Rich Guinness Cake

Rich Guinness Cake is a decadent and moist dessert that combines the deep, malty flavor of Guinness stout with rich chocolate. This cake is perfect for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or any occasion that calls for a luxurious and flavorful treat. The stout enhances the chocolate flavor and adds a subtle hint of bitterness that balances the sweetness of the cake. Topped with a creamy frosting, this cake is sure to impress and delight your guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and moist: The Guinness adds depth and keeps the cake moist.
• Easy to make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
• Perfect for celebrations: A great dessert for holidays and special occasions.
• Unique flavor: The stout complements the chocolate beautifully.
• Impressive presentation: Especially with a smooth layer of frosting or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Ingredients

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

For the Cake

• 1 cup (240 ml) Guinness stout
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cubed
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• ⅔ cup sour cream

For the Frosting

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

Make the Cake

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper.
2. Melt Butter and Guinness: In a saucepan, heat the Guinness and butter over medium heat until the butter melts. Remove from heat and whisk in the cocoa powder until smooth. Let cool slightly.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
4. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and sour cream until smooth. Gradually add the cooled Guinness mixture and stir until combined.
5. Mix the Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a smooth batter forms. Avoid overmixing.
6. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Frosting

8. Whip the Cream Cheese: In a bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
9. Add Whipped Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until smooth and fluffy.
10. Frost the Cake: Once the cake is completely cool, spread the frosting generously over the top of the cake to resemble the frothy top of a pint of Guinness.

Serve

11. Garnish and Enjoy: Optionally, dust with cocoa powder or decorate with chocolate shavings. Slice and serve!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 10-12 slices
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Variations

• Chocolate Stout Cake: Use any stout beer if Guinness is not available.
• Baileys Frosting: Add a splash of Baileys Irish Cream to the frosting for extra flavor.
• Layer Cake: Double the recipe to make a layered cake with frosting between the layers.
• Bundt Cake: Use a bundt pan for a different presentation. Adjust baking time as needed.
• Cupcakes: Make cupcakes instead, reducing the baking time to 18-22 minutes.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the unfrosted cake. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw before frosting and serving.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of beer?

Yes, any dark stout or porter beer works well in this recipe.

Do I have to use a springform pan?

No, you can use a regular 9-inch cake pan, but make sure to grease and line it well for easy removal.

Can I make this cake alcohol-free?

For a non-alcoholic version, substitute the Guinness with brewed coffee or a stout-flavored non-alcoholic beer.

How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the pan?

Grease the pan well and line the bottom with parchment paper to ensure easy release.

Can I add chocolate chips to the batter?

Yes, fold in ½ cup of chocolate chips for extra chocolatey goodness.

How do I make the frosting thicker?

Add more powdered sugar to achieve a thicker consistency for the frosting.

Can I add flavors to the cake?

A teaspoon of espresso powder or a pinch of cinnamon adds a nice depth to the chocolate flavor.

Should I refrigerate the cake?

Yes, since the frosting contains cream cheese, refrigerate the cake to keep it fresh.

Can I use this recipe to make a layer cake?

Yes, double the recipe and bake in two 9-inch cake pans. Layer with frosting in between.

What can I serve with Guinness Cake?

Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.

Conclusion

Rich Guinness Cake is a must-try dessert for anyone who loves the combination of chocolate and stout. The cake is incredibly moist, with a deep, rich flavor that’s enhanced by the addition of Guinness. Topped with a smooth and creamy frosting, this cake not only tastes amazing but also makes an impressive centerpiece for any dessert table. Whether for St. Patrick’s Day or just because, this cake is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Give it a try and enjoy every delicious bite!

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