Guinness chocolate cake is a rich, indulgent dessert that takes chocolate cake to a whole new level. The addition of Guinness stout doesn’t just make this cake unique – it enhances the chocolate flavor, making it deeper, more intense, and incredibly moist. With its dark color and bold taste, this cake is the perfect treat for special occasions or when you’re craving something a little more grown-up and complex.
At first glance, adding beer to a cake might seem unusual, but Guinness works beautifully in chocolate desserts. The malty, slightly bitter notes of the stout highlight the sweetness of the cocoa and balance out the richness of the ingredients. When baked, the alcohol cooks off, leaving behind a subtle warmth and depth that you can’t quite put your finger on, but definitely taste.
The texture of Guinness chocolate cake is dense but soft, with a tender crumb that stays moist for days. The cake often includes sour cream or buttermilk, which adds to its luscious feel and tangy undertone. A generous amount of cocoa powder and dark chocolate ensures that every bite is full of robust chocolate flavor.
What takes this cake over the top is the frosting – typically a cream cheese or whipped cream topping that mimics the frothy head of a pint of Guinness. It’s smooth, slightly tangy, and contrasts perfectly with the deep chocolate base. The finished cake not only tastes amazing but also looks striking, with its dark body and pale, fluffy top.
Guinness chocolate cake is perfect for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, dinner parties, or any time you want to impress your guests with a dessert that feels both comforting and a bit indulgent. Serve it with a cold glass of milk, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a small glass of Irish cream for a truly decadent experience.
Ingredients
- 250 ml Guinness stout chilled
- 250 grams unsalted butter cut into pieces
- 75 grams cocoa powder unsweetened
- 400 grams caster sugar
- 140 ml sour cream
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 275 grams all-purpose flour sifted
- 2.5 teaspoons bicarbonate of soda
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a 9-inch springform cake pan.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine Guinness stout and butter; heat until the butter is melted.
- Remove the saucepan from heat, whisk in cocoa powder and sugar until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, beat together sour cream, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Pour the sour cream mixture into the Guinness mixture and mix well.
- Gradually add the sifted flour and bicarbonate of soda, folding gently to combine.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the surface.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cake in the pan for at least 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Decorate with chocolate.
Absolutely delicious! The stout gives it a rich flavor. My friends loved it!
Easy to make! I like, but I used a different beer and it turned green. Still taste good.
Using a different beer? You sure that was the right choice? I mean, Guinness is what makes it special! 🤔
Wow, a green cake? That’s kinda wild! I didn’t think beer could do that. But glad it still tasted good! 🍰
I was skeptical about using beer in a cake, but it turned out amazing! A bit sweet for my taste tho.
Didn’t really taste the Guinness 🤔. Cake was okay, but not worth the hype. Sorry!
This cake is absolutely heavenly! The Guinness really adds a rich depth. 5 stars!
I totally agree! The Guinness really makes this cake so moist and flavorful. Can’t wait to make it again!
Guinness in a cake? Sounds weird to me. Is it actually good? I just don’t see how beer belongs in dessert.
Easy recipe! Just like my grandma made, but without the stout. 🤔
Honestly, I was skeptical about beer in cake. But I tried it and wow, it’s delicious! Who knew?!
I always thought beer and cake were a no-go, but this recipe changes everything! Looking forward to trying it myself. Thanks for sharing your experience!
Really? Beer in cake? I don’t know, sounds kinda weird to me. What’s next, a donut with salad dressing?
It was okay. Maybe a little too sweet for my taste. But my kids loved it!
My batter looked too thin at first, but after baking it firmed up nicely. I used light sour cream and it still worked. 9-inch pan is key.
Totally agree about the pan size—my first time I used a different tin and it came out weirdly flat. Also good to know about the sour cream, I was worried the “light” kind would mess it up.
Mine didn’t “firm up” like yours 😅 I swear my batter was thin too, but after 45 mins the middle was still gooey. Maybe I underbaked? Also 9-inch springform—does that mean loose bottom? Idk.
Guinness? Seriously? I tried this and it just tasted bitter to me. Not a fan.
I get what you mean! The taste of Guinness can be strong for some. Maybe try it with less stout next time?
I think 400g sugar is way too much? Mine came out very sweet. I’d reduce it next time to 300–350g and maybe add more cocoa.
Totally agree—400g sugar can be a lot depending on the cocoa. I’d try 300–350g too. Next time I’d also add a bit more cocoa for a deeper, less-sweet flavor.
I tried making it but it didn’t rise like I’d hoped. Maybe I messed up the measurements?
It sounds like you might not have measured the flour or baking soda correctly. It can be tricky! Next time, try using a kitchen scale for accuracy.
My kitchen smelled like beer, so I was skeptical. But once it cooled, it was actually really chocolatey. My kids ate it without complaining (a miracle).
Omg same—I was worried about the beer smell too. But once it’s baked it totally turns into that rich chocolate vibe. Also “a miracle” made me laugh 😂
Isn’t beer in cake a lil weird? But it actually tasted quite nice! I might try it again but not sure if I like the idea.
Quick question, can I replace Guiness with any beer? Just curious 🤔
You can use any dark beer instead of Guinness, but it might change the flavor a bit. Just make sure it’s something rich!
I don’t know, I thought Guinness was special for this cake! 🤷♂️
Absolutely loved this cake! So moist and rich. Will def make it again!
My cake fell apart when I took it out of the pan. I followed the instructions but something went wrong.
It sounds like you might have not let it cool long enough in the pan! It’s super important to cool it before flipping. Don’t worry, it happens to the best of us! 🍰
It’s just a cake, why put beer in? But I tried it and it’s not bad. Kinda weird though.
The instructions say cool 10 minutes then transfer—BUT mine collapsed a tiny bit anyway when I unmolded. Probably my fault for rushing.
I was skepticle at first, but I ended up lovin’ it! Just don’t skip the cooling time!
I dont understand why you would put beer in cake. Sounds gross.
Yummy! Gonna put some sprinkles on next time though 😉
Sprinkles? That’s an interesting twist! 😄 I never thought about that, but it sounds fun!
I was skeptical about using Guinness but wow, it adds a depth of flavor I didn’t expect! Will definitely make again.
I totally agree! The Guinness really does something special to the cake. It’s like a magic ingredient! 🍰
Really? Guinness? I thought that was just for drinking, not baking! How can it taste good in a cake?
This cake is AMAZING! The Guinness really adds depth to the flavor. I shared it at a party and everyone raved about it!
I don’t have sour cream. Can I use regular cream? Asking for a friend.
Love chocolate, love cake, love Guinness! What’s not to love? A winner for sure.
Right? Chocolate and Guinness are like a match made in heaven! Can’t wait to try this recipe. 🍰
Guinness in cake? Sounds weird. I prefer my beer cold, not in my dessert. 🤷♂️
This is hands-down the best chocolate cake ever! So moist and rich. Loved it!
Super easy recipe! I made it with my kids and they loved helping! Tasted delicious.
This recipe is nonsense! Beer in a cake? No thanks… cudn’t finish it.
I found this recipe hard to follow. What does ‘sifted’ even mean? I just mixed everything together and it turned out like mud.
I totally understand. Sifting can be confusing! It just means passing the flour through a sieve to make it lighter and remove lumps. Try it next time, you might like the results better. Don’t give up!
So good and rich! I didn’t even decorate it and still ate half in one day. 😂
Best cake ever. Fluffy, rich, and chocolatey. I’ve made it twice this week! 🍫
I’ve tried this recipe too and it’s amazing! Best chocolate cake ever! 🎉
Sounds too rich to me. Is it really that good? 🤔
It tastes ok but I think its too sweet for my liking.
Tastes great, but I added a bit more cocoa. Chocolate lover here! 🍫
I love chocolate too! Adding more cocoa sounds like a delicious idea. 🍫
This cake is absolutely incredible! Rich and moist. My friends devoured it!
First time baking and it worked out! The beer makes it uniquely delish!
I never use sour cream in cake, it came out delicious but why sour cream?!
Guinness in cake? Sounds weird but wow, it’s actually good! Who knew?
Followed the recipe to a T but my cake turned out a mushy mess. Not sure where I went wrong.
Was skeptical about the beer in a cake, but it turned out delish! Who knew?
No one told me it was for an adult party. My kids were disappointed they couldn’t have any. 👎
Not sure about 400g sugar… it’s sweet, like “wow” sweet. Texture was nice, but I’d cut the sugar next time or use a darker cocoa.
Simple and tasty! My kids loved it. Well done!
This tasted like the heart of a volcano! So decadent, but also a bit too sweet for me.
I’ve made this cake and I think it’s perfect with the right balance of sweetness! Maybe try cutting down the sugar next time? 🤔
No thanks, cake with beer? My grandma must be rolling in her grave! 🤨
Yummm!! Chocolate and guinness together? YES please! 🍰
Horrible! The cake collapsed and burned. Never cooking with beer again!
Beer in cake? Sounds weird! My cakes never collapse, maybe you did something wrong?
I’m sorry to hear that! Cake disasters happen to the best of us. Maybe try another recipe if you feel up to it?
My new favorite dessert. It tastes like a chocolate dream come true! 👍
5 stars? idk. I used warm butter and it split a little. Still edible tho. Maybe chill the Guinness more like the recipe says.
I followed the steps pretty closely, but mine took more like 55–60 minutes to get a clean skewer. Still turned out great though—deep chocolate taste.
Good to hear it still worked! Mine also usually needs a bit longer than the time says—ovens vary a lot. That deep chocolate flavor from the Guinness + cocoa combo is the best part.
Wasn’t sure about using beer in cake, but it turned out really good. Didn’t taste much like Guinness though.
Followed the recipe exactly but my cake was dry. Maybe I should’ve added more butter?
I think this recipe might be too sweet, wouldn’t hurt to reduce the sugar a bit.
I think you’re right! Maybe cut the sugar by half? I prefer my desserts less sweet.
Dis morning I made dis cake!!! I forgot to put eggs and it still turned out okay. Cake magic!
Easiest recipe ever! I subbed bourbon for the Guinness and it’s still fire!
Made this last weekend—turned out super fudgy and rich. The Guinness flavor is subtle but makes it taste deeper. I added a pinch of espresso powder too, because why not.
I don’t get why people put beer in cake. It sounds so weird! But I’m here for the chocolate.
Made this for a friend’s birthday and it was *shockingly* good—rich and moist. The stout flavor totally disappears into the cocoa. Will bake again!
This cake is amazing! Rich and moist. Got so many compliments at the party!
That sounds delicious! I’ve been looking for a good chocolate cake recipe. I’m trying this for my next get-together.
I dunno, my friend made a cake with beer once and it was gross. I ain’t sure about this one.
I made this for a party but forgot the baking soda. It was so flat. Smh.
I was skeptical about beer in a cake, but wow. It’s like chocolate brownie energy. Great with a dollop of sour cream or whipped cream.
Not sure if I used the right cocoa—mine tasted a bit flat. Texture was okay though. Maybe the cocoa brand matters more than I thought.
WOOOW, how does this actually work? Never thought stout could be in cake!! #MindBlown
Disaster! Followed the recipe exactly and it came out like a brick. 😡
I’m so sorry to hear that! Sometimes it could be the oven temp or the measuring. Don’t give up!
What do you mean a brick? That’s impossible! I tried it, and it was amazing! You must have done something wrong.
What if I use a different beer? Will it taste different?
Good, but I think it could use a bit more chocolate flavor. 🤷♂️
I totally get what you mean! Maybe add some chocolate chips next time? 🍫
This cake is honestly the best “dark chocolate” cake I’ve baked. Guinness + cocoa = chef’s kiss. Will definitely make again for Christmas.
Yes!! The Guinness cocoa combo is so underrated. I made this last week and it came out super rich and moist—perfect with a simple chocolate ganache.
I tried it but my batter was kinda thick, like brownie mix… still baked though. Also I used baking powder instead of bicarbonate once (oops) and it didn’t rise much—so yeah, follow the soda part.
This cake is amazing! So rich and chocolaty. Got lots of compliments at the party!
Tasted good but way too sweet for my liking. I might try reducing the sugar next time 😕.
Yummm! My kids devoured it! They didn’t even notice the beer 😄.
That’s awesome! I love that it was a hit with your kids! 🍰
I was skeptical about the Guinness, but it adds a unique flavor that I absolutely love!
Does anyone else think that beer in cake is just dumb? I mean, come on!
I think beer in cake actually enhances the flavor! The Guinness adds such a rich depth to it. Give it a try before you knock it! 😄
But why would you waste good beer in a cake? Just drink it instead! 🍺
Quick question: does “bicarbonate of soda” mean baking soda? I’m assuming yes, but just wanted to check. Cake still turned out good, so I guess I did it right.
Yes—bicarbonate of soda is baking soda. Different name, same stuff. Glad your cake came out good!
I tried it but the batter felt really thick and I think I overmixed after adding the flour. It came out a bit dense. Flavor is nice, just not as light as I expected.
Eh. Tastes good but mine didn’t rise much and the top cracked. Could be my baking powder? Also I forgot to sift flour… but whatever.
Followed the recipe pretty much exactly, except my oven runs hot so I pulled it at ~40 min. Came out slightly underbaked in the middle but still delicious. Next time I’ll watch the skewer more closely.