Chocolate Guinness Cake
Chocolate Guinness Cake 😍🤤 is a medium Irish recipe that serves 12. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Jane's Patisserie on YouTube.
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 35 min | Total: 1 hr 10 min
Cost: $11.50 total, $0.96 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 cup Guinness Stout (room temperature; can substitute 0% Guinness or full‑fat Coke)
- 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter (softened, cut into cubes)
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar
- 2 Large Eggs (room temperature)
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
- 1/2 cup Cocoa Powder (unsweetened, sifted)
- 1 tsp Baking Powder
- 1/2 tsp Baking Soda
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 8 oz Cream Cheese (softened, room temperature)
- 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter (for frosting) (softened, cut into cubes)
- 2 cups Powdered Sugar (sifted)
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract (for frosting)
- 2 oz Dark Chocolate (grated for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat Oven & Prepare Tins
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9‑inch round cake tins and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 350°F
Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes). Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and the Guinness stout.
Time: PT7M
Combine Dry Ingredients
Sift together the all‑purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and baking soda into a separate bowl.
Time: PT3M
Incorporate Dry into Wet
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, folding gently with a spatula until just combined. Do not over‑mix; the batter will be slightly lumpy.
Time: PT4M
Divide Batter & Bake
Evenly split the batter between the two prepared tins, smoothing the tops. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Time: PT35M
Temperature: 350°F
Cool Cakes
Allow the cakes to cool in the tins for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a cooling rack and let cool completely before frosting.
Time: PT30M
Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting
While the cakes cool, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Add the powdered sugar gradually, then mix in the vanilla extract. Beat on high speed for 2–3 minutes until the frosting is thick and fluffy.
Time: PT10M
Assemble & Frost
Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting over the top. Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake. Smooth with an offset spatula or pipe if desired.
Time: PT8M
Garnish
Grate the dark chocolate over the frosted cake using a fine grater for a decorative finish.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 4g
- Carbohydrates
- 45g
- Fat
- 18g
- Fiber
- 2g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Contains alcohol (baked off)
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten, Eggs
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Guinness Stout: 0% Guinness, full‑fat Coke
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: margarine, vegetable oil (use 1/3 cup)
- Instead of Granulated Sugar: coconut sugar, brown sugar (slightly darker flavor)
- Instead of Large Eggs: egg replacer, applesauce (1/4 cup per egg)
- Instead of All-Purpose Flour: gluten‑free flour blend
- Instead of Cocoa Powder: dark cocoa powder
- Instead of Baking Powder: baking soda + cream of tartar
- Instead of Baking Soda: baking powder (increase to 2 tsp)
- Instead of Vanilla Extract: almond extract (1/2 tsp)
- Instead of Cream Cheese: vegan cream cheese
- Instead of Unsalted Butter (for frosting): margarine
- Instead of Powdered Sugar: confectioners' sugar
- Instead of Vanilla Extract (for frosting): almond extract (1/2 tsp)
- Instead of Dark Chocolate: cocoa nibs
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowl
- Electric Hand Mixer or Whisk
- 9‑inch Round Cake Tins
- Parchment Paper (optional)
- Cooling Rack
- Spatula
- Fine Mesh Sieve (optional)
- Oven
- Grater (optional)
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Preheating the oven and preparing the tins ensures proper rise.
- Beating butter and sugar until light incorporates air for a tender crumb.
- Sifting dry ingredients prevents lumps and ensures even distribution of leaveners.
- Mixing wet and dry ingredients only until just combined avoids a dense cake.
- Testing doneness with a toothpick prevents over‑baking.
- Cooling cakes completely before frosting avoids melting the frosting.
- Beating the cream cheese frosting to a thick, fluffy consistency is key for a smooth finish.
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra depth, replace half of the Guinness with strong brewed coffee.
- Add a pinch of instant espresso powder to the dry mix for a richer chocolate flavor.
- Use a metal spatula to scrape the bowl; it helps achieve a smoother frosting.
Troubleshooting
Cake is dense and heavy.
Do not over‑mix the batter; ensure butter and sugar are fully creamed to incorporate air.
Frosting is runny.
Make sure the cream cheese and butter are fully softened and chilled before beating; add a little more powdered sugar if needed.
Cake cracks on top.
Check oven temperature with an oven thermometer and avoid over‑baking; tent with foil if browning too fast.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil; freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in refrigerator before serving.
Room temperature: Can sit at room temperature for 2‑3 hours after removal from fridge, but keep covered.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Frosting can be prepared up to 2 days ahead and kept refrigerated.
- Bake the layers a day before; store wrapped in plastic and frost on the day of serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Chocolate Guinness Cake in Irish cuisine?
Chocolate Guinness Cake is a modern twist on traditional Irish stout‑based desserts, celebrating St. Patrick's Day and the iconic Guinness beer. It reflects Ireland’s love for incorporating stout into sweet treats, a practice that dates back to the early 20th century when brewers began experimenting with beer in baking.
What are the traditional regional variations of Guinness cake in Ireland?
In Ireland, some regions add raisins or dried fruit to the batter, while others use a richer chocolate glaze instead of cream cheese frosting. Coastal areas sometimes incorporate a touch of sea salt to balance the sweetness, creating a subtle salty‑sweet flavor profile.
How is Chocolate Guinness Cake traditionally served in Irish celebrations?
The cake is typically served at St. Patrick's Day gatherings, often sliced and paired with a cup of tea or a glass of stout. It may be dusted with extra grated chocolate and sometimes accompanied by a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence.
What occasions or celebrations is Chocolate Guinness Cake traditionally associated with in Irish culture?
Besides St. Patrick's Day, the cake appears at family gatherings, birthdays, and pub celebrations where Guinness is a staple. Its rich flavor makes it a popular dessert for winter holidays and festive feasts.
What makes Chocolate Guinness Cake special or unique in Irish dessert cuisine?
The use of Guinness stout gives the cake a deep, malty flavor and moist crumb that sets it apart from ordinary chocolate cakes. The combination of stout and chocolate creates a complex taste that is both bitter and sweet, embodying the essence of Irish brewing heritage.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Chocolate Guinness Cake versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include Guinness stout, unsalted butter, all‑purpose flour, cocoa powder, and cream cheese for frosting. Acceptable substitutes are 0% Guinness or full‑fat Coke for the stout, margarine for butter, and vegan cream cheese for a dairy‑free version.
What other Irish dishes pair well with Chocolate Guinness Cake?
Pair the cake with a classic Irish coffee, a glass of chilled Guinness, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Savory companions like Irish cheddar or a cheese board can also balance the sweetness for a full‑course experience.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Chocolate Guinness Cake at home?
Common errors include over‑mixing the batter, which creates a dense texture, and under‑baking, which leaves a soggy center. Also, using cold butter or cream cheese can result in a lumpy frosting.
Why does this Chocolate Guinness Cake recipe use both baking powder and baking soda instead of just one leavener?
Baking powder provides a steady rise, while baking soda reacts with the acidity of the Guinness and cocoa to give extra lift and a tender crumb. Using both ensures the cake rises evenly and stays moist.
What does the YouTube channel Jane's Patisserie specialize in?
The YouTube channel Jane's Patisserie specializes in elegant home‑baked desserts, focusing on classic pastries, cakes, and seasonal treats with detailed step‑by‑step tutorials and decorative techniques.
How does the YouTube channel Jane's Patisserie's approach to Irish dessert cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Jane's Patisserie blends traditional Irish flavors with refined patisserie techniques, emphasizing precise mixing methods, professional frosting finishes, and decorative garnishes, whereas many other channels may present simpler, less polished versions.
Last updated: September 6, 2026
