Chocolate Guinness Cake
This rich chocolate Guinness cake combines the deep, smoky flavors of stout beer with intense cocoa, resulting in a moist, tender crumb with a slightly crackled top. The batter is simple to mix, and the cake bakes into a dense, indulgent dessert with a balanced bitterness and sweetness. Perfect for cozy gatherings or a special treat, it boasts a sophisticated flavor profile that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Equipment
- 9-inch round cake pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 1 cup Guinness stout for flavor infusion
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted with beer
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder natural preferred for depth
- 1 cup brown sugar molasses notes deepen flavor
- 3 large eggs room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour can substitute with half whole wheat for nuttiness
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease your cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper to ensure easy removal.
- In a small pot, gently heat the Guinness and butter together until the butter melts completely and the mixture begins to simmer slightly, releasing a rich, roasted aroma. Let it cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, brown sugar, and flour until evenly combined. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until frothy and light in color, about 30 seconds.
- Pour the slightly cooled Guinness-butter mixture into the dry ingredients, then add the beaten eggs. Gently fold everything together with a spatula until just combined—be careful not to overmix, as this keeps the batter tender and moist.
- Pour the smooth batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Place it in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is slightly cracked and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs.
- Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then transfer it to a cooling rack and allow it to cool completely before frosting or serving. The cake will develop a dense, moist crumb with a crackled top.
- After cooling, dust the cake with powdered sugar or spread a layer of ganache or cream cheese frosting for an extra indulgent finish. Slice and enjoy this rich, moist chocolate Guinness cake with your favorite beverage.
Notes
For best flavor, let the cake rest for a few hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld. This cake is dense and rich—perfect with a cup of coffee or tea.