Guinness Chocolate Cake Recipe
There is something utterly irresistible about a rich, moist cake that carries the deep, slightly bitter essence of stout beer combined with decadent chocolate, and that is exactly what you get with this Guinness Chocolate Cake Recipe. This delightful dessert perfectly balances the bold flavors of Guinness with the sweetness and smooth texture expected from a chocolate cake, creating a showstopper that’s ideal for celebrations or simply treating yourself. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of the iconic stout or just love an exceptional chocolate cake, this recipe promises a distinctive taste adventure you’ll want to revisit time and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Guinness Chocolate Cake Recipe lies in its straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create something magical. Each component plays a vital role in the final texture and flavor, from the robustness of the Guinness to the creamy tang of the sour cream that keeps the crumb tender and moist.
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives structure and crumb to the cake.
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds deep chocolate richness and a slightly bitter balance to the sweetness.
- 2 cups granulated sugar: Provides the perfect level of sweetness to complement the stout.
- 1 ½ tsp baking soda: Helps the cake rise and adds to the tender crumb texture.
- 1 cup Guinness stout beer: Infuses the cake with its signature flavor and moisture.
- ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick): Adds richness and keeps the cake moist.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients while contributing to the cake’s softness.
- 1 cup sour cream: Brings tang and extra moisture that balances the stout’s bitterness.
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract: Lifts the chocolate and stout flavors, adding warmth and depth.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances all the above flavors and keeps the balance just right.
How to Make Guinness Chocolate Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pans
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously greasing two 9-inch round cake pans. Preparing your baking pans ahead of time ensures the cakes release easily once baked, helping you achieve those perfectly smooth edges.
Step 2: Melt Butter and Guinness Together
In a saucepan over low heat, slowly melt the butter and pour in the Guinness stout, stirring gently until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This step melds together the stout’s bold flavors with the richness of butter, forming a luscious base that will marry perfectly with the dry ingredients.
Step 3: Combine Your Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. This combination lays the flavorful groundwork for the cake, with the cocoa’s chocolatey bite and leavening provided by the baking soda to keep things light.
Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the warm Guinness and butter mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently to combine. Then add the eggs, sour cream, and vanilla extract, mixing just until the batter is smooth and everything is fully incorporated. Be careful not to overmix as this will keep your cake tender and fluffy.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and place them in the oven. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The cake should spring back lightly when touched. The baking soda and Guinness work together here to give a subtle lift and moist crumb.
Step 6: Cool Before Serving
Once baked, let the cakes cool in their pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. This cooling period lets the structure set, ensuring clean slices and delicious texture when served.
How to Serve Guinness Chocolate Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your Guinness Chocolate Cake Recipe with classic and creative garnishes like a dusting of powdered sugar, a dollop of freshly whipped cream, or even a sprinkle of chopped toasted nuts for added crunch. You can also drip some chocolate ganache for an extra decadent touch that amplifies both appearance and taste.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with lightly sweetened cream cheese frosting or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to contrast the rich, dense texture. Fresh berries such as raspberries or strawberries add a refreshing burst of tartness, balancing the sweetness and stout flavor beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, consider layering this cake with a smooth Bailey’s Irish Cream frosting or serving mini versions as cupcakes with stout-infused glaze. Turning it into a trifle layered with custard and chocolate shavings can also elevate this Guinness Chocolate Cake Recipe into an elegant dessert spectacle.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover cake tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to maintain moisture and freshness. Keeping the cake covered prevents it from drying out and keeps those amazing flavors intact.
Freezing
This cake freezes beautifully! Wrap individual layers in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw the cake overnight in the refrigerator before bringing to room temperature for serving.
Reheating
If you prefer your cake slightly warm, gently reheat slices in a microwave for about 10 seconds. This helps revive the moist texture and enhances the complex chocolate and stout flavors, creating a comforting experience each time you enjoy a slice.
FAQs
Can I substitute the Guinness with another stout or beer?
Yes! You can use other stouts or dark beers, but Guinness is preferred for its smooth, balanced flavor that specifically enhances the chocolate in this cake. Some alternatives might alter the final taste slightly, so choose one with a similar profile if possible.
Is there a non-alcoholic version of this cake?
While Guinness is an essential flavor here, you can substitute it with a non-alcoholic stout or a mixture of root beer and coffee for a similar richness and depth, though the exact traditional flavor will be different.
What frosting pairs best with the Guinness Chocolate Cake Recipe?
Classic choices include cream cheese frosting, Irish cream-infused frosting, or a simple whipped cream topping. Each adds complementary richness while letting the bold flavors of the cake shine through.
How long does it take to bake this cake?
The cake typically bakes for about 30 to 35 minutes, but ovens vary, so keep an eye on it and test with a toothpick until it comes out clean for the best results.
Can I make this cake dairy-free?
With some ingredient swaps like using dairy-free sour cream and butter alternatives, this recipe can be made dairy-free, although it might slightly change the texture and flavor. Experiment cautiously to maintain the beloved moistness.
Final Thoughts
Trying this Guinness Chocolate Cake Recipe is a delightful way to bring bold, sophisticated flavor into a dessert loved by all. Whether for a special occasion or a cozy weekend treat, it’s a recipe that’s sure to impress and win the hearts of chocolate and stout lovers alike. So go ahead, bake it, share it, and savor every divine bite!
Print
Guinness Chocolate Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
A rich and moist Guinness Chocolate Cake that combines the deep flavors of stout beer with smooth cocoa for a decadent dessert perfect for any celebration.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup Guinness stout beer
- ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans to prepare them for baking.
- Melt Butter and Guinness: In a saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter together with the Guinness stout beer until the mixture is smooth. Remove from heat.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the melted butter and Guinness mixture to the dry ingredients. Then, incorporate the eggs, sour cream, and pure vanilla extract. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Pour and Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cakes: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely before frosting or serving.
Notes
- Ensure the Guinness stout beer is at room temperature to avoid curdling the butter when melting.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake tender and moist.
- You can frost the cake with a cream cheese frosting or a classic chocolate buttercream for added richness.
- Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Irish
