Chocolate and Guinness might sound like an unlikely pairing, but trust me, the deep, malty flavors of this iconic Irish stout elevate chocolate cake to a whole new level of deliciousness. This recipe for Chocolate Guinness Cake is surprisingly simple to follow, even for beginner bakers. Get ready to wow your friends and family with a dessert that is rich, decadent, and sure to become a new favorite.
A Little Slice of History
The combination of Guinness and chocolate can be traced back to Ireland, where the creamy stout is practically a national treasure. While the exact origins of this cake are unclear, it rose to fame for its unique flavor profile and moist, tender crumb. Some say it was a clever pub owner who first thought to blend leftover Guinness with chocolate cake batter, and the rest, as they say, is history!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple pantry staples, with the star ingredient being a bottle of good ol’ Guinness. Here’s what you need to gather:
For the Cake:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup Guinness stout
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Equipment You’ll Need
- Two 9-inch round cake pans
- Parchment paper
- Electric mixer
- Large bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Toothpick
- Wire rack
- Serrated knife
- Offset spatula or butter knife
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s get baking! This recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, even for novice bakers.
1. Prepare the Cake Pans
Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. Line the bottom of each pan with a circle of parchment paper for easy cake removal later. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and baking soda. Set this aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In another large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure each ingredient is fully incorporated before adding the next.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, Guinness, and cocoa powder until smooth. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the creamed butter mixture, alternating with the dry ingredients. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don’t overmix!
6. Bake the Cakes
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool the Cakes
Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the cakes cool, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
9. Frost and Assemble the Cake
Once the cakes are completely cool, carefully level the tops with a serrated knife if needed. Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread half of the frosting evenly over the top, then carefully place the second cake layer on top. Frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting.
10. Chill and Serve
For best results, chill the frosted cake in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will allow the frosting to set and make for cleaner slices.
A slice of chocolate Guinness cake with cream cheese frosting
Tips and Tricks for the Best Chocolate Guinness Cake
- Don’t overmix the batter. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake. Mix until the ingredients are just combined.
- Use good quality cocoa powder. The quality of your cocoa powder will affect the flavor of your cake, so use the best you can find.
- Let the cakes cool completely before frosting. If the cakes are still warm, the frosting will melt and slide off.
- Get creative with the frosting. While cream cheese frosting is the classic pairing for Guinness cake, you can also use chocolate frosting, whipped cream, or even a simple dusting of powdered sugar.
- Make it a day ahead. The flavors of this cake actually deepen overnight, so it’s a great dessert to make a day ahead of time.
FAQs About Chocolate Guinness Cake
Q: Can I make this cake without alcohol?
A: While the alcohol content bakes off significantly, you can substitute the Guinness with an equal amount of cold coffee or espresso for a similar depth of flavor.
Q: Can I freeze Chocolate Guinness Cake?
A: Absolutely! You can freeze the unfrosted cake layers for up to two months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then again in aluminum foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting and serving.
Q: What should I serve with Chocolate Guinness Cake?
A: This rich cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, fresh berries, or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream.
Ingredients for making chocolate Guinness cake
A Final Word from Chef Emily
This Chocolate Guinness Cake is truly a celebration of flavors. The bitterness of the Guinness enhances the richness of the chocolate, while the cream cheese frosting adds a touch of sweetness and tanginess. Don’t be intimidated by the unique ingredient – this recipe is surprisingly easy, and the results are absolutely delicious. I encourage you to give it a try and share the joy of baking with your loved ones.
Happy baking!
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