Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich, intensely chocolatey flavor
• Exceptionally moist and tender crumb
• Guinness enhances the cocoa without overpowering it
• Smooth, tangy cream cheese frosting
• Easy to make with simple ingredients
• Perfect for celebrations and holidays
• Even better the next day as the flavors deepen

Prep Time

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Bake Time: 45–50 minutes
• Cooling Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: About 2 hours 15 minutes

Servings: 12–14

Ingredients

For the Cake

• 1 cup (240 ml) Guinness stout
• 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter
• ¾ cup (75 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
• 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• ⅔ cup (160 g) sour cream
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon espresso powder (optional, for deeper chocolate flavor)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• 8 ounces (225 g) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups (360 g) powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1–2 tablespoons heavy cream, if needed for spreading

Optional Garnishes

• Chocolate shavings
• Cocoa powder
• Chocolate curls
• Chopped dark chocolate
• Gold sprinkles (for festive occasions)
• Fresh berries

Equipment

• 9-inch springform pan or 9-inch round cake pan
• Parchment paper
• Medium saucepan
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Cooling rack

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Grease and line a 9-inch cake pan with parchment paper.

Step 2: Heat the Guinness Mixture

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the Guinness stout and butter.

Heat until the butter is completely melted, but do not let the mixture boil.

Whisk in the cocoa powder until smooth and glossy.

Remove from the heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together:

• Flour
• Granulated sugar
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Espresso powder (if using)

Set aside.

Step 4: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together:

• Eggs
• Sour cream
• Vanilla extract

Gradually whisk the cooled Guinness-chocolate mixture into the egg mixture until smooth.

Step 5: Make the Batter

Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients.

Fold everything together gently until just combined.

Do not overmix, as this can make the cake less tender.

The batter will be thin, which is normal.

Step 6: Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.

Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Prepare the Frosting

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until light and smooth.

Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition.

Stir in the vanilla extract.

If needed, add 1–2 tablespoons of heavy cream to achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency.

Step 8: Frost the Cake

Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top using an offset spatula.

Leave the sides unfrosted for the traditional look, or frost the entire cake if preferred.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Decorate with chocolate curls, chocolate shavings, or a light dusting of cocoa powder.

Slice and serve with coffee, tea, or a glass of cold milk.

Expert Tips

• Use room-temperature eggs and sour cream for a smoother batter.
• Choose a good-quality cocoa powder for the richest chocolate flavor.
• Don’t overbake—the cake should remain moist.
• Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
• Refrigerate the frosted cake for 20–30 minutes before slicing for cleaner cuts.

Delicious Variations

Chocolate Guinness Layer Cake

Divide the batter between two 8-inch cake pans and frost between the layers.

Guinness Cupcakes

Bake the batter in cupcake liners for 18–22 minutes, then frost individually.

Salted Caramel Guinness Cake

Drizzle salted caramel sauce over the frosting before serving.

Espresso Guinness Cake

Increase the espresso powder to 2 teaspoons for a richer mocha flavor.

Dark Chocolate Guinness Cake

Use Dutch-process cocoa and bittersweet chocolate shavings for an even deeper chocolate taste.

Storage

Store the frosted cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Bring slices to room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture.

The unfrosted cake can also be wrapped tightly and frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Guinness make the cake taste like beer?

No. The stout enhances the chocolate with subtle roasted, coffee, and caramel notes rather than creating a strong beer flavor.

Can I use another stout?

Yes. Other dry stouts work well, but Guinness provides the classic flavor profile.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely. The cake often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have time to develop.

Can I omit the beer?

Yes. Replace the Guinness with strong brewed coffee or buttermilk for a different but equally delicious chocolate cake.

Serving Suggestions

This Guinness Cake pairs wonderfully with:

• Fresh whipped cream
• Vanilla ice cream
• Irish coffee
• Espresso
• Fresh raspberries
• Salted caramel sauce
• Chocolate ganache
• Hot coffee or black tea

Final Thoughts

Guinness Cake is an unforgettable chocolate dessert with a rich, velvety crumb and deep cocoa flavor enhanced by the roasted malt notes of Guinness stout. Topped with silky cream cheese frosting, it’s elegant enough for celebrations yet simple enough to bake whenever you’re craving an extraordinary chocolate cake. Whether served for St. Patrick’s Day, a special occasion, or a cozy weekend treat, this cake is guaranteed to impress with every delicious slice.