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Rich chocolate Guinness cake topped with creamy frosting, served on a rustic cake stand with a slice cut out.

Chocolate Guinness Cake Recipe – Easy Irish Dessert

Chocolate Guinness cake is a decadent dessert that combines the deep, malty flavor of Guinness stout with rich cocoa for a moist and indulgent treat. Topped with a smooth, creamy frosting, this cake is perfect for St. Patrick’s Day, special occasions, or anytime you crave a bold chocolate dessert. Easy to bake yet impressive to serve, it’s a crowd‑pleasing recipe that delivers unforgettable flavor.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Course Dessert
Cuisine Irish-inspired
Servings 12 slices
Calories 420 kcal

Equipment

  • 9-inch springform pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk and spatula
  • Electric mixer (optional)
  • Saucepan

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup Guinness stout
  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • ¾ cup sour cream
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 ½ tsp baking soda

Frosting (cream cheese option):

  • 8 oz cream cheese
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • ½ cup heavy cream

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch springform pan.
  • In a saucepan, melt butter with Guinness over medium heat. Remove from heat and whisk in cocoa powder and sugar until smooth.
  • In a separate bowl, beat eggs, sour cream, and vanilla. Add to Guinness mixture.
  • Sift flour and baking soda, then fold gently into wet ingredients until combined.
  • Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 45–60 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
  • Cool completely before frosting.
  • For frosting: beat cream cheese until smooth, add powdered sugar, then whip in heavy cream until fluffy. Spread generously over cooled cake.

Notes

  • For a lighter topping, use whipped cream instead of cream cheese frosting.
  • Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Freeze slices individually for up to 2 months.
  • Serve at room temperature for best flavor.
  • Variations: try Bailey’s frosting, chocolate ganache, or make cupcakes for easy serving.
Keyword Chocolate Guinness Cake, cream cheese frosting, festive cake, Irish dessert, St. Patrick’s Day cake