Chocolate Guinness Cake

Chocolate Guinness Cake is a decadent, moist, and rich cake with a deep chocolate flavor and a subtle hint of Guinness beer. The stout adds a unique depth to the cake, enhancing the chocolate without giving it an overtly beer-like taste. Topped with a fluffy cream cheese frosting, this cake is a showstopper for any special occasion or as a treat for chocolate lovers!

Here’s a recipe for Chocolate Guinness Cake that’s perfect for any occasion:

Chocolate Guinness Cake

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 1 cup (240 ml) Guinness beer (preferably stout)
• 1 cup (2 sticks or 225 g) unsalted butter, cut into cubes
• 3/4 cup (75 g) unsweetened cocoa powder (preferably Dutch-process)
• 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 2/3 cup (160 ml) sour cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour

For the Frosting:

• 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups (240 g) powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cake:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch (23 cm) round cake pan or a 9×13-inch rectangular pan, or line with parchment paper for easy removal.
• In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine the Guinness beer and butter. Stir until the butter is melted, then whisk in the cocoa powder and sugar. Continue stirring until the mixture is smooth. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool slightly.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
• In another large bowl, whisk together the eggs, sour cream, and vanilla extract until smooth and combined.
• Slowly pour the warm Guinness mixture into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to combine. Then, gradually fold in the dry ingredients, stirring just until everything is incorporated. The batter will be quite liquidy, but that’s okay.
• Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.

2. Bake the Cake:

• Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes for a round cake or about 40 minutes for a 9×13-inch rectangular pan. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake—if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is done.
• Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

3. Make the Frosting:

• In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together with a hand mixer or stand mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
• Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, and continue to beat until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
• If the frosting is too thick, you can add a little bit of milk to reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.

4. Assemble the Cake:

• Once the cake has cooled completely, spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting over the top, smoothing it out with a spatula. If you’ve made a layered cake, you can also frost between the layers.
• For a decorative touch, you can sprinkle the top with chocolate shavings or a dusting of cocoa powder.

5. Serve:

• Slice and enjoy this incredibly moist, flavorful Chocolate Guinness Cake. It’s best served chilled or at room temperature.

Tips for the Best Chocolate Guinness Cake:

• Beer: The Guinness stout brings a deep, malty flavor to the cake. If you’re not a fan of Guinness, you can use another stout, but stick with a dark beer for the best flavor profile.
• Sour Cream: The sour cream adds moisture and richness to the cake, helping it stay incredibly tender. Don’t substitute with regular yogurt, as it may alter the texture.
• Make-Ahead: The cake actually tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have time to meld. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• Frosting Variations: You can experiment with different frostings. Some people use a more traditional whipped cream frosting or even a chocolate ganache if you prefer a richer topping.

Serving Suggestions:

• This cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or a glass of dessert wine like port or sweet red wine.
• It’s perfect for celebrations, like birthdays, St. Patrick’s Day, or a casual get-together.
• Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.

This Chocolate Guinness Cake is truly a showstopper—moist, chocolatey, and with a subtle depth of flavor from the stout. The creamy frosting adds the perfect finishing touch to this delicious cake!