Chocolate Guinness Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

If you have a passion for deeply rich, moist chocolate cake with a surprising twist, then you are going to love this Chocolate Guinness Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. This cake brings together the robust maltiness of Guinness stout and the smooth, tangy richness of cream cheese frosting in a way that feels both indulgent and comforting. It’s perfect for sharing at your next gathering or simply treating yourself to a slice of pure bliss. Every bite delivers a beautiful balance of flavors and textures, making it an unforgettable dessert that everyone will ask for again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting your ingredients together is the first exciting step, and don’t worry — this recipe keeps it simple yet incredibly flavorful. Each ingredient plays a role, from the Guinness adding depth and moisture, to the cocoa powder giving a rich chocolate backbone, to the cream cheese frosting that ties it all together in creamy perfection.

• Guinness stout: Adds a unique malty flavor and keeps the cake incredibly moist.
• Unsalted butter: Brings richness and helps tenderize the cake crumb.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: Provides intense chocolate flavor without any extra sweetness.
• All-purpose flour: The structure base of the cake, ensuring it holds together beautifully.
• Granulated sugar: Balances the bitterness of the cocoa and adds sweetness.
• Baking powder and baking soda: Essential leavening agents for a light, airy texture.
• Salt: Enhances all the other flavors, very important even in sweet recipes.
• Large eggs: Bind ingredients together and provide moisture.
• Sour cream: Adds tang and moisture, making the cake tender.
• Vanilla extract: Adds aromatic depth to both the cake and frosting.
• Buttermilk: Keeps the cake moist and works with baking soda for lift.
• Cream cheese: The star of the frosting, rich and smooth with a slight tang.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting while keeping it fluffy.
• Heavy cream: Lightens the frosting texture and adds creaminess.

How to Make Chocolate Guinness Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Preparing the Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures the oven reaches the perfect temperature to bake the cake evenly. Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan, or if you prefer, two 8-inch pans work just as well for an even layer cake. Properly preparing the pan prevents sticking and helps your cake come out perfectly smooth on the sides.

Step 2: Infuse Butter with Guinness and Cocoa

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter together with the Guinness stout, stirring occasionally. Once melted, remove the pan from heat and whisk in the cocoa powder until everything is smooth and glossy. This warm mixture brings out the deep chocolate flavor and infuses it with Guinness’s unique, slightly bitter maltiness, creating a rich foundation for the cake batter.

Step 3: Combine Your Dry Ingredients

While the chocolate-Guinness mixture cools a little, sift together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. Sifting not only mixes the ingredients well but also prevents any lumps, ensuring a uniform, tender crumb in your cake.

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients Separately

In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, sour cream, and vanilla extract. This combination adds moisture and tenderness while the vanilla heightens the cake’s overall flavor profile. Mixing the wet ingredients separately makes it easier to gently incorporate everything later without overmixing.

Step 5: Bring Everything Together

Slowly pour the cooled Guinness-chocolate mixture into the wet ingredients and blend until smooth and uniform. Then add this into the dry ingredients carefully, mixing just until combined. Don’t worry if the batter looks a bit thin — that’s the beauty of this cake. Finally, stir in the buttermilk, which will keep the cake incredibly moist and help create a tender crumb that melts in your mouth.

Step 6: Baking the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan(s) and slide it into the oven. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The smell of chocolate and Guinness filling your kitchen at this point is utterly irresistible.

Step 7: Cooling the Cake

Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. This helps it set and makes it easier to remove from the pan without breaking. Then transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely, which is crucial before adding the frosting so it doesn’t melt and slide off.

Step 8: Making the Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until completely smooth and creamy. Adding powdered sugar gradually avoids lumps and gives just the right level of sweetness. Then, beat in the heavy cream and vanilla extract together until the frosting is light, fluffy, and spreadable—perfection waiting to coat your cake.

Step 9: Frosting and Finishing Touches

Once your cake is cool, generously frost it with the cream cheese frosting, swirling it with a spatula or knife for a rustic look. This luscious topping adds a creamy tang that balances the deep chocolate and stout flavors excellently, making every bite heavenly.

How to Serve Chocolate Guinness Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes can elevate your cake’s presentation and add extra layers of flavor. Consider finishing your Chocolate Guinness Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe with a light dusting of cocoa powder or finely grated dark chocolate on top. For a festive twist, fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries add brightness and a pop of color that complements the rich flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or freshly whipped cream for cooling contrast. A robust cup of coffee or a glass of red wine also complements the Guinness and chocolate notes in the cake perfectly, making your dessert experience even more luxurious.

Creative Ways to Present

For a show-stopping dessert centerpiece, layer two cakes with frosting and decorate the sides with chocolate shavings or crushed toasted nuts. Alternatively, serve individual cake slices with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of sea salt for an unexpected yet delightful flavor combination. Whatever you choose, the Chocolate Guinness Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe invites creative expression.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Because of the cream cheese frosting, your cake should be stored in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. Place it in an airtight container or cover it well with plastic wrap. It will stay delicious for up to 4 days, making it a wonderful make-ahead dessert to enjoy at your leisure.

Freezing

You can freeze this cake either frosted or unfrosted. If freezing unfrosted, wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before frosting. If freezing after frosting, make sure to chill the cake thoroughly so the frosting is firm, then wrap well. Frozen cake can last up to 2 months.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy the cake slightly warm, take a slice and microwave it for about 15 to 20 seconds. This will soften the cake and smooth the frosting just a little—just enough warmth to make the chocolate and cream cheese flavors shine without melting the frosting completely.

FAQs

Can I use a different stout instead of Guinness?

Absolutely! Guinness is iconic for this cake because of its deep, malty flavor, but any stout beer with similar characteristics will work well. Just expect slight flavor variations depending on the brand.

Is it necessary to use both baking powder and baking soda?

Yes, both leavening agents serve different purposes: baking soda reacts with acidic ingredients like buttermilk and sour cream to give lift, while baking powder provides additional rise. Together, they help create that perfect light crumb.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum or another binder. The texture might vary slightly but should still taste delicious.

How can I make the frosting less sweet?

Simply reduce the powdered sugar slightly, but be careful not to reduce it too much, or the frosting may become too tangy or loose. Adding a bit more cream cheese or heavy cream can help balance the texture.

Can this cake be made in advance for a party?

Yes! The Chocolate Guinness Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe actually benefits from resting a day in the fridge as the flavors meld beautifully. Just cover it well until serving.

Final Thoughts

Treat yourself and those you love to this absolutely divine Chocolate Guinness Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. It’s a perfect blend of rich chocolate and the slight tang of cream cheese frosting carried by the unique boldness of Guinness stout. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a show-stopping dessert, this cake promises to delight every palate. Trust me, once you try it, it will become one of your treasured favorites too!

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