If you’re looking for a dessert that combines the bold, rich flavors of Guinness stout with the smooth sweetness of chocolate, then you’re in the right place! This Guinness Chocolate Cake recipe is a decadent treat that stands out with its unique blend of flavors and textures. Perfect for special occasions or when you want to treat yourself to something truly indulgent. Read on to discover how to make this delicious cake, including all the necessary ingredients, substitutions, step-by-step instructions, and expert tips.
What is a Guinness Chocolate Cake?
A Guinness Chocolate Cake is a moist, dense cake that features the deep, malty flavors of Guinness stout balanced by the richness of dark chocolate. The stout not only enhances the chocolate's flavor but also adds a unique complexity, making the cake deeply flavorful and slightly bitter in the best way possible. The end result is a dessert that is rich without being overly sweet, perfect for chocoholics and stout lovers alike.
Ingredients List for Guinness Chocolate Cake
To bake this rich and indulgent cake, you'll need the following ingredients. These quantities will make one standard 9-inch round cake, but you can easily double the recipe for a layered cake:
For the Cake:
- 1 cup (240 ml) Guinness stout – The star ingredient that provides a rich, malty depth to the cake.
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter – Adds creaminess and moisture to the cake.
- ¾ cup (90g) cocoa powder – Use a high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder for the best chocolate flavor.
- 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar – Provides the sweetness to balance out the bitterness of the stout and chocolate.
- ¾ cup (180 ml) sour cream – Helps create a moist, tender crumb while adding a slight tang.
- 2 large eggs – Essential for binding the ingredients and providing structure.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor profile of both the chocolate and the stout.
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour – The foundation of the cake, providing body and structure.
- 2½ teaspoons baking soda – Helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy despite its richness.
For the Frosting:
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened – Provides a smooth, tangy base for the frosting.
- 1¼ cups (150g) powdered sugar – Adds sweetness and helps the frosting achieve a fluffy consistency.
- ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream – Gives the frosting a light, whipped texture.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor of the frosting.
Substitutions and Variations
While the original recipe is incredibly indulgent and delicious, there are plenty of substitutions and variations you can try depending on your taste preferences or dietary restrictions.
- Substitute Greek Yogurt for Sour Cream: If you don’t have sour cream, plain full-fat Greek yogurt can work as a replacement. It will still provide the tangy flavor and moisture that sour cream does.
- Use Dark Beer Instead of Guinness: If you want to switch up the stout flavor, try using a different dark beer like a porter. This will result in subtle differences in flavor while still keeping the cake rich and chocolatey.
- Make It Gluten-Free: To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the baking soda and other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
- Dairy-Free Version: Swap the butter for a dairy-free alternative like coconut oil or a vegan margarine, and use a dairy-free sour cream. You can also use a dairy-free cream cheese for the frosting.
- Add Espresso Powder: For a richer chocolate flavor, add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the cake batter. The coffee enhances the chocolate without overpowering the stout.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Let’s break down how to create this rich and decadent Guinness Chocolate Cake from scratch. Each step will guide you through the process, ensuring your cake comes out perfectly moist and flavorful.

How to Cook Guinness Chocolate Cake: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper to ensure easy release.
Step 2: Heat the Guinness and Butter
In a medium saucepan, heat the Guinness and butter over medium heat until the butter has completely melted. Remove from the heat, and whisk in the cocoa powder until the mixture is smooth and combined.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and baking soda. Whisk together until well mixed and set aside.
Step 4: Prepare the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the sour cream, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. Slowly pour the melted Guinness and chocolate mixture into the wet ingredients, whisking continuously to prevent the eggs from scrambling.
Step 5: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense cake.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth out the top. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once done, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Prepare the Frosting
In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Gradually add the heavy cream and vanilla extract, whipping the mixture until light and fluffy.
Step 8: Frost the Cake
Once the cake is completely cool, spread a thick layer of cream cheese frosting on top. If desired, you can also frost the sides for a more elegant look.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making the perfect Guinness Chocolate Cake is easy, but there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for:
- Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing can cause the cake to become dense and tough. Stir just until the ingredients are combined for the best texture.
- Not Letting the Cake Cool Before Frosting: Make sure the cake is fully cooled before frosting. If the cake is still warm, the frosting will melt and become runny.
- Using the Wrong Beer: Be sure to use Guinness or a similar stout. Lighter beers won’t provide the deep flavor and richness that this cake is known for.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Serving your Guinness Chocolate Cake in the right way can elevate the entire dessert experience. Here are a few tips:
How to Serve Guinness Chocolate Cake
- Serve the cake with a side of fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries to balance out the richness.
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream can also complement the cake's deep chocolate and stout flavors beautifully.
Presentation Ideas for Guinness Chocolate Cake
- Dust the top of the cake with a light coating of cocoa powder or powdered sugar for a simple, elegant finish.
- Decorate the top with chocolate shavings or curls for a more decadent look.
- For a rustic presentation, serve the cake directly from the baking pan and let guests help themselves to a slice.
Guinness Chocolate Cake Recipe Tips
Here are a few expert tips to ensure your cake turns out perfect every time:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your eggs, sour cream, and cream cheese are at room temperature before using them. This helps them blend more easily into the batter and frosting.
- Use Good Quality Cocoa: A high-quality cocoa powder will make a big difference in the flavor of your cake. Look for Dutch-processed cocoa for a smoother, richer taste.
- Make It Ahead: This cake tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to meld. You can bake the cake a day in advance, store it in an airtight container, and frost it right before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this cake in advance?
A: Yes! In fact, this cake often tastes better the next day as the flavors develop. Store the unfrosted cake in an airtight container at room temperature, and frost just before serving.
Q: Can I freeze Guinness Chocolate Cake?
A: Yes, you can freeze the unfrosted cake for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting and serving.
Q: What type of Guinness should I use?
A: Stick with the classic Guinness Draught for the best results. Its rich, smooth flavor pairs perfectly with the chocolate in the cake.
Q: Can I use a different beer instead of Guinness?
A: Yes, but make sure to use a stout or porter for the right flavor. Lighter beers won't provide the depth and richness needed for this cake.
Q: Can I double the recipe for a layer cake?
A: Absolutely! Double the ingredients and divide the batter between two 9-inch round cake pans for a delicious two-layer cake.
Conclusion
This Guinness Chocolate Cake is the ultimate treat for anyone who loves rich chocolate desserts with a unique twist. The combination of stout and chocolate creates a depth of flavor that’s hard to beat, and the creamy, tangy frosting adds the perfect finishing touch. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just to indulge, this recipe is sure to impress. Follow the steps, heed the tips, and enjoy every bite of this decadent creation!
PrintGuinness Chocolate Cake Recipe
This Guinness chocolate cake recipe combines rich stout and dark chocolate for a moist, flavorful dessert. Perfect for chocolate lovers, it's an indulgent treat with a unique twist. Great for special occasions or whenever you're craving something sweet and satisfying.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Irish
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 cup Guinness stout
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- ¾ cup cocoa powder
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 ½ tsp baking soda
- ¾ tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- ⅔ cup sour cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch round cake pan.
- In a saucepan, combine Guinness and butter. Heat until butter melts. Remove from heat and whisk in cocoa powder.
- In a separate bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
- Beat eggs, sour cream, and vanilla until smooth. Gradually whisk in the stout mixture.
- Add dry ingredients and stir until combined. Pour batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool completely before frosting or serving.
Notes
- For extra richness, top with cream cheese or chocolate ganache frosting.
- This cake can be made a day ahead to allow the flavors to deepen.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 320mg
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