Description
Chocolate Guinness Cake is a delectably moist and rich dessert that masterfully combines the deep, malty flavors of Guinness stout with intense chocolate. This cake is tender and flavorful, featuring a tangy cream cheese frosting that perfectly balances its richness. Easy to make with pantry staples, this cake is a crowd favorite for any occasion, from cozy nights to festive celebrations.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Ingredients
- 1 cup Guinness stout (preferably Guinness Draught)
- 12 tbsp (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free option)
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (high-quality)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
Frosting Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened (or vegan cream cheese for dairy-free)
- 1 1/2 to 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Guinness Mixture: Gently warm the Guinness stout with the butter in a saucepan over low heat until the butter melts completely. This creates a glossy, flavorful base for the cake batter. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend), cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt to ensure an even chocolate flavor and prevent lumps.
- Combine Sugar and Eggs: In a separate bowl, whisk the granulated sugar and eggs together until the mixture is smooth and pale in color. This process incorporates air, resulting in a lighter cake texture.
- Bring It All Together: Slowly add the warm Guinness-butter mixture to the sugar and egg blend while mixing gently. Then, fold in the dry ingredients alternately with the buttermilk and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth and pourable. Avoid overmixing.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into a greased or parchment-lined cake pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 45-50 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean but the crumb remains moist and tender.
- Prepare the Frosting: While the cake cools completely, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Adjust sweetness to taste.
- Frost and Serve: Once the cake is fully cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Optionally garnish with grated dark chocolate or fresh raspberries. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Keep eggs and buttermilk at room temperature for a smoother batter.
- Fold ingredients gently to preserve the tender crumb and avoid a dense cake.
- Use fresh, high-quality cocoa powder for the richest chocolate flavor.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent meltdown.
- Use classic Guinness Draught for the most authentic stout flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Irish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/10th of cake)
- Calories: 370 kcal
- Sugar: 38 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: Chocolate Guinness Cake, Stout Cake, Moist Chocolate Cake, Irish Dessert, Cream Cheese Frosting, Gluten-Free Chocolate Cake, Vegan Variations
