If you’ve been searching for a showstopper dessert that’s rich, moist, and full of personality, look no further than this Chocolate Guinness Cake. Imagine a supremely fudgy, deep-chocolate cake with hints of malty stout, all crowned with an ethereal cream cheese frosting that looks just like the famous foam on a pint of Guinness. This recipe is as comforting as it is bold, perfect for celebrations, St. Patrick’s Day, or whenever you need a little extra magic at the end of your meal.

Chocolate Guinness Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making Chocolate Guinness Cake is easier than you might think. Each ingredient plays a starring role in bringing out the cake’s memorable flavor and signature texture, from the richness of the chocolate to the tangy finish of the frosting. Here’s why each one matters:

Guinness stout: Adds a wonderful malty depth and moist crumb to the cake, elevating the chocolate flavor.
Unsalted butter: Ensures that the cake is rich and tender, and lets you control the saltiness.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: Gives the cake its intense chocolate character; use a good-quality brand for best results.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps create a soft, luscious texture.
Sour cream: Makes the cake incredibly moist and adds a subtle tang that balances the sweetness.
Large eggs: Bind everything together and contribute to that perfect, tender crumb.
Vanilla extract: Boosts the chocolate flavors and rounds out the taste profile.
All-purpose flour: Gives structure to the cake without making it dense.
Baking soda: Reacts with the stout and sour cream to give the cake lovely lift.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and keeps the sweetness in check.
Cream cheese (softened): Provides the creamy, tangy base for that “foamy head” frosting.
Powdered sugar: Creates a smooth, spreadable frosting that isn’t gritty.
Heavy cream: Whips the frosting into a light, cloud-like finish.

How to Make Chocolate Guinness Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter a 9-inch round springform pan or line it with parchment paper. Taking the time for this ensures your cake releases easily and stays picture-perfect. Gathering your equipment in advance sets you up for cake-baking success.

Step 2: Melt the Guinness and Butter

In a large saucepan, combine the Guinness stout and unsalted butter. Warm them together over medium heat until the butter melts down completely. This step infuses the stout right from the start, and the house instantly smells cozy and inviting — a preview of things to come.

Step 3: Whisk in Cocoa and Sugar

Remove the saucepan from heat and whisk in the unsweetened cocoa powder and granulated sugar. This transforms the mixture into a glossy, chocolate-stout syrup. Whisking until smooth ensures your Chocolate Guinness Cake develops that signature rich, velvety texture.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, eggs, and vanilla extract until fully blended. Pour this creamy mixture into your chocolate-stout base, stirring gently to combine. The sour cream’s tang and the eggs’ richness help to build the foundation of flavor and texture.

Step 5: Sift and Fold in Dry Ingredients

Sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually fold the dry mix into the wet ingredients just until everything comes together. Be careful not to overmix — this keeps your cake light rather than dense, so every bite is tender.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes. Begin checking your cake around the 45-minute mark by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Let the cake cool completely in the pan so it sets up perfectly before frosting.

Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

For the iconic “foam” topping, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Sift in the powdered sugar and continue mixing until it’s completely combined. Slowly add the heavy cream and beat until the frosting is light, luscious, and fluffy — just like the creamy top on a pint of Guinness.

Step 8: Frost your Chocolate Guinness Cake

Once the cake is entirely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the top, letting it billow up just a bit to truly mimic that classic pint look. Resist the urge to frost the sides — it’s all about that authentic Guinness presentation!

How to Serve Chocolate Guinness Cake

Garnishes

To give your Chocolate Guinness Cake a polished finish, sprinkle a whisper of cocoa powder over the frosting or add some chocolate shavings for flair. Sometimes, a few chocolate curls or even a touch of flaky sea salt can provide an amazing contrast and draw more guests in for a closer look — and a second slice.

Side Dishes

A scoop of vanilla ice cream brings creaminess that pairs well with the cake’s deep, malty sweetness. For a more grown-up take, serve alongside fresh berries or a bold cup of coffee, or if you’re feeling truly decadent, pour a small glass of stout or Irish cream liqueur to sip on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, try serving mini Chocolate Guinness Cakes baked in cupcake tins, or set each slice on a platter with a dollop of extra frosting just off to the side. If you want to really turn heads, dust the top with a shamrock stencil for a festive Irish touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Chocolate Guinness Cake stays fresh and moist when covered and stored at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep it in an airtight container to prevent the frosting from absorbing other fridge odors and to maintain the cake’s signature fudgy texture.

Freezing

You can freeze unfrosted Chocolate Guinness Cake for up to 3 months: tightly wrap the completely cooled cake in plastic wrap, then a layer of foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge. If you’ve already frosted it, freeze slices on a tray first, then wrap individually for easy grab-and-go desserts.

Reheating

While Chocolate Guinness Cake tastes amazing at room temperature, you can gently warm individual slices in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds. This revives the fudgy crumb and makes the flavors extra aromatic. If the frosting softens too much, just chill the cake briefly before serving.

FAQs

Can I substitute a different stout or beer for Guinness?

Absolutely! While Guinness brings its famous malty notes, other stouts or dark beers work beautifully too. Just keep in mind, each beer will impart its own subtle flavors, so you might discover a new favorite twist.

What kind of cocoa powder works best?

For the richest flavor, opt for natural unsweetened cocoa powder. However, Dutch-processed cocoa can also be used if you want a smoother, darker chocolate hue. Whichever you choose, quality makes all the difference in this cake.

Can I make Chocolate Guinness Cake gluten-free?

Yes! Use your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. Make sure to double-check all other ingredients for hidden gluten if baking for someone with allergies.

How do I ensure the cake doesn’t sink in the middle?

Be careful not to overmix once you add the dry ingredients, and make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking. Also, avoid opening the oven door early — a steady temperature ensures an even rise for your Chocolate Guinness Cake.

Is it safe for kids, since it contains beer?

The alcohol in the Guinness mostly bakes off during the long oven time, leaving behind only the flavor. However, if you have dietary restrictions or concerns, you can bake with a non-alcoholic stout, or save this treat for the grown-up table.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s equal parts deeply chocolatey, visually striking, and conversation-starting, this Chocolate Guinness Cake delivers every time. I truly hope you’ll give it a try — and maybe even make it your new signature bake! There’s nothing better than sharing a rich, luscious slice with the people you love.