Guinness Chocolate Cake with Irish Buttercream

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you are looking for a dessert that combines deep, luxurious flavors with a touch of Irish charm, this Guinness Chocolate Cake with Irish Buttercream is the perfect choice. The rich and malty notes of Guinness stout pair beautifully with dark cocoa, creating a moist and decadent chocolate cake. Balanced with a creamy Irish buttercream frosting, this dessert strikes the perfect harmony between bold and sweet. Whether you are celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, hosting a dinner party, or simply craving a show-stopping homemade cake, this recipe delivers both in flavor and presentation. The combination of dark beer and chocolate may sound unusual, but it adds a unique depth that makes this cake unforgettable. Serve it as a centerpiece for gatherings or as a luxurious treat for yourself and your family.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Guinness stout
The foundation of this cake, Guinness stout infuses a deep, malty richness that enhances the cocoa flavor without overpowering sweetness. It also keeps the cake moist and dense.

All-purpose flour
A staple for structure, flour provides the necessary base for the batter, ensuring the cake holds together while remaining soft and fluffy.

Cocoa powder
Unsweetened cocoa is key for delivering the rich, dark chocolate taste. It pairs beautifully with the bitterness of the Guinness to create balance.

Granulated sugar
Sugar sweetens the cake and balances the bitterness of stout and cocoa, while also contributing to tenderness and moisture.

Brown sugar
Adding a touch of molasses flavor, brown sugar deepens the sweetness and enhances the moist texture of the cake.

Eggs
Eggs bind the ingredients together, adding structure and richness while contributing to the soft, velvety crumb.

Butter
Butter brings flavor and tenderness to both the cake and the frosting. When used in the buttercream, it creates a smooth, luscious texture.

Baking soda
This leavening agent reacts with the acidity in the stout and cocoa, giving the cake its rise and lightness.

Salt
A pinch of salt balances sweetness and enhances the chocolate’s bold flavor.

Powdered sugar
Used in the buttercream, powdered sugar creates the perfect sweetness and ensures a silky-smooth texture.

Irish cream or Irish whiskey (optional)
For an authentic Irish touch, adding a splash of Irish cream liqueur or whiskey to the buttercream introduces warmth and depth of flavor.

Vanilla extract
Vanilla enhances all the other flavors, lending a fragrant sweetness that complements both cake and frosting.

Directions

To begin, preheat your oven and prepare your baking pans with parchment and a light coating of butter. Start by gently heating the Guinness stout with butter in a saucepan until the butter has fully melted. Whisk in cocoa powder and sugars, creating a dark, glossy mixture. Allow this to cool slightly before proceeding.

In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, whisk eggs until smooth, then pour in the cooled Guinness mixture. Gradually fold in the dry ingredients, mixing until you have a thick, velvety batter. Transfer into prepared pans and bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool the cakes completely on wire racks before frosting.

For the Irish buttercream, beat softened butter until creamy and pale. Gradually add powdered sugar, whipping until fluffy. Incorporate vanilla extract and, if desired, a splash of Irish cream or whiskey for extra richness. Once the cakes are cooled, spread a generous layer of buttercream between the layers, then cover the top and sides for a smooth, elegant finish.

Servings and timing

This Guinness Chocolate Cake serves 10–12 portions, making it ideal for gatherings. Preparation time is around 25 minutes, with an additional 45–50 minutes of baking and about 30 minutes for cooling and decorating. In total, expect approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes from start to finish.

Storage/reheating

This cake stores well at room temperature for up to two days if kept in an airtight container. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to five days, but allow it to come to room temperature before serving to restore the buttercream’s creamy texture. The cake can also be frozen without frosting for up to two months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting and serving.

Variations and Customizations

Cupcake Version
Transform this recipe into individual cupcakes by baking in muffin tins. Reduce the baking time to 18–20 minutes.

Chocolate Ganache Topping
Add a layer of chocolate ganache over the buttercream for an extra decadent finish.

Coffee Infusion
Replace part of the Guinness with brewed coffee for a mocha-inspired twist that deepens the flavor.

Nutty Addition
Fold chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for added crunch and nutty flavor.

Caramel Drizzle
Top the frosted cake with a drizzle of salted caramel sauce for extra indulgence.

Whiskey Soak
Brush the cake layers with Irish whiskey before frosting for a boozy kick.

Spiced Version
Add cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm, spiced variation.

Cream Cheese Frosting
Swap the buttercream with cream cheese frosting for a tangy balance to the rich chocolate cake.

Layered Celebration Cake
Double the recipe to create a tall, multi-layered cake perfect for special occasions.

Mini Bundt Cakes
Bake the batter in mini bundt pans for a unique presentation with individual servings.

FAQs

Can I make this cake without alcohol?

Yes, substitute the Guinness with strong brewed coffee or root beer for a non-alcoholic version.

Does the Guinness make the cake taste like beer?

No, it enhances the chocolate flavor and adds depth, without leaving a strong beer taste.

Can I prepare the cake in advance?

Yes, you can bake the cake layers a day ahead and frost them just before serving.

Can I freeze the frosted cake?

It is best to freeze unfrosted cake layers. Frosting may change texture after freezing.

Which cocoa powder is best for this recipe?

Unsweetened natural or Dutch-processed cocoa both work well, depending on your preference for flavor intensity.

Is Irish butter necessary for the frosting?

Irish butter adds richness, but regular unsalted butter works perfectly if Irish butter is unavailable.

Can I make this into a sheet cake?

Yes, the batter works well in a 9×13-inch pan, though baking time may vary slightly.

How do I keep the cake from drying out?

Do not overbake, and store the cake in an airtight container to maintain moisture.

Can I use a hand mixer instead of a stand mixer?

Yes, a hand mixer works fine for both the batter and buttercream, though it may take a bit longer.

What is the best way to slice the cake cleanly?

Use a sharp serrated knife and wipe it clean between slices for neat servings.

Conclusion

This Guinness Chocolate Cake with Irish Buttercream is a true showpiece dessert, offering a delightful balance of bold flavors and creamy sweetness. The addition of stout elevates the chocolate, while the buttercream adds a velvety, indulgent touch. Perfect for festive gatherings or everyday indulgence, this cake is versatile and customizable to suit any occasion. Whether enjoyed plain, enhanced with variations, or served as a centerpiece dessert, it is bound to impress anyone who takes a bite.

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