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Guinness Chocolate Cake

Guinness Chocolate Cake with Irish Buttercream

This decadent Guinness Chocolate Cake is ultra-moist, deeply chocolatey, and infused with the rich malty notes of Irish stout. Finished with a silky Irish cream buttercream, it’s the perfect showstopping dessert for St. Patrick’s Day or any special occasion.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American, Irish
Calories: 620

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup Guinness Extra Stout
  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 3/4 cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2/3 cup sour cream, room temperature
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened (for buttercream)
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup Irish cream liqueur (such as Baileys)

Equipment

  • 2 (8-inch) round cake pans
  • Saucepan
  • stand mixer or hand mixer

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine Guinness and butter until melted. Whisk in cocoa powder until smooth. Remove from heat and cool slightly.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk sugar and eggs until pale. Whisk in sour cream and vanilla extract.
  3. Slowly whisk the Guinness mixture into the egg mixture. Sift in flour, baking soda, and salt. Whisk gently until just combined.
  4. Divide batter evenly between pans. Bake 30–35 minutes until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs. Cool 10 minutes, then turn out onto racks to cool completely.
  5. Beat softened butter on medium-high speed for 5 minutes until very light. Gradually add powdered sugar, alternating with Irish cream liqueur. Switch to whisk attachment and beat 2 minutes until fluffy.
  6. Place one cake layer on a stand. Frost generously, add second layer, and frost top and sides. For a stout-inspired look, pile frosting high on top and keep sides rustic.

Notes

Use Dutch-processed cocoa for best flavor and color. Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting.

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