Name: Chocolate Guinness Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: Irish-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 cup Guinness stout; 10 tablespoons unsalted butter; 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 2 cups granulated sugar; 3/4 cup sour cream; 2 large eggs; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 1/2 teaspoons baking soda; 8 oz cream cheese (softened); 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar; 1/2 cup heavy cream

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If you’re craving a showstopper dessert that’s rich, intensely chocolaty, and topped with a dreamy white cloud of frosting, this Chocolate Guinness Cake will completely steal your heart. The stout is the secret ingredient, making the cake unbelievably moist and giving the chocolate a deep, almost mysterious edge. Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or just want an impressive centerpiece for a gathering, this cake is pure magic—elegant yet approachable, and oh-so-indulgent.

Chocolate Guinness Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Chocolate Guinness Cake comes together with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Each one is essential for creating the cake’s signature moist crumb, rich color, and lush flavor—the Guinness and cocoa set the stage, while sour cream and eggs add tenderness and lift.

Guinness stout: Lends the cake deep, malty undertones and works beautifully with chocolate—don’t worry, the beer flavor is subtle!
Unsalted butter: Enriches the cake and ensures a soft, tender bite.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: Provides a robust chocolate flavor—use extra dark for even more depth.
Granulated sugar: Balances out the bitterness of the cocoa and stout with just the right sweetness.
Sour cream: Contributes moisture and just a hint of tang, making the crumb impossibly tender.
Large eggs: Bind everything together and help the cake rise.
Vanilla extract: Adds a floral, sweet note that rounds out the flavors.
All-purpose flour: Gives structure while keeping the crumb soft.
Baking soda: Reacts with the acidity to help the cake puff up perfectly.
Cream cheese (for frosting): Creates a tangy, creamy base for the irresistible topping.
Powdered sugar (for frosting): Sweetens the frosting without graininess.
Heavy cream (for frosting): Whips the cream cheese frosting into a light and fluffy cap.

How to Make Chocolate Guinness Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to make sure it’s nice and hot when your batter is ready. Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper—this ensures your Chocolate Guinness Cake will release cleanly and beautifully. This simple step makes all the difference!

Step 2: Make the Chocolate Guinness Mixture

Set a medium saucepan over gentle heat and pour in the Guinness stout and unsalted butter. Allow the butter to melt completely, stirring occasionally to combine with the stout. Next, whisk in the cocoa powder and sugar until everything is silky smooth and glossy. Take it off the heat and let it cool slightly so the next steps come together without scrambling the eggs.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together sour cream, eggs, and vanilla extract—the mixture should be creamy and uniform. Now, slowly pour in the slightly cooled Guinness-chocolate mix, whisking constantly. This method ensures a smooth, lump-free batter and layers those tasty flavors together beautifully.

Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients

Sprinkle the flour and baking soda over your wet mixture. Using a spatula or whisk, gently fold everything together just until you can’t see any more dry streaks—the key is not to overmix! This keeps your Chocolate Guinness Cake soft and airy.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour your batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top for an even bake. Place it in the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. When a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs, it’s done. Let it cool completely in the pan, which helps lock in moisture and makes handling easier.

Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cake cools, beat the softened cream cheese in a large bowl until it’s silky smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and beat until it looks creamy and lump-free. With the mixer on low, slowly add heavy cream and whip until the frosting turns light, fluffy, and cloud-like—that way it perfectly mimics the “froth” atop a pint of Guinness!

Step 7: Frost and Finish

Once your cake is cool, pop it out of the pan and set it on a serving plate. Using a spatula, generously spread the frosting just over the top (not the sides), to make it look like a foamy pint. Your Chocolate Guinness Cake is ready to impress—slice, serve, and watch it disappear!

How to Serve Chocolate Guinness Cake

Garnishes

For an extra flourish, try a light dusting of cocoa powder or some fine chocolate shavings right over the white frosting. Tiny gold sprinkles or a few shavings of dark chocolate give a nod to the cake’s Irish inspiration and add an irresistible touch of elegance to each slice.

Side Dishes

This rich, decadent cake loves to be paired with something simple and a bit tangy. Fresh berries (especially raspberries or strawberries) make a gorgeous contrast on the plate. If you want to get cozy, a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream alongside your Chocolate Guinness Cake is pure bliss.

Creative Ways to Present

Make mini versions using cupcake pans for perfect individual treats, or layer slices with extra cream cheese frosting in glass jars for eye-catching desserts to share at a party. For festive occasions, serve with tiny Irish flags or shaped chocolate accents to turn your Chocolate Guinness Cake into a true celebration centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Simply cover your Chocolate Guinness Cake and stash it in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making each slice taste even more incredible the next day. Bring it to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Freezing

If you’d like to prepare ahead, this cake freezes beautifully. Wrap the un-frosted cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and keep in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then frost fresh before serving for that signature creamy top.

Reheating

While this treat is best enjoyed at room temperature, you can gently warm individual slices in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds if you want a just-baked sensation. Avoid heating the whole cake or the frosting might lose its lovely texture.

FAQs

Can I make Chocolate Guinness Cake without alcohol?

You can! Substitute an equal amount of strong brewed coffee or a non-alcoholic stout for the Guinness. The cake will still be rich and moist, though the signature flavor will be a bit different.

What’s the purpose of sour cream in this recipe?

Sour cream keeps the crumb moist and tender, and its mild tang perfectly balances the deep chocolate and malty notes from the Guinness. Don’t skip it—it’s a game changer for texture!

Is this cake suitable for children?

Yes—most of the alcohol in the Guinness bakes out, leaving only flavor behind. However, if you’re concerned, you can opt for a non-alcoholic stout or a coffee substitute to put everyone at ease.

Can I use a different size or type Dessert

A 9-inch springform pan is ideal for easy release and that classic tall look. You can use a regular 9-inch round or even a bundt pan, but adjust baking times accordingly and keep a close watch for doneness.

Does this cake actually taste like beer?

No—the Guinness melts invisibly into the batter and only enhances the chocolate’s richness. The result is a robust, silky chocolate flavor, not a beer-forward taste.

Final Thoughts

If you’re itching to try something that’s both crowd-pleasing and a little bit out of the ordinary, don’t hesitate to bake up this Chocolate Guinness Cake. With its striking appearance and unforgettable flavor, it just might become your signature dessert—give it a whirl and watch it win hearts, one slice at a time!

Chocolate Guinness Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 30 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich and moist Chocolate Guinness Cake with a decadent cream cheese frosting. This Irish-inspired dessert is a perfect treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake:

1 cup Guinness stout
10 tablespoons unsalted butter
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 cups granulated sugar
3/4 cup sour cream
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/2 teaspoons baking soda

Frosting:

8 oz cream cheese (softened)
1 1/4 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup heavy cream

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9-inch springform pan.
Mix Guinness and butter: Combine Guinness and butter in a saucepan, add cocoa powder and sugar, then cool.
Prepare wet ingredients: Whisk sour cream, eggs, and vanilla; combine with Guinness mixture.
Add dry ingredients: Stir in flour and baking soda. Pour batter into pan and bake for 45–50 minutes.
Make frosting: Beat cream cheese, add powdered sugar, stream in heavy cream, and spread over cooled cake.