Guinness Chocolate Cake is a rich, moist, and indulgent dessert that perfectly balances the deep, malty notes of Guinness beer with the sweetness of chocolate. Topped with a creamy frosting, this cake is a decadent treat for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Guinness beer enhances the chocolate flavor, making it extra rich and deep
Moist and tender texture that stays fresh for days
Simple ingredients but a gourmet taste
Perfect for celebrations, especially St. Patrick’s Day
Easy to make, even for beginner bakers

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Guinness stout beer
Unsalted butter
Unsweetened cocoa powder
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar
Eggs
Vanilla extract
Sour cream
All-purpose flour
Baking soda
Salt
Heavy cream (for frosting)
Cream cheese (for frosting)
Powdered sugar (for frosting)
Vanilla extract (for frosting)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a cake pan.
In a saucepan, heat the Guinness and butter together until the butter melts. Remove from heat and whisk in the cocoa powder and sugars.
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, vanilla extract, and sour cream until smooth.
Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the Guinness mixture.
Sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt, then gently fold it into the wet mixture.
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for about 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Let the cake cool completely before frosting.
For the frosting, beat cream cheese until smooth, then gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla. Slowly mix in heavy cream until fluffy.
Spread the frosting over the cooled cake and serve.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 10-12 slices
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 50 minutes
Cooling time: 1 hour

Variations

Chocolate Ganache Topping: Swap the frosting for a rich chocolate ganache for an extra chocolatey touch.
Spiced Guinness Cake: Add a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg to the batter for warmth.
Cupcakes: Turn this recipe into Guinness chocolate cupcakes by using a muffin tin and adjusting the bake time to 18-22 minutes.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a gluten-free version.
Dairy-Free: Substitute butter with coconut oil and use dairy-free cream cheese for the frosting.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Wrap slices in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Let refrigerated slices come to room temperature before serving. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge.

FAQs

How does Guinness enhance the chocolate flavor?

Guinness beer adds a deep, malty richness that enhances the chocolate flavor, making the cake taste more intense and complex.

Can I use a different beer instead of Guinness?

Yes, any dark stout beer will work, but Guinness is preferred for its smooth, malty flavor.

Can I make this cake alcohol-free?

Yes, you can substitute Guinness with strong brewed coffee or a non-alcoholic stout for a similar depth of flavor.

Do I need to refrigerate this cake?

Only if you use cream cheese frosting. Otherwise, it can be stored at room temperature for a couple of days.

Can I make this cake in advance?

Yes, you can bake the cake a day ahead and frost it before serving for best freshness.

What size cake pan should I use?

A 9-inch round cake pan works best, but you can also use an 8-inch pan for a thicker cake.

Can I use a different type of frosting?

Absolutely! Chocolate buttercream or whipped cream frosting would also pair well with this cake.

What’s the best way to ensure a moist cake?

Do not overmix the batter, and make sure not to overbake the cake. Using sour cream helps keep it moist.

Can I make cupcakes with this recipe?

Yes, divide the batter into cupcake liners and bake for about 18-22 minutes.

How can I make this cake extra rich?

Use high-quality cocoa powder and add a bit of melted dark chocolate to the batter.

Conclusion

Guinness Chocolate Cake is a rich, moist, and flavorful dessert that’s perfect for any chocolate lover. The addition of Guinness beer elevates the depth of chocolate, creating an irresistible treat. Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or just craving a decadent cake, this recipe is sure to impress!