When laughter fills the air and friends gather around the table, there’s perhaps no better way to spread joy than with a lavish slice of Guinness Chocolate Cake with Irish Buttercream. I first stumbled upon this delectable recipe during a rainy afternoon, rearranging my pantry. The deep, rich flavor of Guinness combined with velvety chocolate seemed like a perfect match made in dessert heaven.
Biting into this cake, you’ll be enchanted by the luxurious Irish buttercream that effortlessly complements the moist, cocoa-rich layers. It’s a celebration of taste that’s shockingly easy to whip up, making it an ideal showstopper for everything from cozy get-togethers to festive occasions. Plus, the pleasing aroma that fills your home while it bakes is pure bliss.
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or someone tired of the usual sweet offerings, this cake promises to elevate your baking game! Let me share with you how to create this delicious masterpiece that will leave everyone begging for seconds.
Why is Guinness Chocolate Cake with Irish Buttercream irresistible?
Deep Flavor: The rich chocolate and Guinness blend creates a taste sensation that will enchant your taste buds.
Decadent Frosting: Creamy Irish buttercream elevates this cake to absolute bliss with its luscious, velvety texture.
Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward, perfect for bakers of any skill level—no culinary expertise needed!
Crowd-Pleasing: Ideal for gatherings, this cake is sure to impress both friends and family with its stunning appearance and unforgettable flavor.
Versatile Occasions: Serve it as a festive centerpiece or simply enjoy it at home; it shines in any setting.
Aroma of Happiness: The delightful smell that wafts through your kitchen while it bakes will have everyone eagerly anticipating dessert.
For an even more festive touch, consider pairing it with a classic Irish coffee for a delightful after-dinner treat!
Guinness Chocolate Cake with Irish Buttercream Ingredients
For the Cake
• All-purpose flour – This is the foundation, providing structure to the cake.
• Granulated sugar – Adds sweetness and moistness to the overall texture.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder – Deepens the chocolate flavor; opt for high-quality brands for the best taste.
• Baking soda – Ensures the cake rises beautifully, giving it that lightness.
• Baking powder – Works alongside baking soda to create a fluffy, perfect crumb.
• Fine sea salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolate flavor.
• Sour cream or plain full-fat yogurt – Keeps the cake moist and tangy; yogurt can be a lighter substitute.
• Fresh vegetable oil – Adds richness and keeps the cake tender without a greasy texture.
• Large eggs – Bind the ingredients together and provide moisture for the cake.
• Vanilla extract – Infuses warmth and enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Guinness beer – This special ingredient provides a unique depth, perfect for your Guinness Chocolate Cake!
For the Irish Buttercream
• Unsalted butter – The main ingredient for a rich and creamy frosting; beat it well for fluffiness.
• Powdered sugar – Sweetens the frosting and ensures a smooth texture; sift it to avoid lumps.
• Irish cream – Adds a luxurious, creamy flavor that perfectly complements the cake’s richness.
For the Chocolate Ganache
• Semisweet or bittersweet chocolate – Choose your favorite for a luscious topping that adds richness.
• Heavy cream – Alters the texture of the chocolate, creating that silky-smooth ganache.
For Toppings
• Sprinkles or chocolate curls (optional) – Use these as delightful embellishments to add a touch of festivity to your cake.
Embrace the joy of baking with this incredible Guinness Chocolate Cake with Irish Buttercream; your kitchen will certainly smell divine!
How to Make Guinness Chocolate Cake with Irish Buttercream
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Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease two 8-inch wide x 3-inch deep cake pans with butter or cooking spray, and line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal.
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Whisk together in a large mixing bowl the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until well combined. This dry mix will be the foundation of your cake’s structure.
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Combine in a medium bowl the sour cream (or yogurt), vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and Guinness beer. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy—this will enhance your cake’s moisture and flavor.
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Mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly okay for a tender cake texture.
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Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until a cake tester or toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow cakes to cool in their pans for 30 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
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Beat the unsalted butter in a large bowl with an electric mixer until it’s light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar and Irish cream, mixing until very light, fluffy, and smooth, approximately 3 additional minutes.
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Frost the top of one cake layer generously with buttercream once cooled. Place the other layer, flat side up, on top for a beautiful two-tiered effect.
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Apply a thin crumb coat of frosting around the sides and top of the cake. This layer will seal in crumbs and create a smoother final frosting layer. Refrigerate for about 30 minutes until firm.
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Spread the remaining frosting over the entire cake, making it look decadent and delicious. Place the frosted cake back in the refrigerator while you prepare the chocolate ganache.
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Heat the heavy cream in a small pan until it simmers gently. Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Stir until smooth.
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Cool the ganache for about 10 minutes, or until it thickens but remains pourable. Test its consistency by pouring a small amount down the side of a glass—it should flow smoothly.
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Pour some ganache over the top of the chilled cake, allowing it to drip down the sides for a stunning appearance, and smooth the top with a spatula.
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Decorate the cake by adding sprinkles or chocolate curls before the ganache fully sets for an extra festive touch!
Optional: Add a dusting of cocoa powder over the top for an elegant finish.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Guinness Chocolate Cake with Irish Buttercream?
This delightful dessert shines on its own, but if you’re looking to elevate your gathering, consider these perfect pairings.
- Irish Coffee: The robust flavor of Irish coffee complements the cake’s richness, making for a warm, inviting treat.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy vanilla ice cream contrasts beautifully with the decadent chocolate, adding a refreshing element with each bite.
- Fresh Berries: A mix of tart raspberries and sweet strawberries brightens up the dessert, balancing its rich flavors perfectly.
- Chocolate Ganache Tart: Serve alongside a slice of chocolate tart for a double dose of chocolate heaven, perfect for true chocoholics!
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a light, airy contrast to the dense cake for a delightful texture.
- Port Wine: The bold, fruity notes of port wine elevate the cake experience, creating an indulgent pairing that’s sure to impress.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzling warm caramel sauce over a slice of cake adds a luscious sweetness that complements the chocolate and Guinness beautifully.
- Espresso: The rich, intense flavor of espresso pairs well, bringing out nuances in the cake and providing a delightful caffeine kick!
- Dark Chocolate Truffles: For extraordinary dessert lovers, these rich truffles can be an indulgent sidekick, amplifying the chocolate experience.
How to Store and Freeze Guinness Chocolate Cake
Fridge: Store leftover Guinness Chocolate Cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This helps maintain its moistness and flavor.
Freezer: Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap, followed by foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.
Reheating: To reheat, place slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Enjoy the warm, decadent flavors of your cake just like fresh out of the oven!
Frosting Storage: If you have leftover Irish buttercream, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. Rewhip it before use to regain that fluffy texture.
Guinness Chocolate Cake Variations
Feel free to get creative and customize your Guinness Chocolate Cake to suit your taste and dietary needs!
- Dairy-Free: Substitute sour cream with coconut yogurt and use dairy-free butter for frosting. Your cake will still be moist and delicious!
- Gluten-Free: Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend for a tender cake that everyone can enjoy.
- Nutty Twist: Add 1/2 cup of finely chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for added texture and a delightful crunch.
- Spicy Kick: Stir in 1 teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of cayenne into the batter for a surprising heat that pairs beautifully with chocolate.
- Boozy Upgrade: Use whiskey instead of Irish cream in the frosting for a stronger flavor that’ll warm your heart after every bite.
- Decadent Layering: Split the cake layers horizontally and fill with raspberry or cherry jam for a delightful fruity layer that brightens the rich chocolate.
- Decadent Depth: Surprising your guests by mixing in espresso powder can intensify the chocolate flavor, creating a luxurious experience in every slice.
- Fruity Burst: Fold in 1 cup of fresh blueberries or raspberries right into the batter for a pop of freshness and a visually stunning presentation.
Each variation promises to create a unique twist on this beloved recipe, ensuring your baking adventure is as joyful as the flavors!
Expert Tips for Guinness Chocolate Cake
- Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality cocoa powder and Irish cream for the richest flavor in your Guinness Chocolate Cake; it makes a noticeable difference!
- Avoid Overmixing: Gently combine wet and dry ingredients; overmixing can lead to a dense cake rather than a light and fluffy texture.
- Proper Cooling: Let the cakes cool completely; icing a warm cake can cause the frosting to melt and slide off.
- Perfect Ganache: Monitor your ganache closely; allowing it to cool too long can make it too thick to pour properly over your cake.
- Crumb Coat Matters: Don’t skip the crumb coat layer; it helps to seal in crumbs and gives a smoother finish for your final frosting layer.
- Chill Before Serving: Refrigerating your completed cake for a bit before serving enhances stability and makes slicing cleaner!
Make Ahead Options
These Guinness Chocolate Cake with Irish Buttercream are perfect for busy home cooks who want to streamline their baking process! You can prepare the cake layers up to 3 days ahead, allowing them to cool completely before wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerating. For the buttercream, you can whip it up 24 hours in advance; just store it in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain freshness. When you’re ready to serve, simply re-whip the frosting to restore its creamy texture, frost the cake, and then prepare the ganache. This way, you’ll have a decadent dessert that’s just as delicious as if made fresh, with minimal effort on the day of serving!
Guinness Chocolate Cake with Irish Buttercream Recipe FAQs
What type of Guinness beer should I use?
Absolutely! Any variety of Guinness will work splendidly, but I recommend using the classic Guinness Draught for its rich flavor and creamy texture. It enhances the cake’s chocolate depth beautifully.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
To check if your Guinness Chocolate Cake is done, insert a cake tester or toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the cake is ready! If not, bake for an additional 5 minutes and check again.
How should I store the leftover cake?
Store leftover Guinness Chocolate Cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This keeps it moist and flavorful. Just make sure to let it cool completely before wrapping to prevent condensation.
Can I freeze the cake and how?
Yes, you can freeze the Guinness Chocolate Cake! Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap, followed by foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the fridge.
What if my frosting is too thick or too runny?
If your Irish buttercream frosting is too thick, you can add a splash of milk or more Irish cream, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. Conversely, if it’s too runny, add a bit more sifted powdered sugar to thicken it up while still beating until smooth.
Is this cake suitable for pets or people with allergies?
I recommend keeping this cake away from pets, as chocolate can be toxic to them. For those with dietary restrictions, consider swapping the eggs for a vegan alternative, such as flax eggs, and for the Irish cream, look for a dairy-free version!
Decadent Guinness Chocolate Cake with Creamy Irish Buttercream
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease two 8-inch wide x 3-inch deep cake pans with butter or cooking spray, and line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Whisk together in a large mixing bowl the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- Combine in a medium bowl the sour cream (or yogurt), vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and Guinness beer. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until a cake tester or toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow cakes to cool in their pans for 30 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
- Beat the unsalted butter in a large bowl with an electric mixer until it’s light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar and Irish cream, mixing until very light, fluffy, and smooth.
- Frost the top of one cake layer generously with buttercream once cooled. Place the other layer, flat side up, on top.
- Apply a thin crumb coat of frosting around the sides and top of the cake. Refrigerate for about 30 minutes until firm.
- Spread the remaining frosting over the entire cake.
- Heat the heavy cream in a small pan until it simmers gently. Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Stir until smooth.
- Cool the ganache for about 10 minutes, or until it thickens but remains pourable.
- Pour some ganache over the top of the chilled cake, allowing it to drip down the sides.
- Decorate the cake by adding sprinkles or chocolate curls before the ganache fully sets.