If you are looking for a dessert that wraps rich, indulgent chocolate flavor with a beautiful, moist crumb and a touch of Irish charm, this Guinness Chocolate Cake Recipe is an absolute must-try. Combining the robust depth of Guinness stout with luscious cocoa and a silky chocolate ganache, this cake is so much more than just a chocolate treat—it’s an experience. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply want to brighten up a chilly evening, this recipe brings warmth and joy to every bite with its perfect balance of sweetness and bittersweet notes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Guinness Chocolate Cake Recipe calls for a collection of simple, well-chosen ingredients that come together harmoniously to create a cake bursting with flavor and having that signature moist texture. Each item plays a critical role—from the stout adding depth to the cocoa’s rich color and the butter’s velvety texture.
- 1 cup Guinness stout: Adds a deep, malty flavor that intensifies the chocolate taste while keeping the cake wonderfully moist.
- 10 tablespoons unsalted butter: Provides richness and a tender crumb without overpowering other flavors.
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Gives that essential chocolate intensity with a slight bitterness that balances the sweetness.
- 2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps to keep it moist during baking.
- 3/4 cup sour cream: Adds acidity and creaminess, enhancing the cake’s texture and depth of flavor.
- 2 large eggs: Act as a binding agent to bring all the elements together.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Boosts the chocolate’s aroma and adds warmth.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base structure of the cake, ensuring it holds its shape.
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking soda: A leavening agent that works beautifully with the stout’s acidity to create a tender crumb.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor complexity.
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream: Used to make the rich ganache that shines on top of this cake.
- 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melted into the ganache, adding creamy, decadent chocolate goodness.
- Optional: powdered sugar or whipped cream for topping: Adds a delicate, pretty finishing touch and extra indulgence.
How to Make Guinness Chocolate Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Heat Stout with Butter
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9-inch springform pan to ensure your cake doesn’t stick. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the Guinness stout with the unsalted butter. Warm them together until the butter melts completely. This step helps to marry the stout’s flavor with the butter’s richness, forming the luscious base of your cake batter.
Step 2: Incorporate Cocoa Powder and Sugar
Next, whisk in the unsweetened cocoa powder and granulated sugar to this warm mixture until smooth. The cocoa should dissolve into the liquid blending seamlessly, while the sugar begins to melt, providing a uniform sweet foundation. Be sure to remove it from heat once everything is combined to avoid overcooking the batter.
Step 3: Mix Sour Cream, Eggs, and Vanilla
In a separate bowl, whisk together the sour cream, eggs, and vanilla extract. This creamy blend adds moisture and richness, while the eggs will help bind the ingredients. Slowly stir this mixture into your stout and cocoa base until fully combined, watching as the batter takes on a glossy, inviting look.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients and Fold Into Wet Mixture
In another bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually fold these dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, gently mixing until just incorporated. Over-mixing can lead to a dense cake, so take your time and stop as soon as there’s no visible flour.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour the rich batter into your prepared springform pan and place it in the center of the oven. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. This cake develops an incredible moistness during baking, so resist opening the oven door frequently to keep the heat even.
Step 6: Let the Cake Cool Completely
After baking, allow the cake to cool fully in the pan before removing the springform ring. Cooling is crucial because it helps the cake set and prevents crumbling when you add the ganache.
Step 7: Prepare the Chocolate Ganache
Heat the heavy cream in a saucepan until it just reaches a simmer. Remove from heat and pour over the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Let sit for a few minutes to allow the chocolate to melt, then stir gently until smooth and glossy. This ganache adds a luxurious finishing touch, balancing bitterness and sweetness perfectly.
Step 8: Pour Ganache and Set
Pour the slightly cooled ganache over the top of your cooled cake. Use a spatula to smooth it out evenly. Allow it to set at room temperature or chill briefly in the fridge—just until firm but not hard—before serving.
How to Serve Guinness Chocolate Cake Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your presentation, dust the top lightly with powdered sugar or add a swirl of fresh whipped cream. A sprinkle of cocoa powder or some chocolate shavings would add texture and visual interest while complementing the rich layers beneath.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with bold flavors such as a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, tart raspberry coulis, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce. These sides bring mild contrasting notes that highlight the Guinness Chocolate Cake Recipe’s complex richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the cake into generous wedges and serve on rustic wooden boards for a cozy feel, or plate elegantly with piped whipped cream rosettes and fresh mint leaves for special occasions. You can also layer the cake with alternating ganache and whipped cream to create a decadent multi-layer dessert.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Guinness Chocolate Cake is made, store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after a day, making each bite even more satisfying than the last.
Freezing
If you want to save your cake for longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe container. Freeze it for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving for the best texture.
Reheating
Although this cake is delightful cold or at room temperature, if you’d like to warm a slice, heat it gently in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. This softens the ganache and enhances the chocolate aroma, turning each bite into a cozy indulgence.
FAQs
Can I substitute the Guinness with another type of beer?
Absolutely! While Guinness stout lends its signature depth and richness, you can experiment with other stouts or even dark beers like chocolate or espresso stout for a twist in flavor.
Is this cake suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Guinness Chocolate Cake Recipe is vegetarian-friendly. It does contain eggs and dairy, but no animal flesh or gelatin products.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
To make this cake gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking. Just be sure to check your baking soda and other ingredients for any gluten content.
How far in advance can I prepare this cake?
This cake actually tastes better the next day, so you can bake it a day in advance. Store it at room temperature, covered, until ready to add the ganache and serve.
What is the best way to get clean slices when serving?
For neat slices, use a sharp knife warmed in hot water, then wiped dry before cutting. This helps the ganache and cake layers cut smoothly without sticking.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Guinness Chocolate Cake Recipe. It boldly combines the best of chocolate and stout to create a dessert that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or simply to treat yourself, it promises to become a beloved recipe that everyone will be asking for again and again. So grab a bottle of Guinness and your mixing bowls—this cake is waiting to steal the spotlight at your next dessert table!
Print
Guinness Chocolate Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Irish-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Guinness Chocolate Cake is a rich and moist dessert that perfectly combines the deep flavors of Guinness stout with luscious chocolate. The cake is topped with a silky chocolate ganache, creating an indulgent treat that improves in flavor when rested overnight. Ideal for celebrations or cozy nights in, this Irish-American dessert offers a unique twist for chocolate lovers.
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 1 cup Guinness stout
- 10 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup sour cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Ganache Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
Optional Toppings
- Powdered sugar
- Whipped cream
Instructions
- Prepare and preheat: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Make the cocoa mixture: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the Guinness stout and unsalted butter. Heat gently until the butter is melted. Whisk in the unsweetened cocoa powder and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and uniform, then remove from heat.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the sour cream, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined and smooth.
- Mix wet and cocoa blends: Slowly add the sour cream mixture into the warm Guinness-cocoa mixture, mixing gently to combine the two thoroughly without curdling.
- Incorporate dry ingredients: In another bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring carefully until the batter is fully incorporated and lump-free.
- Bake the cake: Pour the batter into your prepared springform pan. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool the cake: Once baked, allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before removing the springform ring.
- Prepare the ganache: In a small saucepan, gently heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Remove from the heat immediately to prevent boiling. Add the semi-sweet chocolate chips and stir until completely melted and smooth.
- Assemble the cake: Pour the slightly cooled ganache over the top of the cooled cake, spreading evenly with a spatula. Let the ganache set at room temperature.
- Serve and garnish: Optionally, dust the cake with powdered sugar or top with whipped cream before serving to enhance presentation and flavor. Enjoy your Guinness Chocolate Cake!
Notes
- The cake tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen and meld together.
- Substitute Guinness with other chocolate or espresso stouts for a unique twist on flavor.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain moisture and freshness.
