Guinness Chocolate Cake Recipe

Looking for a rich, indulgent dessert that combines the deep flavors of chocolate with the subtle bitterness of stout beer? This Guinness Chocolate Cake is a decadent treat that’s perfect for any celebration, especially around St. Patrick’s Day! The Guinness stout adds a unique richness and depth of flavor to the chocolate, while the cake itself is moist, fluffy, and packed with intense chocolate goodness. To top it all off, a creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting is spread generously over the cake, creating the perfect balance between sweet and savory. Keep reading for the full recipe, along with helpful tips, substitutions, and presentation ideas!

What Is a Guinness Chocolate Cake?

Guinness Chocolate Cake is a moist and rich chocolate cake made with Guinness stout, which intensifies the chocolate flavor and adds a subtle, earthy bitterness that complements the sweetness of the cake. The cake’s texture is dense yet light, and the stout gives it a unique complexity that sets it apart from your standard chocolate cake. Topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting, this cake is indulgent, flavorful, and perfect for chocolate lovers and beer enthusiasts alike. The cream cheese frosting adds a tangy contrast to the dark chocolate and Guinness, creating a beautifully balanced dessert.

Ingredients List for Guinness Chocolate Cake

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious cake from scratch:

For the Cake:

• 1 cup Guinness stout (about one 12 oz bottle or can)
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (preferably Dutch-processed)
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• ¾ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (for extra moisture)
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ teaspoons baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 ½ - 3 cups powdered sugar (depending on your sweetness preference)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream (optional, for smoother consistency)

Substitutions and Variations

The versatility of this recipe allows for plenty of substitutions and variations to suit your tastes and dietary needs.

Ingredient Substitutions:

• Guinness Substitute: If you don't have Guinness, any dark stout will work well. You can also use coffee or even water if you want to omit alcohol entirely.
• Sour Cream/Greek Yogurt: You can swap the sour cream for Greek yogurt, which provides the same moisture and tang. For a dairy-free option, use a plant-based yogurt or sour cream.
• Butter Substitute: Use margarine or a plant-based butter substitute to make this cake dairy-free.

Flavor Variations:

• Chocolate Guinness Cake with Espresso: Add 1-2 teaspoons of espresso powder to the cake batter to enhance the chocolate flavor and give the cake an extra coffee kick.
• Guinness Chocolate Bundt Cake: Instead of making a layer cake, you can bake the batter in a bundt pan for a more elegant presentation. Simply increase the baking time by about 10-15 minutes.
• Whiskey Cream Frosting: Replace the vanilla extract in the frosting with a tablespoon of Irish whiskey for a boozy twist on the cream cheese frosting.

Add-Ins:

• Chocolate Chips: For an extra indulgent treat, stir 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips into the batter before baking.
• Nuts: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for a bit of crunch.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Guinness Chocolate Cake

1. Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Cake Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal. Set the pans aside.

2. Heat the Guinness and Butter

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, bring the Guinness to a simmer. Add the butter and stir until fully melted. Remove the pan from heat and whisk in the cocoa powder until smooth. Let this mixture cool slightly.

3. Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, sour cream, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually whisk in the slightly cooled Guinness-butter-cocoa mixture until fully combined.

4. Combine the Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can lead to a dense cake.

5. Bake the Cake

Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While your cake is cooling, prepare the luscious cream cheese frosting:

1. Beat the Butter and Cream Cheese

In a large mixing bowl, using a hand mixer or stand mixer with the paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese and butter together on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.

2. Add Powdered Sugar and Vanilla

Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed until fully combined. Add the vanilla extract and beat on high speed for 2 minutes until light and fluffy. If the frosting is too thick, add heavy cream one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

How to Assemble and Frost the Guinness Chocolate Cake

1. Level the Cakes

Once the cakes are fully cooled, use a serrated knife to level the tops if they’ve domed while baking. This will ensure the layers stack evenly.

2. Frost the Cake

Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting over the top. Place the second cake layer on top and press down gently. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining cream cheese frosting, smoothing it with an offset spatula for a clean finish.

3. Decorate (Optional)

You can keep the cake simple with just the cream cheese frosting, or add some fun decorations like chocolate shavings, cocoa powder dusting, or even crushed chocolate cookies for added texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overmixing the Batter: Be careful not to overmix the batter after adding the dry ingredients. Overmixing can make the cake dense and tough. Mix just until combined.
• Not Letting the Guinness Mixture Cool: Make sure the Guinness-butter mixture has cooled slightly before adding it to the eggs and sugar. If it's too hot, it could cook the eggs, resulting in a curdled batter.
• Frosting a Warm Cake: Be sure your cake is completely cool before frosting. If the cake is even slightly warm, the frosting will melt and slide off the cake.

Serving and Presentation Tips

How to Serve Guinness Chocolate Cake

• At Room Temperature: For the best flavor and texture, let the cake sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. This will allow the cake and frosting to soften slightly.
• With a Scoop of Ice Cream: Serve this rich cake with a scoop of vanilla or salted caramel ice cream for an indulgent dessert pairing.
• With a Glass of Guinness: For a full Guinness experience, pair the cake with a glass of the stout or even a shot of Irish whiskey!

Presentation Ideas for Guinness Chocolate Cake

• Rustic Look: Keep the frosting simple and rustic by using the back of a spoon or spatula to create swirls on the cake.
• Chocolate Shavings: For a touch of elegance, garnish the cake with chocolate shavings or curls on top.
• Drizzle with Ganache: Add a chocolate ganache drizzle over the top of the frosted cake for an extra layer of richness.

Guinness Chocolate Cake Recipe Tips

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature before starting the recipe. This helps the ingredients blend together more smoothly and evenly.
• Use Dutch-Processed Cocoa: Dutch-processed cocoa has a deeper, richer chocolate flavor and will enhance the intensity of the cake.
• Store the Cake Properly: Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Bring it to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this cake in advance?

Yes! You can make the cake layers up to 2 days in advance. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them at room temperature. Frost the cake on the day you plan to serve it.

How long does Guinness Chocolate Cake last?

Stored in the refrigerator, this cake will last up to 4 days. Be sure to cover it well to prevent it from drying out. For longer storage, freeze the unfrosted cake layers for up to 3 months.

Can I use other types of stout for this recipe?

Absolutely! Any stout beer with a deep, malty flavor will work well in this recipe. However, Guinness is a classic choice for its smooth, creamy profile.

Can I make this cake without alcohol?

Yes! You can substitute the Guinness with strong brewed coffee, water, or milk for a non-alcoholic version of the cake. Keep in mind that the stout adds a rich flavor that enhances the chocolate, so the taste will be slightly different.

Conclusion

This Guinness Chocolate Cake is a decadent, flavorful dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re a chocolate lover, a beer enthusiast, or just looking for a unique twist on a classic cake, this recipe will not disappoint. With its rich chocolate flavor, moist texture, and tangy cream cheese frosting, every bite is an indulgent treat. Give this recipe a try, and prepare to wow your friends and family with this unforgettable cake!

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