Chocolate Guinness Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

If you’re searching for a show-stopping dessert that perfectly balances rich chocolate with a subtle malty depth, then you absolutely have to try the Chocolate Guinness Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. This incredible cake combines the bold, velvety flavor of Guinness stout with moist chocolate layers, all topped with a luxuriously tangy and creamy frosting. It’s the kind of cake that brings warmth and celebration to any table, whether it’s a casual get-together or a special occasion. Trust me, once you take your first bite, this indulgent treat will become one of your most beloved go-to recipes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t let the list intimidate you—these ingredients are straightforward, but each one plays an essential role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and moisture in the Chocolate Guinness Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. From the deep bitterness of the Guinness to the tangy brightness of the cream cheese frosting, every element elevates this cake to something unforgettable.

• 1 cup Guinness stout: Adds a rich, malty depth that enhances the chocolate and keeps the cake wonderfully moist.
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cubed: Provides creaminess and helps melt into the Guinness for that silky batter base.
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: The key to the cake’s deep cocoa flavor—choose a good-quality brand for best results.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of the cake, offering structure without weighing it down.
• 2 cups granulated sugar: Perfectly balances the bitterness of cocoa and Guinness with sweetness.
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder: Aids in leavening, ensuring the cake rises and stays fluffy.
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda: Works with the acidic elements for lift and tenderness.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and cuts through sweetness.
• 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients and add richness.
• 2/3 cup sour cream: Adds moisture and a subtle tangy note that keeps the cake tender.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brightens the flavors and adds warmth.
• 1/2 cup buttermilk: Contributes to moistness and tender crumb with mild acidity.
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened: The hero of the frosting—provides that luscious tang and smooth texture.
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting without graininess.
• 1/2 cup heavy cream: Whipped into the frosting for lightness and fluffiness.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting): Adds aromatic sweetness to complement the cream cheese.

How to Make Chocolate Guinness Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing and flouring either a 9-inch round cake pan or two 8-inch rounds. This simple preparation step ensures your cake layers will release easily after baking, avoiding any frustration later on.

Step 2: Create the Guinness-Chocolate Mixture

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter in the Guinness stout, stirring occasionally. Once melted, whisk in the cocoa powder until it’s completely smooth. This mixture is the base of your batter, blending the robust flavors of stout and chocolate together beautifully. Let it cool slightly to avoid cooking the eggs in the next steps.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, sift together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Sifting ensures there are no lumps and helps to evenly distribute all the leavening agents and salt for a perfectly balanced rise and taste.

Step 4: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, sour cream, and vanilla extract until smooth. Then add this mixture to the dry ingredients, gently folding until just combined. Avoid overmixing here to keep the cake tender and light.

Step 5: Incorporate the Guinness Chocolate Mix and Buttermilk

Slowly pour the cooled Guinness-chocolate mixture into the batter and stir smoothly until no streaks remain. Finally, mix in the buttermilk until fully incorporated. This final addition keeps the crumb tender and moist with a bright undertone.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan(s) and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it towards the end.

Step 7: Cool the Cake

After baking, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then gently transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting. This step is critical—frosting warm cake will cause the frosting to melt and slide off.

Step 8: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat together the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the heavy cream and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable. This frosting adds the perfect tang and light richness to complement the dense chocolate layers.

Step 9: Frost and Serve

Once the cake is completely cool, generously frost the top and sides with your cream cheese frosting. You can keep it simple or add some extra flair with sprinkles, chocolate shavings, or a dusting of cocoa powder.

How to Serve Chocolate Guinness Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

To really make your Chocolate Guinness Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe shine, consider adding a few simple garnishes. Fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries add a pop of color and tartness that cuts through the richness. A sprinkle of shaved dark chocolate or a dusting of cocoa powder gives an elegant touch, perfect for impressing guests.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, creating a delightful warm-and-cool contrast. If you want to keep it cozy, serve it alongside a cup of freshly brewed coffee or, naturally, a pint of Guinness for a themed experience. A light fruit salad also complements the dense richness of the cake beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For an eye-catching presentation, try layering this cake with the cream cheese frosting in a rustic naked cake style, showing off the beautiful chocolate layers with just a thin coating of frosting. Alternatively, slice the cake into petite squares and serve on a dessert platter with edible flowers for a charming touch. For added decadence, drizzle caramel or chocolate sauce over each slice just before serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

The Chocolate Guinness Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe stays fresh and delicious when stored properly. Keep any leftovers covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The coolness helps keep the frosting firm and the cake moist for up to 4 days.

Freezing

You can also freeze this cake if you want to enjoy it later. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. When wrapped well, you can freeze the cake for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving and add fresh cream cheese frosting if desired for that just-made taste.

Reheating

If you prefer your cake slightly warmed, gently reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This brings out the gooey chocolate notes without melting the cream cheese frosting. Avoid reheating the entire cake, as it can make the frosting too soft and runny.

FAQs

Can I substitute Guinness with another stout or beer?

Yes, you can substitute Guinness with other stouts or dark beers, but the flavor may vary slightly. Guinness is preferred for its unique malty bitterness and smoothness, which complement the chocolate perfectly.

Is this cake dairy-free or can it be made vegan?

This recipe is not dairy-free or vegan due to butter, sour cream, cream cheese, and heavy cream. However, you can experiment with dairy-free and vegan substitutes like plant-based butter, non-dairy yogurt, and vegan cream cheese, though the taste and texture will be different.

Can I make this cake in advance for a party?

Absolutely! In fact, making the cake a day ahead allows the flavors to deepen and the frosting to set nicely. Just be sure to cover it well and keep it refrigerated until serving.

What type of cocoa powder is best for this cake?

Use good-quality unsweetened cocoa powder, preferably Dutch-processed for a smoother, less acidic chocolate flavor that blends beautifully with the Guinness.

How thick should I apply the cream cheese frosting?

The frosting should be thick enough to cover the cake generously but not so thick that it overwhelms the delicate balance. About a 1/4-inch layer on each side is perfect, though feel free to get creative!

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend the Chocolate Guinness Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe enough. It’s a timeless crowd-pleaser that feels both decadent and approachable. Whether you’re a lover of chocolate, a fan of Guinness, or simply in need of a spectacular dessert to share, this cake checks all the boxes. Give it a try soon—you’ll be so glad you did!

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