Description
This Guinness Chocolate Cake combines the rich, malty flavors of Guinness beer with deep cocoa to create a moist, dense chocolate cake. Topped with a creamy and smooth cream cheese frosting, it’s a perfect treat for celebrations or cozy indulgence.
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup Guinness
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs (at room temperature)
- 1/3 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (at room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Frosting Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese (at room temperature)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 cups confectioners’ sugar (sifted)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- pinch salt
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until thoroughly combined.
- Heat Guinness and Butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter into the Guinness. Once melted, remove from heat and whisk in both the granulated and brown sugars until completely dissolved. Allow this mixture to cool slightly until it is warm to the touch (about 100–110°F or 38–43°C).
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), and vanilla extract. Slowly pour in the warm Guinness and butter mixture while whisking continuously until smooth.
- Fold Dry into Wet: Gently fold the dry flour mixture into the wet mixture in three additions, mixing just until combined to maintain batter lightness.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare Frosting: Beat together the cream cheese and softened butter in a large bowl until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the sifted confectioners’ sugar, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, then beat the frosting until fluffy and light.
- Frost the Cake: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake in a thick layer. Garnish as desired and serve.
Notes
- Ensure eggs and sour cream/yogurt are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
- Use a toothpick or cake tester to check if the cake is done baking.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting or sliding.
- For additional decoration, consider adding chocolate shavings or a dusting of cocoa powder on top.
- This cake pairs well with coffee or a glass of Guinness beer for an enhanced flavor experience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Irish
