Guinness Chocolate Cake is a rich and indulgent dessert that combines the malty, slightly bitter notes of Guinness stout with the deep, intense flavors of chocolate. The beer not only enhances the cake's flavor but also adds moisture, giving the cake a dense, fudgy texture. Topped with a creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting, this cake is perfect for any special occasion, from St. Patrick’s Day celebrations to birthday parties, or whenever you’re craving a decadent chocolate treat. Read on for a step-by-step guide, substitutions, variations, and tips to bake the perfect Guinness chocolate cake.

What is Guinness Chocolate Cake?
Guinness Chocolate Cake is a moist, rich chocolate cake made with Guinness stout, which adds depth and complexity to the chocolate flavor. The stout’s malty undertones complement the chocolate, making the cake extra dark and giving it a subtle bitterness that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the cake. The cream cheese frosting adds a velvety, tangy sweetness that perfectly balances the rich, dense cake. It’s an impressive dessert that feels both rustic and luxurious at the same time.
Ingredients List for Guinness Chocolate Cake
For the Guinness Chocolate Cake:
- 1 cup (240 ml) Guinness stout – Adds depth and moisture to the cake.
- 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter – Softened for a rich, moist texture.
- ¾ cup (70 g) unsweetened cocoa powder – For deep chocolate flavor.
- 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar – Sweetens the cake.
- ½ cup (120 ml) sour cream – Adds moisture and a slight tang.
- 2 large eggs – At room temperature for better incorporation.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract – For a warm, aromatic flavor.
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour – For structure.
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking soda – Helps the cake rise.
- ¼ teaspoon salt – Enhances the flavors.
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese – Softened.
- ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter – Softened.
- 3 cups (360 g) powdered sugar – Sifted, to avoid lumps.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – To complement the cream cheese flavor.
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream – For a smooth consistency.
Substitutions and Variations
This Guinness chocolate cake is already a showstopper, but you can make a few tweaks depending on your preferences or dietary needs.
- Non-alcoholic Option: If you prefer to avoid alcohol, you can substitute the Guinness with a non-alcoholic stout or even coffee. Coffee will enhance the chocolate flavor without adding bitterness.
- Dairy-Free Version: Use dairy-free butter and cream cheese alternatives in the cake and frosting. For the sour cream, substitute with coconut cream or a dairy-free yogurt.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. Ensure that your other ingredients, especially the baking soda, are gluten-free.
- Different Stouts: While Guinness is classic, you can experiment with other types of stout beers, such as chocolate stout or milk stout, to create unique variations of the cake.
- Chocolate Chips: Stir in ½ cup of chocolate chips into the batter for an extra burst of chocolate flavor.
- Cinnamon or Espresso Powder: Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of espresso powder to the dry ingredients to enhance the flavor complexity.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s how to bake a delicious Guinness chocolate cake, step by step.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prep Your Pans
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper. This ensures that your cakes will come out of the pans easily after baking.
Step 2: Heat the Guinness and Butter
- In a medium saucepan, combine the Guinness stout and butter. Heat over medium heat until the butter is fully melted, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat and whisk in the cocoa powder until smooth. Let the mixture cool slightly.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, sour cream, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually pour in the cooled Guinness-cocoa mixture, whisking until combined.
Step 4: Add the Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, folding in until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—stop when there are no visible streaks of flour.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
How to Make Cream Cheese Frosting: A Step-by-Step Guide
The cream cheese frosting adds a perfect sweet and tangy contrast to the rich, chocolatey cake. Here’s how to make it.
Step 1: Beat the Cream Cheese and Butter
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
Step 2: Add the Powdered Sugar
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed until combined. This prevents a sugar cloud from forming in the kitchen.
- Increase the speed to medium-high and beat until the frosting is light and fluffy—about 3 minutes.
Step 3: Add Vanilla and Cream
- Add the vanilla extract and heavy cream, then beat for another 1-2 minutes until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.
- If the frosting is too thick, add a little more cream, 1 teaspoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
How to Assemble and Frost the Cake
Step 1: Level the Cake Layers
- If your cake layers have domed tops, use a serrated knife to level them. This ensures even stacking and a professional-looking finished cake.
Step 2: Frost the Cake
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting over the top.
- Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting. For a smooth finish, use an offset spatula.
Step 3: Decorate (Optional)
- For extra flair, sprinkle chocolate shavings or cocoa powder on top of the frosting.
- You can also drizzle the cake with melted chocolate or garnish it with fresh berries for a pop of color.
Step 4: Chill the Cake
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes to allow the frosting to set. This makes slicing easier and keeps the frosting from melting at room temperature.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not letting the Guinness mixture cool: If the stout and butter mixture is too hot when mixed with the other ingredients, it can scramble the eggs or cause the batter to separate.
- Overmixing the batter: Overmixing the batter can result in a dense, tough cake. Once the dry ingredients are added, mix until just combined.
- Not cooling the cake before frosting: Frosting a warm cake will cause the frosting to melt and slide off. Always wait until the cake is completely cool before adding frosting.
- Overloading with frosting: While it may be tempting to pile on the frosting, keep in mind that too much frosting can overpower the delicate balance of flavors in the cake.
Serving and Presentation Tips
This Guinness chocolate cake looks and tastes impressive enough to be served on its own, but you can enhance its presentation with a few creative touches.
How to Serve Guinness Chocolate Cake
- Serve the cake slightly chilled for the best texture. The cream cheese frosting firms up beautifully in the fridge, giving the cake a more decadent mouthfeel.
- Serve with a side of fresh berries, such as raspberries or strawberries, for a pop of color and freshness that contrasts with the richness of the cake.
- Pair with a glass of Guinness, stout, or dark coffee to complement the flavors in the cake.
Presentation Ideas for Guinness Chocolate Cake
- Rustic Drip: Drizzle chocolate ganache over the top of the frosted cake, allowing it to drip down the sides for a rustic yet elegant look.
- Fresh Flowers: Decorate the cake with fresh, edible flowers such as violets, pansies, or chamomile for a beautiful, natural touch.
- Shaved Chocolate Garnish: Top the cake with dark chocolate curls or shavings for an extra chocolatey presentation.
- St. Patrick’s Day Theme: Add green food coloring to part of the frosting or sprinkle the top with edible gold glitter for a festive St. Patrick's Day celebration.
Guinness Chocolate Cake Recipe Tips
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs, butter, and cream cheese are at room temperature before you begin. This ensures smooth mixing and even baking.
- Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
- Make Ahead: You can bake the cake layers in advance and freeze them, tightly wrapped, for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the fridge overnight and frost when ready to assemble.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this cake without Guinness?
A: Yes, if you prefer not to use alcohol, you can substitute the Guinness with strong brewed coffee or a non-alcoholic stout. The coffee enhances the chocolate flavor without adding any alcohol.
Q: Can I freeze Guinness chocolate cake?
A: Yes, the cake layers freeze very well. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before frosting and serving.
Q: Can I make cupcakes instead of a full cake?
A: Absolutely! You can use the same recipe to make cupcakes. Fill the cupcake liners about ⅔ full and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Q: Can I use a different frosting?
A: Yes! While cream cheese frosting pairs beautifully with Guinness chocolate cake, you can also use a classic buttercream, whipped ganache, or even a simple powdered sugar glaze.
Conclusion
This Guinness Chocolate Cake is a rich, decadent dessert that’s perfect for special occasions or just a cozy night in. The combination of dark stout, cocoa, and tangy cream cheese frosting creates a flavor profile that’s both complex and indulgent. Whether you're making it for a celebration or simply to enjoy with friends, this cake is guaranteed to impress. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can create a cake that’s not only delicious but visually stunning. So, grab a pint of Guinness and start baking!
PrintGuinness Chocolate Cake Recipe
This Guinness chocolate cake is a decadent and moist dessert with the perfect balance of rich chocolate and the deep, malty flavor of Guinness stout. The beer enhances the cake's chocolate flavor, resulting in a moist, tender crumb that's perfect for any occasion. Topped with creamy frosting, this cake is sure to be a hit with both beer lovers and chocoholics.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Irish
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 cup Guinness stout
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- ⅔ cup sour cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch round cake pan.
- In a saucepan, heat the Guinness and butter over medium heat until the butter melts. Remove from heat and whisk in the cocoa powder until smooth. Let cool.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat eggs, sour cream, and vanilla. Gradually add the cooled Guinness mixture and whisk until smooth.
- Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, and beat until fluffy.
- Once the cake has cooled, frost and decorate as desired.
Notes
- For best results, use room temperature ingredients.
- The Guinness adds moisture and depth to the chocolate flavor without making the cake taste like beer.
- You can substitute the cream cheese frosting with a chocolate ganache for a more intense chocolate flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 35 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
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