Chocolate Guinness Cake – Rich, Moist, and Decadent

This Chocolate Guinness Cake recipe creates a luscious, dark chocolate dessert with a velvety crumb and a deep malty richness. It’s the kind of cake that feels bold, luxurious, and just a little bit grown-up — perfect for celebrations or cozy evenings alike.

The stout beer enhances the chocolate flavor without tasting like beer, adding incredible depth and moisture. If you love rich, decadent chocolate desserts, you might also enjoy our Dark Chocolate Bundt Cake, another intensely satisfying favorite that’s simple to prepare but impressive to serve.

Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day, birthdays, or any time you crave a more grown-up chocolate cake. And if you’re looking for something lighter to serve alongside, our French Vanilla Ice Cream makes a creamy, refreshing contrast to the cake’s rich depth.

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✅ Recipe Summary

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Servings: 12 slices
• Difficulty: Moderate

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🧾 Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 cup (240ml) Guinness stout beer
• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter
• ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
• ¾ cup (150g) light brown sugar
• ¾ cup (180ml) sour cream
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) vanilla extract
• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup (75g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2½ teaspoons (10g) baking soda
• ½ teaspoon (2g) salt

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
• 1¼ cups (150g) confectioners’ sugar, sifted
• ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

Make the Cake:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch (23cm) springform pan.
2. In a saucepan, melt the butter with the Guinness over medium heat. Remove from heat and whisk in the sugars.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sour cream, eggs, and vanilla. Add to the Guinness mixture.
4. In another bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until smooth.
6. Pour into the prepared pan and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs attached.
7. Cool completely before frosting.

Make the Frosting:

1. Beat the cream cheese until smooth.
2. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar.
3. Whip in the heavy cream until the frosting is light and fluffy.

Assemble:

1. Spread the frosting generously over the cooled cake, creating a creamy, foamy look reminiscent of a pint of stout.

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📌 Notes

• Guinness Extra Stout or Draught both work — Draught gives a smoother flavor.
• Cake flavor improves after resting overnight.
• Keep the frosting light; you want a “foam head” effect on top.

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🔄 Variations & Add-ons

• Add espresso powder to the batter for a mocha-chocolate flavor.
• Top with chocolate shavings or cocoa nibs for added texture.
• For a deeper flavor, substitute part of the Guinness with coffee.

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🥄 Estimated Nutrition Information (Per Slice)

• Calories: 420 kcal
• Total Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 13g
• Cholesterol: 80mg
• Sodium: 270mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 50g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 32g
• Protein: 6g

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🌍 The Story Behind Chocolate Guinness Cake

Chocolate Guinness Cake draws its inspiration from Irish baking traditions where beer and breads were commonly intertwined.

Guinness, with its roasted malt profile, adds a depth and darkness to chocolate that transforms the flavor into something rich and grown-up.

Today, it’s a popular dessert for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations but deserves a spot at the table year-round.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Serve slices slightly chilled or at room temperature.

It pairs perfectly with black coffee, Irish whiskey, or a glass of cold milk.

Keep leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

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❓ FAQs

Can I use another stout beer?
Yes — any dark stout works, but Guinness gives the most traditional flavor.

Can I make it ahead?
Definitely — the cake tastes even better after a day as the flavors deepen.

Can I freeze Chocolate Guinness Cake?
Yes. Freeze the unfrosted cake wrapped tightly for up to 2 months. Thaw before frosting and serving.

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✨ Final Thoughts

Chocolate Guinness Cake delivers rich, intense flavor wrapped in a soft, moist crumb, crowned with a silky white frosting.

It’s a bold yet balanced dessert that’s as welcome at holiday feasts as it is at casual weekend gatherings.