Name: Irish Chocolate Guinness Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Ingredients: 1 cup 240ml Guinness stout; 1 cup 226g unsalted butter; ¾ cup 75g Dutch-processed cocoa powder; 2 cups 400g granulated sugar; ¾ cup 180g sour cream; 2 large eggs; 1 tbsp vanilla extract; 2 ¼ cups 280g all-purpose flour; 2 ½ tsp baking soda; ½ tsp salt; 8 oz 226g cream cheese, softened; ½ cup 115g unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups 240g powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1-2 tbsp heavy cream (if needed, for smoother consistency)

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A Decadent, Moist Chocolate Cake with a Rich Irish Twist

Few desserts embody the warmth and indulgence of Ireland quite like Chocolate Guinness Cake. This deeply rich, moist, and velvety cake takes inspiration from the classic combination of chocolate and stout beer, where the malty, slightly bitter notes of Guinness enhance the deep cocoa flavors. The result? A cake that is incredibly fudgy, slightly tangy, and utterly decadent—with just a hint of boozy complexity.

Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting that mimics the creamy head of a pint of Guinness, this cake is not only delicious but also visually stunning. Whether you’re making it for St. Patrick’s Day, a birthday, or just because you love chocolate, this cake is sure to impress.

Why This Recipe Works

1. Guinness Enhances the Chocolate Flavor

Stout beers like Guinness have deep, malty flavors with hints of coffee, caramel, and dark chocolate, which complement and enhance the richness of cocoa.
The carbonation in Guinness also helps create a light yet moist crumb.

2. Brown Sugar & Sour Cream for Extra Moisture

Brown sugar adds a touch of molasses sweetness, which balances the bitterness of the beer.
Sour cream makes the cake extra moist, tender, and slightly tangy, preventing it from being too sweet.

3. A Signature Cream Cheese Frosting

The smooth, tangy cream cheese frosting cuts through the richness of the chocolate cake and visually resembles the frothy head of a pint of Guinness.

Choosing the Best Ingredients

Guinness: Which Type to Use?

✔ Guinness Draught Stout – The classic choice, with a smooth, creamy mouthfeel.
✔ Guinness Extra Stout – Bolder, slightly more bitter; great for deepening the chocolate flavor.
✔ Alternative Stouts – If you don’t have Guinness, a chocolate or coffee stout works too!

Cocoa Powder: Dutch-Processed vs. Natural?

✔ Dutch-processed cocoa is best—it has a smoother, less acidic taste and enhances the deep chocolatey richness.
✔ Natural cocoa can work, but the flavor will be slightly sharper and more acidic.

The Right Chocolate for Maximum Flavor

✔ Dark chocolate (at least 60% cocoa) for the melted chocolate in the batter—adds depth.
✔ Semi-sweet chocolate (50-60% cocoa) for balance, especially if you prefer a slightly sweeter cake.

Equipment You’ll Need

✔ 9-inch springform pan (or two 8-inch round cake pans)
✔ Mixing bowls (for wet and dry ingredients)
✔ Hand mixer or stand mixer (for the frosting)
✔ Saucepan (for melting the butter and beer)

Irish Chocolate Guinness Cake Recipe

A rich, moist slice of Irish chocolate Guinness cake on a rustic wooden plate, topped with a thick layer of creamy white frosting. A pint of Guinness with a foamy head sits beside it. The background is softly blurred with warm pub lighting, creating a cozy Irish tavern atmosphere.

Servings & Timing Summary

Servings: 10-12 slices
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 45-50 minutes
Cooling Time: 1 hour
Total Time: ~2 hours

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Guinness Cake:

1 cup (240ml) Guinness stout
1 cup (226g) unsalted butter
¾ cup (75g) Dutch-processed cocoa powder
2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
¾ cup (180g) sour cream
2 large eggs
1 tbsp vanilla extract
2 ¼ cups (280g) all-purpose flour
2 ½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

8 oz (226g) cream cheese, softened
½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
2 cups (240g) powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1-2 tbsp heavy cream (if needed, for smoother consistency)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch springform pan (or two 8-inch round cake pans) with parchment paper.
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine Guinness and butter. Stir until the butter is completely melted.
Remove from heat and whisk in cocoa powder and sugar until smooth. Let cool slightly.

Step 2: Mix the Wet & Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together sour cream, eggs, and vanilla extract.
Slowly pour the cooled Guinness-chocolate mixture into the wet ingredients, whisking until fully combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined—do not overmix!

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 45-50 minutes (for a 9-inch cake) or 35-40 minutes (for 8-inch layers), until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until light and fluffy.
If the frosting is too thick, add 1-2 tbsp heavy cream to loosen it.

Step 5: Frost & Serve

Spread the cream cheese frosting over the cooled cake, mimicking the foamy head of a pint of Guinness.
Slice and serve with a pint of Guinness or Irish coffee! 🍀🍺

Common Mistakes & Troubleshooting

✔ Cake too dense? – Avoid overmixing; this can develop gluten and make the cake heavy.
✔ Frosting too runny? – Chill for 10-15 minutes before spreading.
✔ Bitter aftertaste? – Use high-quality cocoa and dark chocolate for smoother flavors.

Serving & Storage Tips

Store cake covered in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Let sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before serving for the best texture.
Freeze unfrosted cake for up to 3 months—thaw overnight before frosting.

Estimated Nutritional Information (Per Slice)

(Based on 12 slices, including frosting.)

Calories: ~450 kcal
Protein: ~6g
Carbohydrates: ~55g
Sugars: ~35g
Fat: ~22g
Saturated Fat: ~13g
Sodium: ~320mg

Irish Chocolate Guinness Cake

Ella Cooks

Few desserts embody the warmth and indulgence of Ireland quite like Chocolate Guinness Cake. This deeply rich, moist, and velvety cake takes inspiration from the classic combination of chocolate and stout beer, where the malty, slightly bitter notes of Guinness enhance the deep cocoa flavors. The result? A cake that is incredibly fudgy, slightly tangy, and utterly decadent—with just a hint of boozy complexity.Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting that mimics the creamy head of a pint of Guinness, this cake is not only delicious but also visually stunning. Whether you’re making it for St. Patrick’s Day, a birthday, or just because you love chocolate, this cake is sure to impress.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 50

Cooling Time 1

Course Dessert

Servings

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

✔ 9-inch springform pan (or two 8-inch round cake pans)
✔ Mixing bowls (for wet and dry ingredients)
✔ Hand mixer or stand mixer (for the frosting)
✔ Saucepan (for melting the butter and beer)