Guinness Chocolate Cake

Name: Guinness Chocolate Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup Guinness stout; 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 2 cups granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3 large eggs; 1 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; 1/4 cup Guinness stout; 2 tsp vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely love baking, and there’s something extraordinarily magical about combining the rich flavors of chocolate with the depth of Guinness. This Guinness Chocolate Cake is a creation that always impresses my friends and family. The stout enhances the chocolate, making it incredibly moist and flavorful. I especially enjoy how easy it is to whip up this decadent treat, whether for a special occasion or just to satisfy that sweet tooth. Trust me, a slice of this cake is pure bliss, and you’ll savor every bite!

Created by

Anna

Last updated on 2026-02-18T16:30:21.027Z

When I first tried baking with Guinness, I was hesitant, but it turned into a delightful experiment. The unique flavor complements the chocolate perfectly, and the cake comes out with such a rich and moist texture. I remember sharing my first attempt with friends, and they couldn’t believe how delicious it was!

One of my favorite tips is to add a touch of espresso powder to amplify the chocolate flavor. It truly enhances the cake's richness without making it taste like coffee. Every time I bake this cake, I’m reminded of how simple ingredients can create something extraordinary.

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Rich chocolate flavor paired with the deep flavors of Guinness
Incredibly moist texture that melts in your mouth
Perfect for celebrations or just as a delightful indulgence

The Role of Guinness in Baking

Using Guinness in this chocolate cake not only adds depth but also helps create a moist and tender crumb. The stout interacts with the cocoa powder, enhancing the chocolate flavor while balancing the sweetness of the cake. Make sure to choose a good-quality stout; it significantly influences the final taste. A classic Irish stout will yield the best results, but if unavailable, look for any robust dark beer as a substitute.

Another fascinating aspect of using beer in baking is how it reacts with baking soda. The acidity of the Guinness helps activate the baking soda, contributing to the cake's rise. It's important to mix your ingredients gently to avoid overdeveloping the gluten in the flour, which can lead to a dense cake. So, mix until just combined for that perfect airy texture.

Perfecting Your Frosting

The frosting for this Guinness Chocolate Cake features a delightful cream cheese base that brings both sweetness and tanginess, perfectly complementing the rich chocolate. For best results, ensure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature to achieve a smooth, lump-free consistency. If you’re in a hurry, cut the butter into smaller pieces to speed up the softening process.

When adding powdered sugar, do it gradually to prevent a sugar cloud in your kitchen. After incorporating the sugar, mix until the frosting appears glossy and creamy. If you find the frosting too thick for spreading, a splash of milk or water can help achieve the desired consistency without compromising the flavor.

Serving and Storing Ideas

This cake can be enjoyed straight from the pan or elegantly plated. Consider garnishing with chocolate shavings or a dusting of cocoa powder for an extra touch of sophistication. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, both balancing the rich chocolate flavor nicely. To serve, consider slicing it into squares for easy portions that showcase its moist texture.

If you're planning to make the cake ahead of time, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature before serving.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients before you start:

For the Cake

1 cup Guinness stout
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 large eggs
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt

For the Frosting

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
8 oz cream cheese, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup Guinness stout
2 tsp vanilla extract

Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately for the best results!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Guinness Chocolate Cake:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.

Mix the Cocoa and Guinness

In a saucepan, combine the Guinness and cocoa powder over medium heat. Stir until smooth, then set aside to cool.

Prepare the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

Combine Ingredients

Stir in the cooled Guinness mixture, followed by the flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix until just combined.

Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Make the Frosting

While the cake cools, prepare the frosting by beating the butter and cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and Guinness. Mix until creamy.

Frost the Cake

Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the frosting evenly on top.

Slice and enjoy your delicious Guinness Chocolate Cake!

Pro Tips

For an even richer flavor, let the frosted cake sit overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

One common issue when baking this cake is a dense texture, which can occur if the batter is overmixed. To avoid this, mix the wet and dry ingredients together until just combined. Additionally, be sure to use the correct ratio of ingredients; too much flour can lead to a dry cake, while too little may cause it to collapse.

Another concern is underbaking, which can result in a gummy texture. To ensure your cake is done, use a toothpick inserted into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. If you notice the top browning too quickly, you can loosely cover the cake with aluminum foil to prevent burning while it continues to bake through.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you’re looking for a non-alcoholic version of this cake, you can substitute the Guinness with a dark soda like root beer or a non-alcoholic stout. The flavor will differ slightly but can still deliver a moist and chocolatey cake. For a gluten-free option, try using a 1-to-1 baking flour blend designed for gluten-free baking, remembering that the texture may be different.

For those wanting a less sweet frosting, you can reduce the amount of powdered sugar or use Greek yogurt as a cream cheese substitute, which adds a lovely tang while keeping the frosting creamy. Just keep in mind that this will slightly alter the overall flavor profile of the cake.

Flavor Variations

This cake serves as a delightful canvas for various flavor additions. Consider stirring in some freshly brewed coffee for a mocha flavor, or add a teaspoon of espresso powder to amplify the chocolate notes. You can also incorporate spices like cinnamon or a hint of chili powder for a warm, unexpected kick.

For a more festive flair, try adding a mint or orange extract to the frosting, creating a delightful contrast with the chocolate. Chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, can be folded into the batter for added texture, giving each bite a satisfying crunch that beautifully complements the cake's moistness.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use another type of beer?

Yes, you can use other stouts, but Guinness gives the best flavor.

→ How should I store the cake?

Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze the cake?

Yes, you can freeze the unfrosted cake for up to three months. Just wrap it well.

→ Is it kid-friendly?

Yes, the alcohol cooks off during baking, leaving just the flavor!