Chocolate Guinness Beer Cake Recipe

Chocolate Guinness Beer Cake Recipe is a medium Irish recipe that serves 12. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Divas Can Cook on YouTube.

Prep: 35 min | Cook: 25 min | Total: 1 hr 15 min

Cost: $30.51 total, $2.54 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt (fine sea salt)
  • 3/4 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (Hershey's brand, high quality)
  • 1 cup Unsalted Butter (softened, cut into cubes)
  • 1 cup Brown Sugar (packed)
  • 1/2 cup Granulated White Sugar
  • 2 Large Eggs (room temperature)
  • 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
  • 1 cup Sour Cream
  • 1/2 cup Buttermilk
  • 1/4 cup Strong Black Coffee (cooled)
  • 1 cup Guinness Stout Beer (room temperature)
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter (for frosting) (softened)
  • 4 oz Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (chopped if using bar)
  • 2 cups Powdered Sugar (sifted)
  • 2 tablespoons Almond Milk
  • 2 tablespoons Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (for frosting)
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (for frosting)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Dry Ingredients

    In a large bowl whisk together the all‑purpose flour, salt, baking soda, and cocoa powder until fully combined and no lumps remain.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Cream Butter and Sugars

    In another large bowl, beat the softened butter with the brown sugar and white sugar on medium speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Add Eggs and Vanilla

    Add the two large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.

    Time: PT3M

  4. Incorporate Sour Cream

    Fold the sour cream into the butter‑sugar‑egg mixture until just combined; the batter will look thick and a little grainy.

    Time: PT2M

  5. Combine Wet and Dry

    Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed or folding by hand until just incorporated.

    Time: PT3M

  6. Add Liquids (Buttermilk, Coffee, Beer)

    Stir in the buttermilk, cooled strong coffee, and Guinness stout. Mix until the batter is smooth and glossy.

    Time: PT3M

  7. Prepare Cake Pans

    Grease the two 9‑inch round pans, line the bottoms with parchment paper or foil, and lightly flour the sides.

    Time: PT2M

  8. Fill Pans and Smooth Tops

    Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula.

    Time: PT2M

  9. Bake the Cakes

    Place the pans in a pre‑heated oven and bake at 350°F for 20‑25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

    Time: PT25M

    Temperature: 350°F

  10. Cool Completely

    Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then run a thin spatula around the edges, invert onto a cooling rack, and let them cool completely before frosting.

    Time: PT15M

  11. Melt Butter and Chocolate

    In a saucepan over low heat, melt the butter and semi‑sweet chocolate together, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

    Time: PT5M

  12. Add Powdered Sugar

    Gradually whisk in the sifted powdered sugar, a little at a time, until the mixture thickens.

    Time: PT5M

  13. Finish Frosting

    Stir in the almond milk, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract. Mix until the frosting is light, fluffy, and spreadable.

    Time: PT3M

  14. Frost the Cake

    Place one cake layer on a serving plate, spread a generous amount of frosting on top, place the second layer, and frost the top and sides evenly. Chill briefly if needed to set the frosting.

    Time: PT10M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
4g
Carbohydrates
45g
Fat
18g
Fiber
3g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Contains alcohol

Allergens: Eggs, Milk, Butter, Wheat (gluten), Soy (possible in cocoa processing)

Last updated: April 17, 2026

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Chocolate Guinness Beer Cake Recipe

Recipe by Divas Can Cook

A rich, moist chocolate cake infused with Guinness stout, coffee, and buttermilk, topped with a silky chocolate buttercream. Perfect for celebrations or a decadent treat, this cake stays fluffy and pillowy while delivering a subtle beer flavor.

MediumIrishServes 12

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
1h 3m
Prep
25m
Cook
11m
Cleanup
1h 39m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$30.51
Total cost
$2.54
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy
  • Add the Guinness stout and coffee without over‑mixing
  • Bake until a toothpick comes out clean; do not overbake
  • Cool the cake layers completely before frosting
  • Achieve a smooth, glossy chocolate buttercream

Safety Warnings

  • Handle the hot oven and baking pans with oven mitts to avoid burns.
  • Melted chocolate and butter are very hot; stir carefully and keep face away from steam.
  • Do not consume the cake while still warm if you have a sensitivity to alcohol.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Chocolate Guinness Beer Cake in Irish cuisine?

A

Chocolate Guinness Beer Cake blends traditional Irish stout with classic chocolate cake, a modern twist that celebrates Ireland’s brewing heritage while appealing to contemporary dessert lovers. It’s often served at St. Patrick’s Day and other celebrations where Guinness is a staple.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of chocolate cake with stout in Irish cuisine?

A

In Ireland, some bakers use dry stout instead of Guinness, or add a splash of Irish whiskey for extra warmth. Some coastal regions incorporate a hint of sea salt caramel to balance the bitterness of the beer.

cultural
Q

How is Chocolate Guinness Beer Cake traditionally served in Ireland?

A

It is typically served as a dessert at gatherings, sliced and accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The cake is often dusted with a light sprinkling of cocoa powder for presentation.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Chocolate Guinness Beer Cake traditionally associated with in Irish culture?

A

The cake is popular for St. Patrick’s Day, birthdays, and family celebrations where Guinness is on tap. It’s also a favorite at pubs that host dessert nights.

cultural
Q

What makes Chocolate Guinness Beer Cake special or unique in Irish dessert tradition?

A

The use of Guinness adds a subtle maltiness and a faint coffee‑like bitterness that sets it apart from ordinary chocolate cakes, creating a moist crumb and a distinctive flavor profile that reflects Ireland’s brewing legacy.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Chocolate Guinness Beer Cake?

A

Common errors include over‑mixing the batter, which can develop gluten and make the cake dense, and under‑creaming the butter and sugars, which reduces lift. Also, be sure the beer is at room temperature; cold beer can cause the batter to seize.

technical
Q

Why does this Chocolate Guinness Beer Cake recipe use both coffee and stout instead of just one liquid flavor enhancer?

A

Coffee amplifies the chocolate’s depth without adding a coffee flavor, while stout contributes a malty, slightly bitter note and extra moisture. Together they create a balanced, complex taste that a single liquid could not achieve.

technical
Q

Can I make Chocolate Guinness Beer Cake ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, bake the layers a day ahead, wrap them tightly, and refrigerate. Frost the cake just before serving, or frost ahead and keep it refrigerated; the cake stays fresh for up to five days.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the Chocolate Guinness Beer Cake is done baking?

A

The top should be set with a slight spring back when touched, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. The crumb should be moist, fluffy, and slightly crumbly, not dry.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Divas Can Cook specialize in?

A

Divas Can Cook focuses on approachable, family‑friendly recipes that blend classic comfort foods with fun twists, often featuring step‑by‑step tutorials and practical kitchen tips for home cooks.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Divas Can Cook's approach to Irish‑inspired desserts differ from other cooking channels?

A

Divas Can Cook emphasizes clear, relatable narration, real‑life kitchen mishaps, and easy‑to‑follow techniques, making traditionally rich desserts like a Guinness cake feel accessible to everyday cooks, whereas many channels aim for professional‑level precision.

channel

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