Guinness Chocolate Cake Recipe

Guinness Chocolate Cake Recipe: Rich, Moist, and Perfectly Boozy

If you're a fan of rich, decadent desserts with a hint of malty flavor, this Guinness Chocolate Cake is a must-try. Guinness beer adds depth and complexity to the chocolate, creating a moist, flavorful cake that’s perfect for special occasions, from St. Patrick’s Day celebrations to birthday parties. Paired with a velvety cream cheese frosting or ganache, this cake is an indulgent treat for chocolate lovers and stout enthusiasts alike. Read on for the step-by-step recipe, variations, and tips to make the perfect Guinness Chocolate Cake.

What Is a Guinness Chocolate Cake?

A Guinness Chocolate Cake is a decadent chocolate cake made with Guinness stout, a dark Irish beer known for its rich, malty flavor. The stout enhances the chocolate’s depth, making the cake extra moist and flavorful without an overpowering beer taste. The subtle bitterness from the beer balances the sweetness of the cake, resulting in a dessert that’s rich, complex, and utterly delicious. Often paired with a cream cheese frosting or ganache, this cake is a showstopper at any gathering.

Ingredients List for Guinness Chocolate Cake

For the Cake:

• 1 cup (240 ml) Guinness stout (one bottle will be enough)
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-processed for a richer flavor)
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• ¾ cup sour cream, at room temperature
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ teaspoons baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz (1 package) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk (optional, to adjust consistency)

Optional Toppings:

• Chocolate shavings
• Cocoa powder dusting
• Ganache drizzle

Substitutions and Variations for Guinness Chocolate Cake

1. Other Stouts: If you don't have Guinness, you can substitute with any other stout or dark beer like chocolate stout, milk stout, or even coffee stout for a unique twist.
2. Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that includes xanthan gum. Make sure to also check that your beer is gluten-free (there are a few gluten-free stouts available).
3. Ganache Frosting: If you're not a fan of cream cheese frosting, try making a chocolate ganache by heating 1 cup of heavy cream and pouring it over 8 oz of chopped dark chocolate. Stir until smooth and spread over the cake.
4. Mocha Cake: Add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the batter for a coffee-infused version that pairs beautifully with the Guinness flavor.
5. Layer Cake: To make a layer cake, simply divide the batter between two 9-inch round cake pans and adjust the baking time accordingly (25-30 minutes).
6. Cupcakes: For a fun twist, use the same batter to make cupcakes. Fill cupcake liners two-thirds full and bake for 18-20 minutes.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Guinness Chocolate Cake

Follow these easy steps to create a perfectly moist and rich Guinness chocolate cake:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan or a regular 9-inch round cake pan with butter or nonstick spray. Line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Heat the Guinness and Butter

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the Guinness and butter. Heat until the butter is melted, then remove from the heat. Stir in the cocoa powder and sugar, whisking until smooth and fully combined. Let the mixture cool slightly.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sour cream, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined. Slowly whisk in the slightly cooled Guinness-cocoa mixture until smooth.

Step 4: Add the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture in batches, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. The top of the cake may crack slightly, but this is normal.

Step 6: Cool the Cake

Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, you can either frost the cake or serve it plain with a dusting of powdered sugar.

How to Make Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cake is cooling, whip up the cream cheese frosting:

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together with a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy.

Step 2: Add the Powdered Sugar

Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, mixing on low speed to avoid a sugar cloud. Beat until smooth and fluffy.

Step 3: Add Vanilla and Adjust Consistency

Add the vanilla extract and mix well. If the frosting is too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of heavy cream or milk to reach your desired consistency. If it's too thin, add more powdered sugar.

Step 4: Frost the Cake

Once the cake is fully cooled, spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on top of the cake. You can smooth it for a clean finish or swirl it with a spatula for a rustic look.

How to Make Guinness Chocolate Cake: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Step 1: Preheat oven and grease a 9-inch cake pan.
2. Step 2: Heat the Guinness and butter, then whisk in cocoa and sugar.
3. Step 3: Whisk together sour cream, eggs, and vanilla; mix in the Guinness-cocoa mixture.
4. Step 4: Fold in dry ingredients, then pour the batter into the pan.
5. Step 5: Bake for 45-55 minutes and cool completely.
6. Step 6: Make the cream cheese frosting and spread it over the cooled cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing the batter can lead to a dense, tough cake. Be sure to fold in the dry ingredients just until combined.
2. Not Letting the Cake Cool: Don’t frost the cake while it’s still warm, as the frosting will melt and slide off. Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting.
3. Skipping the Parchment Paper: Using parchment paper at the bottom of the cake pan ensures easy removal, especially if you're using a standard cake pan instead of a springform.
4. Using Cold Ingredients: Ensure your butter, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature for the smoothest batter and even baking.

Serving and Presentation Tips

• Garnish with Chocolate Shavings: After frosting, sprinkle chocolate shavings, curls, or cocoa powder over the top for an elegant touch.
• Add a Ganache Drizzle: For extra indulgence, drizzle the cake with chocolate ganache. Simply heat ½ cup of heavy cream, pour it over 4 oz of chopped dark chocolate, and stir until smooth.
• Serve with Whipped Cream: A dollop of homemade whipped cream pairs beautifully with the richness of the cake.

How to Serve Guinness Chocolate Cake

This cake is best served at room temperature. You can enjoy it with a hot cup of coffee or tea, or even pair it with a glass of Guinness or your favorite stout for a fun twist. For added indulgence, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or some fresh berries.

Presentation Ideas for Guinness Chocolate Cake

1. Rustic Look: Frost the cake with a generous layer of cream cheese frosting and let it swirl naturally for a rustic, homemade look.
2. Classic Elegance: Smooth the frosting over the cake for a clean, elegant appearance. Decorate the edges with chocolate curls or fresh berries for a pop of color.
3. Ganache and Berries: Top the cake with a shiny chocolate ganache glaze and garnish with fresh raspberries or strawberries for a sophisticated touch.

Guinness Chocolate Cake Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: This cake can be baked a day ahead and stored in an airtight container. Frost just before serving.
• Freezing: You can freeze the unfrosted cake for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw at room temperature and frost before serving.
• Using a Springform Pan: A springform pan makes it easier to remove the cake without damaging its shape, but a regular cake pan will work just as well with proper greasing and parchment lining.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this cake without alcohol? If you want to avoid alcohol, you can substitute the Guinness with strong brewed coffee or a dark, non-alcoholic beer. The coffee will still enhance the chocolate flavor.
2. How should I store the cake? The cake can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days if covered. If frosted with cream cheese frosting, refrigerate the cake for up to 4 days. Let it come to room temperature before serving.
3. Can I use a different type of frosting? Absolutely! This cake pairs wonderfully with chocolate ganache, buttercream, or even a simple dusting of powdered sugar.
4. Can I make cupcakes with this recipe? Yes, this recipe makes excellent cupcakes! Simply pour the batter into cupcake liners and bake at 350°F for 18-20 minutes.

Conclusion

This Guinness Chocolate Cake is rich, moist, and has a deep, indulgent flavor that’s perfectly balanced with the malty undertones of the stout. Topped with a smooth and tangy cream cheese frosting, this cake is ideal for any celebration, from birthdays to St. Patrick’s Day. Whether you’re a fan of chocolate, beer, or both, this dessert is sure to impress! Give this recipe a try and enjoy a deliciously boozy twist on the classic chocolate cake!

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