Guinness Chocolate Cake Recipe

Heavenly Guinness Chocolate Cake Recipe: Rich & Dreamy Dessert

Dark, rich guinness chocolate cake beckons with a promise of indulgence that will make your taste buds dance.

Layers of deep cocoa mingle with Ireland’s famous stout, creating a dessert that defies ordinary expectations.

Velvety crumbs promise an experience beyond simple sweetness.

Malty undertones weave through each tender bite, revealing complex flavors that surprise and delight.

Chocolate lovers will find themselves captivated by this unique combination of ingredients.

Decadent and unexpected, this cake represents a culinary adventure waiting to be savored.

You won’t be able to resist cutting a generous slice and diving into pure deliciousness.

Why Guinness Chocolate Cake Is So Rich

Why Guinness Chocolate Cake Is So Rich
  • Indulge in Rich Flavor: The Guinness stout adds deep, complex chocolate notes that elevate this cake beyond ordinary desserts, creating a uniquely sophisticated taste experience.
  • Bake with Minimal Fuss: One-bowl mixing technique and straightforward steps make this recipe perfect for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced home cooks.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: This moist, decadent chocolate cake works wonderfully for casual gatherings, dinner parties, or as a special weekend treat that everyone will love and remember.
  • Simple Ingredients, Spectacular Results: Using common pantry staples and one special ingredient (Guinness), you can transform basic components into an extraordinary dessert that looks and tastes impressive.

Guinness Chocolate Cake Ingredients

Main Ingredients:
  • Guinness Beer: A rich, dark stout that adds depth and moisture to the chocolate cake.
  • Butter: Provides richness and helps create a tender cake texture.
  • Cocoa Powder: Delivers intense chocolate flavor and dark color to the cake.
Dry Ingredients:
  • Flour, Baking Soda: Essential for creating the cake’s structure and helping it rise properly.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with caramelization during baking.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Eggs, Vanilla Extract: Bind the ingredients together and enhance the cake’s overall flavor profile.

How to Bake Guinness Chocolate Cake

How to Bake Guinness Chocolate Cake

Step 1: Warm Up the Guinness and Butter

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine Guinness and butter.

Gently melt them together, stirring occasionally until the butter is completely dissolved and blended with the beer.

The mixture will create a rich, dark liquid foundation for the cake.

Step 2: Create Chocolatey Base

Whisk cocoa powder and sugar into the warm Guinness and butter mixture.

Stir until the ingredients are fully incorporated and smooth.

The mixture will develop a deep, glossy chocolate color with a luxurious sheen.

Step 3: Integrate Egg and Vanilla Essence

In a separate mixing bowl, beat eggs and vanilla extract until well combined.

Slowly pour the egg mixture into the chocolate Guinness base, whisking continuously to ensure a uniform and silky batter.

Step 4: Fold in Dry Ingredients

Sift flour and baking soda together to remove any lumps.

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined.

Be careful not to overmix, which can make the cake tough.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Grease a cake pan and pour the batter evenly into it.

Place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C).

Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool and Optionally Frost

Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan.

If desired, top with cream cheese frosting for an extra layer of decadence.

The cake can be served at room temperature or slightly warm.

Tips for Guinness Chocolate Cake

Tips for Guinness Chocolate Cake
  • Add a splash of espresso or strong coffee to intensify the chocolate and Guinness notes without overpowering the cake.
  • Check doneness with a toothpick at 45 minutes to ensure moist texture; avoid overbaking by testing for moist crumbs.
  • Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend and add xanthan gum for better cake structure.
  • Warm Guinness and butter mixture slightly to help ingredients blend smoothly and create a more consistent batter.
  • Dust with cocoa powder or top with chocolate shavings for an elegant presentation that complements the cake’s deep flavors.

Variations of Guinness Chocolate Cake

  • Gluten-Free Guinness Chocolate Cake: Replace regular flour with gluten-free flour blend, ensuring a safe option for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Non-Alcoholic Chocolate Cake: Substitute Guinness with dark coffee or strong brewed black tea to maintain rich depth without alcohol.
  • Vegan Chocolate Stout Cake: Use plant-based butter, flax eggs, and dairy-free cream cheese frosting to create a completely vegan version.
  • Low-Sugar Chocolate Cake: Swap sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining sweet flavor profile.

Serving Guinness Chocolate Cake

  • Irish Pub Plating: Serve slices on rustic wooden boards with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic pub-style presentation.
  • Boozy Companion: Pair each slice with a chilled Guinness or Irish coffee to enhance the cake’s rich, malty flavor profile.
  • Dessert Decor: Dust the cake with cocoa powder or chocolate shavings, and add a few fresh berries for a touch of color and brightness.
  • Celebration Centerpiece: Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day gatherings or adult birthday parties, offering a sophisticated twist on traditional chocolate cake.

Storing Guinness Chocolate Cake

  • Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Keep the frosting separate if not already applied.
  • Carefully wrap the unfrosted cake in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting and serving.
  • Cut individual slices, wrap each in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Store for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before enjoying.
  • Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. For a crisp edge, briefly toast in a preheated oven at 300F for 5 minutes.

FAQs

  • Can I substitute Guinness with another beer?

Yes, you can use a dark stout or porter beer with similar rich, malty characteristics. Avoid light beers as they won’t provide the same depth of flavor.

  • Is this cake suitable for kids?

Since the alcohol mostly cooks off during baking, the cake is generally safe for children. However, if you’re concerned, you can replace Guinness with dark coffee or chocolate stout.

  • Why does this recipe use Guinness?

Guinness adds moisture and a complex, slightly bitter flavor that enhances the chocolate’s richness. It creates a deeper, more intense chocolate taste without making the cake taste like beer.

  • Do I need any special baking skills to make this cake?

No, this recipe is beginner-friendly. If you can measure ingredients and mix them together, you can successfully make this Guinness chocolate cake.

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Guinness Chocolate Cake Recipe

Guinness Chocolate Cake Recipe


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4.9 from 23 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Rich Guinness Chocolate Cake brings Irish charm to classic dessert decadence. Dark stout deepens chocolate complexity, creating an indulgent treat that melts hearts with its intense flavor profile. Bakers will discover pure chocolate bliss in each heavenly slice.


Ingredients

Scale

Cake Ingredients:

  • 1 cup Guinness stout
  • 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 cup butter
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 teaspoons (10 milliliters) vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons (10 grams) baking soda

Frosting Ingredients (Optional):

  • 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese
  • 1 cup powdered sugar

Instructions

  1. Warm the Guinness and butter in a saucepan over medium heat until completely liquefied, creating a rich dark base for the cake.
  2. Incorporate cocoa powder and sugar into the melted mixture, whisking until smooth and fully integrated.
  3. Crack eggs into a separate mixing bowl, adding vanilla extract, and thoroughly blend until well combined.
  4. Gently fold the egg mixture into the Guinness chocolate base, ensuring a uniform and silky consistency.
  5. Sift flour and baking soda together, then delicately fold into the wet ingredients to create a luxurious batter without overmixing.
  6. Transfer the batter into a prepared cake pan, spreading evenly to ensure consistent baking.
  7. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean.
  8. Remove from oven and allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack before adorning with cream cheese frosting.

Notes

  • Enhance cake’s moisture by using room temperature ingredients, ensuring smooth blending and consistent texture.
  • Swap Guinness with non-alcoholic stout or dark coffee for family-friendly version without compromising rich flavor profile.
  • Test cake’s doneness by inserting a toothpick in center – it should come out with few moist crumbs, preventing dry results.
  • For gluten-sensitive guests, replace wheat flour with gluten-free blend and add xanthan gum to maintain cake’s structural integrity.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Irish

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 28 g
  • Sodium: 220 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 42 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg

Lucas Bennett

Lucas Bennett

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Developing single-serving recipes with a rustic, seasonal twist.
  • Crafting engaging food insights that connect with readers.
  • Developing content that educates readers on healthy baking alternatives.
  • Integrating local ingredients into accessible home cooking.​

Education

Blue Ridge Community College – Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focused on seasonal cooking, sustainable kitchen practices, and farm-to-table techniques.

Appalachian State University – B.A. in English
Built critical thinking and analysis through diverse texts. Guided by faculty, it prepares graduates for publishing and more.


Growing up in the rolling hills of North Carolina, Lucas learned early that some of life’s best memories start around a kitchen table. After studying English at Appalachian State University and honing his culinary skills at Blue Ridge Community College, he dreamed of blending storytelling with rustic, seasonal cooking, and The Scrumptious Pumpkin was born.
Lucas focuses on easy, single-serving recipes that turn fresh, local ingredients into something special. His style is simple, heartfelt, and rooted in the beauty of the seasons. When he’s not testing a new dish, you’ll probably find him hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains, browsing farmers’ markets, or scribbling food stories in a notebook.

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