Guinness Chocolate Cake Recipe

The Perfect Guinness Chocolate Cake Recipe for Sweet Moments

Dark chocolate and rich guinness stout create a decadent cake that breaks all traditional dessert boundaries.

Brewing beer into batter sounds unconventional yet magical.

Moist crumbs infused with deep, complex flavors will surprise you at first bite.

Intense cocoa meets robust stout in a delightful culinary mashup that defies expectations.

Layers of deep chocolate promise an indulgent experience beyond standard cake recipes.

Subtle hints of malty goodness weave through each tender slice.

Bakers who love adventure will adore this unexpected twist on classic chocolate cake.

One forkful might just revolutionize your entire dessert perspective.

Guinness Chocolate Cake Keeping And Heating Suggestions

  • Store leftover Guinness chocolate cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping the cake moist and fresh.
  • Cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out and absorbing other food odors.
  • Allow refrigerated cake to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving to enhance its flavor and soft texture.
  • Wrap individual slices or the whole cake in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, storing in the freezer for up to 3 months for longer preservation.

Pairing Choices for Guinness Cake

Savor Complementary Flavor Companions: Rich, Dark Stout Sidekicks

  • Pair with Irish Whiskey Neat: Smooth, aged Irish whiskey like Jameson or Redbreast enhances the cake's deep chocolate and Guinness notes, creating a luxurious Irish-inspired dessert experience.
  • Match with Espresso Shots: Strong, bold espresso cuts through the cake's richness, highlighting the complex chocolate and stout undertones while providing a delightful caffeine boost.
  • Serve Alongside Fresh Berries: Tart raspberries or blackberries offer a bright, acidic contrast to the cake's dense, malty sweetness, cleansing the palate and adding a fresh dimension.
  • Complement with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Creamy, smooth vanilla ice cream provides a cool, silky counterpoint to the warm, intense chocolate and Guinness flavors, balancing the dessert's robust profile.

Guinness Chocolate Cake Twists

  • Alcohol-Free Version: Replace Guinness with strong brewed coffee or dark hot chocolate for a non-alcoholic cake that maintains rich flavor depth.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend and add xanthan gum to ensure proper texture and structure.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Use coconut oil instead of butter, dairy-free cream cheese for frosting, and plant-based milk alternatives to create a lactose-free version.
  • Vegan Modification: Replace eggs with mashed bananas or commercial egg replacer, use vegan butter and cream cheese alternatives to craft a completely plant-based chocolate cake experience.

FAQs

  • Is Guinness beer necessary for the recipe?

Yes, Guinness beer provides a rich, deep flavor and helps create a moist chocolate cake. It enhances the chocolate taste without making the cake taste like beer.

  • Can I use a different type of alcohol?

No, Guinness specifically complements the chocolate and adds depth to the cake’s flavor. Substituting it might change the cake’s texture and taste profile.

  • How do I know if the cake is properly baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is done. Avoid overbaking to maintain moisture.

  • What makes this cake's texture unique?

The combination of Guinness, butter, and sour cream creates an incredibly moist and tender cake with a rich, complex chocolate flavor that sets it apart from traditional chocolate cakes.

Guinness Chocolate Cake Brings Deep Flavor And Smooth Texture

  • Boost Flavor with Unique Ingredient: Guinness beer transforms this chocolate cake into a rich, moist masterpiece with deep, complex flavor notes that elevate the classic dessert beyond ordinary recipes.
  • Minimal Effort, Maximum Wow: Simple one-bowl mixing technique and straightforward steps make this cake surprisingly easy to prepare, perfect for bakers of all skill levels who want impressive results without complicated techniques.
  • Quick Weeknight Dessert Delight: Total preparation and baking time around 1 hour means you can whip up this decadent cake on a weeknight, satisfying sudden chocolate cravings without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Party Favorite: Stunning chocolate cake with creamy frosting works beautifully for casual gatherings, birthdays, or St. Patrick's Day celebrations, guaranteeing compliments and empty plates every single time.

Guinness Chocolate Cake Flavor Mix

Base Ingredients:
  • Guinness Stout: Adds deep, rich flavor and moisture to the cake, creating a unique depth.
  • Unsalted Butter: Provides richness and helps create a tender crumb, best when at room temperature.
  • Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Delivers intense chocolate flavor, dark cocoa recommended for deeper taste.
Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour, Granulated Sugar: Foundation of the cake structure and sweetness, standard baking ingredients.
  • Baking Soda, Salt: Critical for leavening and balancing flavors, ensure freshness for best results.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Large Eggs, Sour Cream, Vanilla Extract: Contribute to moisture, texture, and enhanced flavor profile, room temperature eggs blend more easily.

Guinness Chocolate Cake Instructions

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350°F.

Grab your 9-inch round cake pan and give it a generous coating of grease, then line the bottom with parchment paper.

Step 2: Brew the Chocolatey Base

In a saucepan, combine Guinness and butter.

Warm them together over medium heat until the butter completely melts.

Pull the pan off the heat and whisk in cocoa powder until the mixture looks silky smooth.

Let this heavenly concoction cool down.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

Grab a large mixing bowl and toss in:
  • Flour
  • Sugar
  • Baking soda
  • Salt

Whisk these dry ingredients until they’re well combined.

Step 4: Prepare Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, crack open the eggs and add:
  • Sour cream
  • Vanilla

Beat these together until they’re fully incorporated.

Slowly pour in the cooled Guinness mixture, whisking continuously to create a luscious blend.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.

Gently fold everything together, mixing just until the batter looks uniform.

Don’t overmix – you want a tender cake!

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the batter to your prepared pan.

Slide it into the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes.

The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Let the cake rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then move to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Whip Up the Frosting

In a bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until they’re smooth and creamy.

Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, continuing to beat until the frosting becomes light and fluffy.

Step 8: Frost and Finish

Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the frosting generously over the top.

Decorate as your heart desires – go wild or keep it simple!

Pro Baking Tricks For Guinness Chocolate Cake

  • Add sour cream to keep the cake incredibly soft and prevent dryness, creating a luxurious texture that melts in your mouth.
  • Allow Guinness and butter mixture to cool completely before adding to prevent egg scrambling and ensure smooth batter consistency.
  • Stir wet and dry ingredients gently to avoid overmixing, which can lead to a tough, dense cake texture.
  • Ensure cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for a silky-smooth frosting that spreads effortlessly.
  • Store cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness while maintaining its rich flavor.
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Guinness Chocolate Cake Recipe

Guinness Chocolate Cake Recipe


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4.5 from 36 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Guinness chocolate cake delivers a rich, indulgent dessert that blends Irish stout’s deep notes with intense chocolate flavor. Dark, moist layers promise a sensational experience that chocolate enthusiasts will savor with pure delight.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (240 ml) Guinness stout
  • 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter
  • 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs

Secondary Ingredients:

  • 3/4 cup (75 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
  • 2/3 cup (160 ml) sour cream

Supplementary Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare a 9-inch round cake pan by greasing and lining with parchment paper, then preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Combine Guinness and butter in a saucepan, gently heating until butter fully melts. Remove from heat and whisk in cocoa powder until the mixture becomes silky and uniform.
  3. In a separate large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt using a whisk.
  4. In another bowl, vigorously beat eggs with sour cream and vanilla extract until well integrated.
  5. Slowly incorporate the cooled Guinness-cocoa mixture into the egg mixture, whisking continuously to create a smooth, glossy batter.
  6. Delicately fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing minimally to maintain a light cake texture.
  7. Transfer the batter into the prepared cake pan, ensuring even distribution.
  8. Bake for 45-50 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean.
  9. Allow the cake to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.
  10. Prepare the frosting by beating cream cheese and butter until completely smooth and free of lumps.
  11. Gradually introduce powdered sugar and vanilla, whipping until the frosting becomes light and fluffy.
  12. Once the cake has cooled to room temperature, generously frost and decorate as desired.

Notes

  • Adjust Guinness intensity by using different stout varieties for unique flavor profiles.
  • Swap dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives to create a vegan-friendly version of the cake.
  • Room temperature ingredients ensure smoother batter and more even baking results.
  • Reduce sugar content by using alternative sweeteners like honey or maple syrup for a healthier twist.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Irish

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 30 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 13 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Emily Harper

Emily Harper

Nutrition Consultant & Recipe Analyst

Expertise

Healthy Recipe Modification, Nutritional Analysis & Meal Planning, Global Cuisine & Dietary Adaptations​

Education

School: French Pastry School, Chicago, IL

Program: L’Art de la Pâtisserie

Focus: Intensive training in traditional French pastry techniques, baking theory, and confectionery arts. ​


Emily’s journey started in a pastry kitchen but took a detour into the world of health and flavor science.
Graduating from the French Pastry School and studying nutrition opened her eyes to a new mission: making healthy food taste like something you’d actually crave.
At Dining At Home, Emily’s the go-to for smart, feel-good recipes that don’t trade flavor for nutrition.
She’s all about adding a fresh spin on old favorites and finding small ways to make everyday meals a little brighter.
Outside of the kitchen, Emily is most at home walking forest trails, testing plant-based recipes, or sharing a picnic under a wide-open sky.

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