Guinness Chocolate Cake - Happy St. Patrick's Day or ANYDAY!

Guinness Chocolate Cake - Happy St. Patrick's Day or ANYDAY! is a medium Irish recipe that serves 8. 420 calories per serving. Recipe by averagebetty on YouTube.

Prep: 44 min | Cook: 55 min | Total: 1 hr 54 min

Cost: $5.65 total, $0.71 per serving

Ingredients

  • unspecified Unsalted Butter (melted in saucepan)
  • 1 cup Guinness Stout Beer (for batter, added to melted butter)
  • unspecified Unsweetened Dark Cocoa Powder (100% cacao, added to warm butter‑beer mixture)
  • unspecified All-Purpose Flour (dry ingredient base)
  • unspecified Brown Sugar (adds moisture and depth)
  • unspecified Granulated White Sugar (sweetens the batter)
  • unspecified Salt (enhances flavor)
  • unspecified Baking Powder (leavens the cake)
  • 2 large Eggs (pre‑scrambled, added to chocolate mixture)
  • unspecified Vanilla Extract (adds aromatic flavor to batter and syrup)
  • unspecified Sour Cream (adds tenderness and tang)
  • unspecified Cream Cheese (base for frosting)
  • unspecified Powdered Sugar (used for simple syrup and frosting)
  • 1/3 cup Guinness Stout Beer (for simple syrup and frosting)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pan

    Spray the 9‑inch springform pan with cooking spray, line the bottom with a cut‑to‑size piece of wax paper, and set aside.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Melt Butter and Add Guinness

    In a saucepan over low heat, melt the butter until mostly liquid, then stir in 1 cup of Guinness. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then remove from heat.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Bloom the Cocoa

    Add the unsweetened dark cocoa powder to the warm butter‑Guinness mixture and whisk until fully incorporated. This blooming step releases the cocoa’s full flavor.

    Time: PT2M

  4. Cool the Chocolate Mixture

    Allow the chocolate‑butter‑beer mixture to cool to room temperature before tempering with the eggs.

    Time: PT5M

  5. Combine Dry Ingredients

    In a large bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, white sugar, salt, and baking powder.

    Time: PT5M

  6. Prepare Egg Mixture

    In another bowl, lightly beat the two eggs, then stir in vanilla extract and sour cream.

    Time: PT2M

  7. Temper Eggs with Chocolate Mixture

    Slowly pour a small amount of the cooled chocolate mixture into the egg mixture while whisking continuously, then combine the rest.

    Time: PT2M

  8. Fold in Dry Ingredients

    Add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet chocolate‑egg mixture and whisk gently until just combined. Do not overmix.

    Time: PT3M

  9. Bake the Cake

    Pour the batter into the prepared springform pan, smooth the top, and bake in a pre‑heated oven until a toothpick comes out clean, about 55 minutes.

    Time: PT55M

  10. Make Guinness Simple Syrup

    While the cake bakes, whisk together 1/3 cup Guinness, powdered sugar, and a splash of vanilla until smooth. Set aside.

    Time: PT5M

  11. Cool the Cake

    After baking, remove the cake from the oven, let it sit in the pan for 10 minutes, then release the springform, peel off the wax paper, and allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack.

    Time: PT15M

  12. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

    In a mixing bowl, beat together cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy. Add a pinch of salt, a splash of Guinness, vanilla extract, and gradually whisk in sifted powdered sugar until the frosting is smooth and holds stiff peaks.

    Time: PT10M

  13. Assemble and Finish

    Brush the exposed edges of the cooled cake with the Guinness simple syrup for shine and moisture. Frost the top and sides with the cream cheese frosting, creating a “head” that resembles a poured Guinness.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
420
Protein
5 g
Carbohydrates
55 g
Fat
20 g
Fiber
3 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Contains alcohol (cooked out)

Allergens: Dairy, Eggs, Gluten

Last updated: April 19, 2026

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Guinness Chocolate Cake - Happy St. Patrick's Day or ANYDAY!

Recipe by averagebetty

A rich, dark chocolate cake infused with Guinness stout, topped with a fluffy cream cheese frosting that mimics the head of a freshly poured pint. Perfect for St. Patrick's Day or any celebration for chocolate lovers.

MediumIrishServes 8

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

Source Video
49m
Prep
1h 10m
Cook
14m
Cleanup
2h 13m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$5.65
Total cost
$0.71
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Prepare the Pan
  • Melt Butter and Add Guinness
  • Bloom the Cocoa
  • Cool the Chocolate Mixture
  • Temper Eggs with Chocolate Mixture
  • Bake the Cake
  • Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
  • Assemble and Finish

Safety Warnings

  • Hot butter and liquid can cause severe burns; handle with care.
  • Use oven mitts when handling hot pans.
  • Be cautious when whisking hot liquid to avoid splatter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

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

A

Guinness Chocolate Cake blends Ireland’s iconic stout with classic chocolate cake, creating a dessert that celebrates Irish brewing heritage. It has become a popular treat for St. Patrick’s Day and other celebrations, symbolizing the country’s love of both beer and sweets.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Guinness Chocolate Cake in Irish cuisine?

A

While the core recipe stays the same, some Irish bakers add a touch of Irish whiskey or use dark brown sugar for extra depth. In the north, a drizzle of caramelized Guinness reduction is sometimes added on top of the frosting.

cultural
Q

How is Guinness Chocolate Cake traditionally served in Ireland?

A

It is typically served at room temperature, sliced into generous wedges, and often accompanied by a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The frosting mimics the creamy head of a poured Guinness pint.

cultural
Q

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

A

The cake is a staple for St. Patrick’s Day parties, birthday celebrations, and any gathering where a rich chocolate dessert is desired. Its deep, stout‑infused flavor makes it a festive centerpiece.

cultural
Q

What makes Guinness Chocolate Cake special or unique in Irish cuisine?

A

The use of Guinness stout adds a subtle bitterness and caramel‑like notes that set it apart from ordinary chocolate cakes. The blooming of cocoa in warm beer also intensifies the chocolate flavor, creating a truly distinctive dessert.

cultural
Q

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

A

Common errors include overmixing the batter, which creates a dense crumb, and adding the hot chocolate‑beer mixture to the eggs too quickly, which can scramble them. Also, failing to cool the chocolate mixture before tempering leads to curdling.

technical
Q

Why does this Guinness Chocolate Cake recipe use cocoa blooming instead of adding cocoa directly?

A

Blooming cocoa in warm liquid releases its natural oils and deepens the chocolate flavor, resulting in a richer, more aromatic cake. Adding cocoa dry can leave a gritty texture and muted taste.

technical
Q

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

A

Yes, bake the cake a day ahead, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly and refrigerate. Frost the cake just before serving, or store the frosting separately and spread it on the day of the event.

technical
Q

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

A

The cake should be tall, dark, and glossy with a springy crumb. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, and the edges should pull away slightly from the pan.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel averageBetty specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel averageBetty focuses on approachable home‑cooking tutorials, often featuring comfort foods, holiday treats, and creative twists on classic recipes with clear, step‑by‑step guidance.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel averageBetty's approach to Irish cooking differ from other Irish cooking channels?

A

averageBetty blends traditional Irish flavors, like Guinness, with modern baking techniques and a casual, relatable presentation style, making classic Irish desserts feel accessible to everyday home cooks.

channel

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