholic after baking?

No, most alcohol cooks off during baking, leaving behind a deep, complex flavor without significant alcohol content.

  • How do I know if my cake is properly mixed?

The batter should be smooth and free of lumps, with a consistent dark chocolate color throughout.

  • Can I make this cake gluten-free?

You can try using a gluten-free flour blend, but the texture might slightly change from the original recipe.

Print
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Guinness Chocolate Cake Recipe

Guinness Chocolate Cake Recipe


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4.7 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Rich Guinness chocolate cake combines Irish stout’s deep complexity with luxurious chocolate for an indulgent dessert. Dark, moist layers promise intense flavor that lingers beautifully on palates seeking remarkable culinary experiences.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup Guinness stout (355 ml)
  • 1 cup unsalted butter (226 g)
  • 3/4 cup cocoa powder
  • 2/3 cup sour cream
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven at 350°F (175°C) and meticulously line two 9-inch cake pans with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage.
  2. In a medium saucepan, gently melt Guinness and butter together, creating a rich liquid base. Remove from heat and vigorously whisk in cocoa powder until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
  3. Combine dry ingredients in a spacious mixing bowl, blending flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt with a thorough whisking motion.
  4. Separately, blend eggs and sour cream until smooth and homogeneous. Gradually incorporate the warm Guinness mixture, stirring continuously.
  5. Carefully fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until just combined and avoiding overmixing to maintain cake’s delicate texture.
  6. Distribute batter evenly between prepared cake pans, using a spatula to ensure uniform spread.
  7. Bake for 35-40 minutes, monitoring for a clean toothpick test. Allow cakes to rest in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.
  8. Prepare frosting by beating cream cheese and powdered sugar until achieving a smooth consistency. Gradually add heavy cream, continuing to beat until light and fluffy.
  9. Once cakes are entirely cooled, generously frost and decorate the layered cake, ready to serve and enjoy.

Notes

  • Swap Guinness with coffee or cola for a non-alcoholic version that maintains rich, deep flavor complexity.
  • Use gluten-free flour blend to make this cake suitable for those with wheat sensitivities, ensuring texture remains moist and tender.
  • Room temperature ingredients help create smoother batter and more even cake texture, especially for eggs and dairy components.
  • Reduce sugar slightly and add dark chocolate chips for extra depth and less sweetness if preferred by more sophisticated palates.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Irish

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 360
  • Sugar: 32 g
  • Sodium: 230 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 48 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg
Jack Monroe

Jack Monroe

Founder & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Pacific Northwest cuisine, Single-serving recipe development, Sustainable sourcing and cooking, Modern comfort food​

Education

Brightwater
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and food systems education


Jack grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a cast-iron skillet in the other. After graduating from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, he set out to prove that cooking for one could still taste like a feast.
Jack believes that food should feel real: fresh, fearless, and a little wild, just like the rivers he grew up around. For Jack, every single dish is a small adventure, and the best ones are the ones you can cook with heart, not hassle.

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