There’s nothing quite like the aroma of a freshly baked Guinness Chocolate Cake wafting through your kitchen. Picture this: rich cocoa mingling with that smooth stout, creating an enticing symphony of flavor that tempts your taste buds even before you take a bite. The moment you slice into this beauty reveals a moist, dark interior topped with a glossy ganache that gleams like a treasure waiting to be unearthed.

This isn’t just any cake; it’s an experience. I remember the first time I made it—it was during my cousin’s wedding. As I set down the cake, friends and family gathered around like moths to a flame. The look on their faces when they took that first bite? Priceless. This cake is perfect for celebrations or simply when you need to impress yourself (because let’s face it, we all deserve a little self-love now and then).
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This decadent Guinness Chocolate Cake combines deep chocolate flavor with the unique essence of stout
- It’s surprisingly easy to prepare and visually stunning on any dessert table
- Perfect for parties or an indulgent weekend treat
I once shared this cake with my friends during a movie night—let’s just say they were more focused on the cake than the film.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-purpose flour: Use high-quality flour for best results; it helps achieve that perfect texture.
- Cocoa powder: Opt for Dutch-process cocoa for a richer flavor profile.
- Granulated sugar: This sweetener balances the bitterness of cocoa and stout beautifully.
- Guinness stout beer: Choose the classic stout for its deep flavors; it adds magic to your batter.
- Butter: Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness in your cake.
- Sour cream: Adds moisture and richness; Greek yogurt can work as a substitute if needed.
- Baking soda: Essential for helping your cake rise; make sure it’s fresh.
- Eggs: These bind everything together—use large eggs for consistency.
- Vanilla extract: A splash enhances all those deep flavors perfectly.
- Heavy cream: For the ganache—richness is key here.
- Chocolate chips or dark chocolate bars: Use high-quality chocolate for making that luscious ganache.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Create the Batter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round pans. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
Add Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, melt butter over low heat. Stir in Guinness and sour cream until smooth. Add eggs one at a time while mixing gently before incorporating vanilla.
Combine Mixtures: Gradually fold wet ingredients into dry ingredients until just combined—be careful not to overmix or you’ll end up with a dense cake.
Pour & Bake: Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake in preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.
Cool & Prepare Ganache: Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring them onto wire racks. For ganache, heat heavy cream until simmering; pour over chopped chocolate and stir until glossy.
Assemble & Frost: Place one layer of cooled cake on your serving plate. Spread ganache generously on top before adding the second layer. Drizzle more ganache over the top and sides as desired.
Enjoy each bite of this rich and flavorful treat; it’s bound to impress everyone lucky enough to share it.
Essential Insights
- The Guinness Chocolate Cake is rich and moist, thanks to the beer
- Don’t skip the Irish cream frosting; it adds a creamy finish
- Remember to let it cool completely before frosting to prevent melting
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by combining dry ingredients to avoid clumping, then mix wet ingredients separately before combining them for an even texture.
Add Your Touch
Consider swapping out Guinness for another stout or adding chocolate chips for extra richness. You could even toss in nuts for a delightful crunch.
Storing & Reheating
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate or freeze slices, reheating gently in the microwave.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve a perfectly baked Guinness Chocolate Cake, ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature before mixing
- Sift your flour to remove lumps and improve texture
- Letting the cake cool completely before frosting will make decorating easier and more beautiful
Memories of baking this Guinness Chocolate Cake always bring smiles at family gatherings; everyone loves how moist and flavorful it turns out every single time.
FAQ
Can I use another type of beer for the Guinness Chocolate Cake?
Yes, feel free to experiment with different stouts or porters for unique flavors.
How do I know when my cake is done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few crumbs attached.
What can I substitute for Irish cream in the frosting?
Try using heavy cream mixed with a splash of vanilla extract for a tasty alternative.
Guinness Chocolate Cake
Indulge in the rich, velvety goodness of Guinness Chocolate Cake, where deep chocolate meets smooth stout for a truly irresistible dessert experience.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves about 12 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Irish
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour
- Dutch-process cocoa powder
- Granulated sugar
- Guinness stout beer
- Unsalted butter
- Sour cream
- Baking soda
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Heavy cream
- Dark chocolate or chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round pans.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
- Melt butter in another bowl; stir in Guinness and sour cream until smooth. Add eggs one at a time and mix in vanilla.
- Fold wet ingredients into dry ingredients until just combined.
- Divide batter between pans and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool cakes on wire racks; prepare ganache by heating heavy cream and pouring it over chopped chocolate until glossy.
- Assemble the cake with layers coated in ganache.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (85g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: - For added richness, swap Guinness for another stout or include chocolate chips. - Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing. - Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.