Introduction

Get ready to bake a truly special treat! This Guinness chocolate cake is a classic for a reason, offering an incredibly rich and deep chocolate flavor. Its secret ingredient, Guinness stout, ensures every bite is wonderfully moist and tender. Topped with a luscious, tangy cream cheese frosting, this cake is perfect for any celebration or simply as a decadent indulgence.

Why You’ll Love This Guinness Chocolate Cake

Unforgettable Flavor: Enjoy a deep, complex chocolate taste that gets a subtle, sophisticated boost from the malty stout.
Incredibly Moist: The Guinness stout is a magic ingredient, creating a wonderfully tender and moist crumb that lasts for days. Studies show that the carbonation in stout can help aerate batter for a lighter, more moist cake.
Effortless Elegance: This recipe is straightforward to follow, yet yields a stunning dessert that looks and tastes impressive.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday gathering, a birthday, or a simple weeknight treat, this Guinness chocolate cake fits right in.
Crowd-Pleaser: Its balanced flavors appeal to everyone, making it a hit even with those who aren’t usually stout drinkers.

Ingredients

For the Cake

Butter, for greasing pan
1 cup (240ml) Guinness stout
10 tablespoons (140g) unsalted butter
¾ cup (75g) unsweetened cocoa powder
2 cups (400g) superfine sugar
¾ cup (180ml) sour cream
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon (15ml) vanilla extract
2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
2½ teaspoons (12.5g) baking soda

For the Topping

1¼ cups (140g) confectioners’ sugar
8 ounces (226g) cream cheese, at room temperature
½ cup (120ml) heavy cream

Notes & Substitutions

Making this Guinness chocolate cake is simple with a few tips. For the Guinness, use a traditional stout; non-alcoholic versions or other dark beers like a porter work too. Always opt for unsalted butter to control the salt content yourself. Superfine sugar dissolves easily, but regular granulated sugar works fine, just whisk a bit longer. Use full-fat sour cream for the best moisture, or substitute with plain Greek yogurt or buttermilk. Ensure eggs and cream cheese are at room temperature for smooth mixing and a lump-free frosting. Sifting your flour and cocoa prevents lumps, leading to a smoother batter. Baking soda reacts with the Guinness and sour cream to provide lift, creating that fluffy texture. To ensure optimal leavening, you can test baking soda for freshness by mixing it with vinegar and checking for fizz. A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors; consider adding ¼ teaspoon to the cake batter if your butter is unsalted.

Equipment

Gathering your tools makes baking a breeze. You’ll need a 9-inch springform pan for easy cake removal. A large saucepan and large mixing bowls are essential for combining ingredients. A whisk and an electric mixer (stand or hand-held) ensure smooth batter and fluffy frosting. Don’t forget parchment paper for lining the pan, a wire cooling rack, and a spatula or offset spatula for frosting.

Instructions

Let’s bake this incredible Guinness chocolate cake! Follow these steps for a perfectly rich and moist dessert.

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously butter a 9-inch springform pan. Line the bottom with a circle of parchment paper, ensuring it lies flat.

Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients (Stout Base)

In a large saucepan, combine the Guinness stout and unsalted butter. Place the pan over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally until the butter fully melts into the stout. Remove the saucepan from the heat once melted.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet

Add the unsweetened cocoa powder and superfine sugar to the warm Guinness and butter mixture. Whisk everything together thoroughly until the cocoa and sugar are fully blended and the mixture is smooth.

Step 4: Incorporate Remaining Wet Ingredients

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, large eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined. Pour this mixture into the Guinness and chocolate base. Whisk again to fully integrate these ingredients.

Step 5: Finish the Cake Batter

Add the all-purpose flour and baking soda to the large saucepan. Whisk the entire batter gently until it is smooth and no lumps remain. Be careful not to overmix at this stage.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Pour the smooth batter into your prepared springform pan. Transfer the pan to the preheated oven. Bake for 45 to 60 minutes, or until the cake is risen, firm to the touch, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool Completely

Once baked, remove the cake from the oven. Place the springform pan on a wire cooling rack. Allow the Guinness chocolate cake to cool completely in the pan before attempting to remove it. This step is crucial for an intact cake.

Step 8: Prepare the Frosting

While the cake cools, prepare the frosting. Using a food processor or a large mixing bowl with an electric mixer, mix the confectioners’ sugar to break up any lumps. Add the room-temperature cream cheese and blend until completely smooth. Slowly add the heavy cream and continue mixing until the frosting is smooth, light, and spreadable.

Step 9: Frost and Serve

Once the cake is completely cool, carefully remove it from the springform pan. Transfer the cake to a serving platter or cake stand. Frost only the top of the cake with your cream cheese topping, creating a smooth, white layer that resembles the frothy head of a pint of Guinness. Slice and enjoy your delicious Guinness chocolate cake!

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Room Temperature Ingredients: Always use room temperature eggs and cream cheese for the smoothest batter and frosting.
Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the cake batter develops gluten, leading to a tough, dry cake. Mix until just combined.
Checking for Doneness: A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean, or with a few moist crumbs attached.
Preventing a Sunken Middle: Avoid opening the oven door too early, especially during the first 30 minutes of baking. Ensure accurate oven temperature.
Achieving Fluffy Frosting: Beat cream cheese thoroughly until smooth before adding other ingredients. Add heavy cream slowly for best consistency.
Cooling is Key: Frost only a completely cooled cake. Warm cake will melt the frosting, creating a messy result.

Serving, Storage, and Variations

This delightful Guinness chocolate cake is versatile for any dessert table.

Serving Suggestions: Pair a slice with a glass of extra stout, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, or some fresh raspberries or blackberries for a vibrant contrast.
Storage: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate it for up to 5 days.
Freezing: You can freeze unfrosted cake or individual slices for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, to prevent freezer burn. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before frosting or serving.
Variations:
- Cupcakes or Bundt: Bake the batter in cupcake liners for about 20-25 minutes, or in a Bundt pan for 50-60 minutes, adjusting times as needed.
- Boozy Frosting: Add a splash of Irish cream liqueur or whiskey to the frosting for an extra kick.
- Spice it Up: Incorporate ½ teaspoon of cinnamon or 1 teaspoon of espresso powder into the dry ingredients for added depth.
- Chocolate Ganache: For a different topping, drizzle a rich chocolate ganache over the cooled cake instead of cream cheese frosting.

Nutrition Information

This rich and moist Guinness chocolate cake offers a satisfying treat. Below is an estimated nutritional breakdown per serving, based on 12 servings from the recipe.

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	512
Total Fat	26g
Saturated Fat	15g
Trans Fat	0g
Monounsaturated	7g
Polyunsaturated	1g
Carbohydrates	66g
Dietary Fiber	3g
Sugars	46g
Protein	6g
Sodium	345mg
Unsaturated Fat	8g

Disclaimer: Nutritional analysis is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredient brands and preparation methods.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Does Guinness make the cake taste bitter? No, the bitterness of the stout mellows significantly during baking. It leaves a deep, malty, and slightly caramel note that enhances the chocolate flavor beautifully.
Can I substitute regular sugar for superfine sugar? Yes, you can. Just ensure you whisk the mixture well to help the granulated sugar dissolve completely.
How do I prevent my cake from sinking in the middle? Avoid overmixing the batter, and do not open the oven door during the first two-thirds of the baking time. Ensure your baking soda is fresh.
Can I make this cake ahead of time? Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day or two in advance, cool it completely, then wrap and store it. Frost it just before serving for the freshest taste.
Is this recipe suitable for St. Patrick’s Day? This Guinness chocolate cake is a perfect centerpiece for St. Patrick’s Day, combining classic Irish flavors with a delicious dessert.

Conclusion

This Guinness chocolate cake truly is a masterpiece, balancing rich chocolate with the unique depth of stout and crowned with a delightful cream cheese frosting. Its moist, tender crumb makes every bite an absolute pleasure, perfect for any special gathering or simply when you crave something truly indulgent. We know you’ll love baking this easy yet impressive dessert. Go ahead, give this recipe a try and share your delicious creations with us!