Rating Nigella Lawson's signature dish

Ingredients

• 200 g Dark Chocolate (70% cocoa, chopped)
• 200 g Unsalted Butter (cut into cubes, room temperature)
• 200 g Granulated Sugar (fine)
• 4 Large Eggs (room temperature)
• 200 g All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
• 30 g Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (sifted)
• 1 tsp Baking Powder (ensure fresh)
• 1 tsp Baking Soda (ensure fresh)
• 150 ml Guinness Stout Beer (room temperature)
• 200 g Cream Cheese (softened)
• 50 g Unsalted Butter (softened, for frosting)
• 100 g Icing Sugar (sifted)
• 1 tsp Vanilla Extract (pure)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven

   Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to preheat fully.

   Time: PT10M

   Temperature: 350°F

2. Prepare Cake Pan

   Grease the 8‑inch round cake pan with butter and line the bottom with parchment paper.

   Time: PT5M

3. Melt Chocolate and Butter

   Place chopped dark chocolate and butter in a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water (bain‑marie). Stir until smooth, then remove from heat and let cool slightly.

   Time: PT5M

4. Whisk Eggs and Sugar

   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and eggs until the mixture becomes pale and slightly fluffy, about 3–4 minutes.

   Time: PT5M

5. Combine Dry Ingredients

   Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and baking soda into a separate bowl.

   Time: PT3M

6. Mix Batter

   Add the melted chocolate‑butter mixture to the egg‑sugar blend and stir gently. Fold in the dry ingredients just until incorporated, then pour in the Guinness and mix until the batter is smooth and glossy.

   Time: PT5M

7. Bake the Cake

   Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smooth the top, and bake for 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

   Time: PT45M

   Temperature: 350°F

8. Cool the Cake

   Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a cooling rack and let it cool completely before frosting.

   Time: PT15M

9. Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting

   In a clean bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 50 g butter together until smooth. Add the icing sugar and vanilla extract, beating until light and fluffy.

   Time: PT10M

10. Frost and Decorate

    Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Using a piping bag, pipe a swirl on top to resemble the head of a pint of Guinness. Optionally dust lightly with cocoa powder for a frothy look.

    Time: PT10M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

380

Protein

5 g

Carbohydrates

45 g

Fat

20 g

Fiber

2 g