Chocolate Guinness Cake

Chocolate Guinness Cake is a rich, moist, and decadent dessert that pairs deep chocolate flavor with the malty, roasted notes of Guinness stout. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting that mimics the foamy head of a pint of beer, this cake is a show-stopper that’s perfect for St. Patrick’s Day, birthdays, or any time you’re craving something indulgently unique.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chocolate Guinness Cake is more than just a novelty—it’s a genuinely delicious dessert with bold, complex flavor. The stout beer enhances the chocolate, making the cake incredibly moist and giving it a deep, almost coffee-like richness. The silky cream cheese frosting is the perfect contrast to the dense cake, offering tang and sweetness in every bite. Despite its gourmet appearance, the recipe is surprisingly simple to make.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the cake:

• Guinness stout (or any dark stout beer)
• Unsalted butter
• Unsweetened cocoa powder
• Granulated sugar
• Sour cream
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda

For the cream cheese frosting:

• Cream cheese (softened)
• Unsalted butter (softened)
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Heavy cream or milk (optional, for adjusting consistency)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper.
2. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the Guinness and butter. Heat until butter is melted, then whisk in cocoa powder and sugar until smooth. Remove from heat and cool slightly.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together sour cream, eggs, and vanilla. Slowly add the Guinness mixture and stir until well combined.
4. Sift in the flour and baking soda and fold into the wet ingredients until just incorporated.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 45–55 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
6. Let the cake cool completely in the pan before removing.
7. To make the frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla. Beat until fluffy, adding a splash of cream if needed.
8. Spread the frosting generously over the top of the cooled cake, mimicking the frothy head of a pint of Guinness.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 12–14 people.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Bake time: 50 minutes
Cooling and frosting time: 1 hour
Total time: About 2 hours 10 minutes

Variations

• Mini Cakes: Bake in cupcake tins for individual servings.
• Boozy Frosting: Add a teaspoon of Irish cream or whiskey to the frosting for extra flavor.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Chocolate Chips: Stir mini chocolate chips into the batter for added texture.
• Layer Cake: Double the recipe and bake in two pans for a more traditional layered presentation.

storage/reheating

Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving for best texture.
You can freeze the unfrosted cake for up to 2 months—wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil.
Thaw overnight in the fridge, then frost before serving.
Do not reheat; this cake is best served at room temperature or slightly chilled.

FAQs

Can I taste the beer in the cake?

The Guinness adds depth and moisture but doesn’t make the cake taste like beer—it enhances the chocolate flavor subtly.

Can I use a different stout beer?

Yes, any dark stout or porter will work, but Guinness is traditional for its unique flavor profile.

Is the alcohol still present after baking?

Most of the alcohol bakes off, but if you’re concerned, you can use a non-alcoholic stout.

Can I make this cake without beer?

You can substitute brewed coffee for a similar deep flavor, though it won’t be exactly the same.

What type of cocoa powder should I use?

Use unsweetened natural or Dutch-processed cocoa for the best rich chocolate flavor.

Do I need a springform pan?

A springform pan is ideal for easy removal, but you can use a regular cake pan lined with parchment.

How thick should the frosting be?

It should be thick but spreadable, resembling the foamy head of a pint of Guinness.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, it actually tastes better the next day once the flavors have had time to meld.

What should I serve with Chocolate Guinness Cake?

It pairs wonderfully with coffee, Irish cream, or even a cold glass of milk.

Can I use this recipe for cupcakes?

Yes, reduce the bake time to about 20–22 minutes and adjust frosting portions accordingly.

Conclusion

Chocolate Guinness Cake is a rich, decadent dessert that brings a touch of sophistication and fun to any table. With its ultra-moist texture, deep chocolate flavor, and smooth cream cheese topping, it’s the perfect balance of indulgence and elegance. Whether you’re baking for St. Patrick’s Day or just in the mood for a cake that’s anything but ordinary, this recipe delivers every time.

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