“Can I Get a Guinness Cake For My Eleven Year Old..?”
“Can I Get a Guinness Cake For My Eleven Year Old..?” is a easy Irish‑American recipe that serves 8. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by fromscratchbaker on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 30 min | Total: 1 hr
Cost: $8.47 total, $1.06 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 cup Guinness Stout Beer (room temperature)
- 1 1/2 cups All‑Purpose Flour (sifted)
- 1/2 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (sifted)
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter (softened, cut into cubes)
- 2 Large Eggs (room temperature)
- 1 tsp Baking Soda
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 2 cups Cream Cheese Frosting (store‑bought or homemade)
Instructions
Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease the 9‑inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 350°F
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl whisk together sifted flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly distributed.
Time: PT3M
Cream Butter and Sugar
In a separate bowl, beat softened butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
Time: PT2M
Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, beating after each addition, then stir in vanilla extract.
Time: PT2M
Incorporate Guinness
Slowly pour the Guinness beer into the butter‑egg mixture while mixing on low speed. The batter will look thin.
Time: PT2M
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet batter using a spatula until just combined. Do not over‑mix.
Time: PT3M
Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smooth the top, and bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Time: PT30M
Temperature: 350°F
Cool & Frost
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn onto a cooling rack to cool completely. Frost with cream cheese frosting.
Time: PT15M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 4g
- Carbohydrates
- 45g
- Fat
- 15g
- Fiber
- 2g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Contains alcohol (cooked out ~70%)
Allergens: Wheat, Eggs, Dairy
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Guinness Stout Beer: dry stout, porter
- Instead of All‑Purpose Flour: cake flour, gluten‑free flour blend
- Instead of Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Dutch‑process cocoa
- Instead of Granulated Sugar: coconut sugar, brown sugar
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: margarine, vegetable oil (use 1/3 cup)
- Instead of Large Eggs: flax egg (2 tbsp ground flax + 6 tbsp water)
- Instead of Baking Soda: baking powder (use 3 tsp)
- Instead of Salt: sea salt
- Instead of Vanilla Extract: almond extract (use 1/2 tsp)
- Instead of Cream Cheese Frosting: whipped buttercream
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk or Hand Mixer
- 9‑inch Round Cake Pan
- Parchment Paper (optional)
- Oven
- Cooling Rack (optional)
- Spatula
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Preheat oven and properly grease the pan to avoid sticking.
- Sift dry ingredients to ensure a smooth batter.
- Do not over‑mix after adding the flour; this keeps the cake tender.
- Bake until a clean toothpick emerges; underbaking leaves a soggy center.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a dark Irish stout like Guinness for authentic flavor; a lighter stout will be milder.
- For extra moisture, replace 1/4 cup of the Guinness with strong brewed coffee.
Troubleshooting
Cake is dense and heavy.
Do not over‑mix after adding flour and ensure the baking soda is fresh. Also, verify the oven temperature with an oven thermometer.
Cake is undercooked in the center.
Check oven temperature, extend baking time by 5‑10 minutes, and cover the top loosely with foil to prevent over‑browning.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store frosted cake in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Unfrosted cake layers wrap tightly in plastic and freeze for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in fridge before frosting.
Room temperature: Unfrosted cake can sit at room temperature for 2 days if covered.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Bake the cake a day ahead and store unfrosted; frost on the day of serving.
- Frosting can be made 2 days in advance and kept refrigerated.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Guinness cake in Irish‑American cuisine?
Guinness cake blends Irish stout brewing heritage with classic American chocolate cake, creating a celebratory dessert often served at birthdays and St. Patrick's Day. The use of stout adds a deep, malty flavor that reflects Ireland’s brewing tradition while the cake format is rooted in American baking.
What are the traditional regional variations of Guinness cake in Irish‑American cooking?
In Ireland, the cake may be made with a lighter porter and topped with a simple dusting of powdered sugar. In the United States, bakers often pair it with a rich cream cheese frosting and sometimes add chocolate chips or coffee for extra depth.
How is Guinness cake traditionally served in Irish‑American celebrations?
It is typically served as a layered cake for birthdays, holidays, or St. Patrick's Day gatherings. The cake is often frosted with cream cheese or buttercream and decorated with chocolate shavings or a drizzle of stout‑infused glaze.
What occasions or celebrations is Guinness cake traditionally associated with in Irish‑American culture?
Guinness cake is popular for birthdays, St. Patrick's Day, and pub‑themed parties. Its stout flavor makes it a favorite for adult gatherings, yet the alcohol largely cooks out, allowing it to be enjoyed by younger guests as well.
What authentic traditional ingredients are essential for Guinness cake versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include Irish stout (Guinness), unsweetened cocoa powder, and cream cheese frosting. Acceptable substitutes are any dry stout or porter for the beer, Dutch‑process cocoa for a smoother flavor, and buttercream frosting if cream cheese is unavailable.
What other Irish‑American dishes pair well with Guinness cake?
Guinness cake pairs nicely with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of Irish whipped cream, or alongside a cheese board featuring sharp cheddar. A cup of hot Irish coffee also complements the stout flavor.
What makes Guinness cake special or unique in Irish‑American cuisine?
The cake’s uniqueness lies in its use of stout beer, which imparts a deep, caramel‑malty note that sets it apart from typical chocolate cakes. The alcohol largely evaporates during baking, leaving flavor without significant intoxication risk.
How has Guinness cake evolved over time in Irish‑American cooking?
Originally a simple stout‑flavored loaf, the recipe evolved into a moist layered cake with richer frostings. Modern bakers experiment with coffee, chocolate chips, or caramel glazes, while still honoring the core stout flavor.
What are common misconceptions about Guinness cake?
A common myth is that the cake remains highly alcoholic after baking. In reality, only about 30% of the original alcohol remains after a 30‑minute bake, making it safe for most guests, including children.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Guinness cake?
Avoid over‑mixing the batter, which creates a dense texture, and be sure the oven is fully preheated to 350°F. Also, do not under‑bake; a clean toothpick should emerge from the center.
Why does this Guinness cake recipe use baking soda instead of baking powder?
Baking soda reacts with the acidity of the stout and cocoa, providing lift and a tender crumb. Baking powder would not interact with the beer’s acidity in the same way, potentially resulting in a flatter cake.
Can I make Guinness cake ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, bake the layers up to two days ahead, wrap them tightly in plastic, and refrigerate. Frost the cake just before serving, or frost ahead and keep the cake refrigerated for up to three days.
What texture and appearance should I look for when making Guinness cake?
The cake should be moist, with a fine crumb and a deep, dark chocolate‑stout color. The top should be smooth and slightly domed; when sliced, it should hold its shape without crumbling.
How do I know when Guinness cake is done cooking?
Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. The edges will pull away slightly from the pan, and the top will spring back when lightly pressed.
What does the YouTube channel fromscratchbaker specialize in?
The YouTube channel fromscratchbaker specializes in home‑baked desserts, focusing on classic recipes with clear, step‑by‑step instructions and tips for beginner to intermediate bakers.
What is the cooking philosophy and style of the YouTube channel fromscratchbaker?
fromscratchbaker emphasizes baking from basic pantry ingredients, demystifying techniques, and ensuring reliable results. The style is friendly, detail‑oriented, and encourages bakers to understand the science behind each step.
How does the YouTube channel fromscratchbaker's approach to Irish‑American baking differ from other cooking channels?
fromscratchbaker blends traditional Irish flavors like stout with American cake techniques, providing thorough explanations of ingredient functions. Unlike many channels that focus on trendy desserts, this channel prioritizes timeless, crowd‑pleasing recipes.
What other Irish‑American recipes is the YouTube channel fromscratchbaker known for?
The channel is known for recipes such as Irish soda bread, Baileys chocolate mousse, and traditional shepherd's pie with a twist, all presented with clear visuals and practical tips.
Last updated: August 31, 2026
