Chocolate Guinness Cake Recipe
Chocolate Guinness Cake Recipe is a medium Irish recipe that serves 12. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Jane's Patisserie on YouTube.
Prep: 30 min | Cook: 50 min | Total: 1 hr 35 min
Cost: $14.90 total, $1.24 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 cup Unsalted Butter (block butter, can substitute with baking spread)
- 1 cup Guinness Stout Beer (use a full‑strength Irish stout)
- 1/2 cup Whole Milk (room temperature)
- 3 Large Eggs (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (high‑quality, sifted)
- 1 cup Brown Sugar (packed)
- 1 1/2 cups All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
- 1 tsp Baking Powder
- 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter (room temperature) (softened, not melted)
- 2 cups Powdered Icing Sugar (sifted if possible)
- 1 tsp Vanilla Bean Paste (optional, can use vanilla extract)
- 8 oz Full‑Fat Cream Cheese (room temperature, e.g., Philadelphia)
- 100 g Dark Chocolate (for grating on top, any good quality bar)
Instructions
Preheat Oven
Set the oven to 140°C fan and allow it to preheat fully.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 140°C
Melt Butter
Place 1 cup of unsalted butter (or baking spread) in a saucepan over medium heat and stir until completely smooth and melted.
Time: PT5M
Combine Wet Ingredients
Remove the pan from heat and whisk in the Guinness, milk, eggs, cocoa powder, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
Time: PT3M
Prepare Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add the sifted flour and baking powder and give them a quick stir to combine.
Time: PT2M
Combine Wet and Dry
Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients and stir just until the batter is smooth and runny; do not over‑mix.
Time: PT2M
Prepare Cake Tins
Line the bottoms of two 8‑inch cake tins with parchment paper and lightly grease the sides.
Time: PT3M
Divide Batter
Evenly divide the batter between the two prepared tins, smoothing the tops with a spatula.
Time: PT2M
Bake Cakes
Place the tins in the preheated oven and bake for 45‑50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Time: PT50M
Temperature: 140°C
Cool in Tins
Allow the cakes to cool in their tins for 15 minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely (about 30 more minutes).
Time: PT45M
Beat Butter for Frosting
In a clean bowl, beat the room‑temperature butter until smooth and creamy (about 2 minutes).
Time: PT2M
Add Icing Sugar
Gradually add the powdered icing sugar, beating until fully incorporated and the mixture is light and fluffy.
Time: PT3M
Flavor with Vanilla
Stir in the vanilla bean paste and mix for another minute.
Time: PT1M
Add Cream Cheese
Add the full‑fat cream cheese and beat until the frosting is thick, glossy, and without lumps.
Time: PT3M
Assemble Cake
Place the first cake layer on a serving plate, spread half of the frosting over it, place the second layer on top, then spread the remaining frosting over the top and sides.
Time: PT5M
Garnish
Using a fine grater, grate the dark chocolate over the top of the frosting for decoration.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 4g
- Carbohydrates
- 45g
- Fat
- 18g
- Fiber
- 3g
Dietary info: Vegetarian
Allergens: Eggs, Milk, Wheat, Soy
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: vegetable oil, margarine
- Instead of Guinness Stout Beer: dark stout, porter, strong brewed coffee (non‑alcoholic)
- Instead of Whole Milk: buttermilk, almond milk
- Instead of Large Eggs: egg replacer, flax eggs
- Instead of Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Dutch‑processed cocoa
- Instead of Brown Sugar: white sugar with molasses
- Instead of All-Purpose Flour: gluten‑free flour blend
- Instead of Baking Powder: baking soda + cream of tartar
- Instead of Unsalted Butter (room temperature): softened margarine
- Instead of Powdered Icing Sugar: granulated sugar blended in a blender
- Instead of Vanilla Bean Paste: vanilla extract
- Instead of Full‑Fat Cream Cheese: Neufchâtel cheese (less fat)
- Instead of Dark Chocolate: cocoa nibs, chocolate shavings
Equipment Needed
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Mixing Bowl
- Rubber Spatula
- 8‑Inch Cake Tins (2)
- Parchment Paper
- Oven
- Cooling Rack (optional)
- Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer (optional)
- Fine Grater (optional)
- Small Angled Spatula (optional)
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Melt butter completely before adding other ingredients
- Use room‑temperature butter for the cream cheese frosting
- Do not over‑mix the batter; a runny consistency is expected
- Cool the cakes in the tins for at least 15 minutes before removal
- Bake at the lower temperature of 140°C fan for a moist crumb
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a high‑quality Irish stout for authentic flavor
- Sift the cocoa powder and flour together to ensure an even crumb
- For extra shine on the frosting, add a pinch of fine sea salt
- Grate chocolate just before serving to preserve its aroma
Troubleshooting
Cake is dense and dry
Make sure the oven temperature is correct and do not over‑mix the batter; the lower temperature and runny batter are key to moisture.
Frosting is too runny
Confirm the butter and cream cheese are fully softened but not melted; chill the frosting for 10‑15 minutes before spreading.
Cake cracks on top
Bake at the recommended low temperature and avoid opening the oven door early; the gentle heat prevents a rapid rise that causes cracks.
Cake sticks to the tin
Line the bottom with parchment and lightly grease the sides; allow the cake to cool in the tin before removal.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days
Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months
Room temperature: Best consumed the same day; can sit at room temperature for up to 4 hours
Make-Ahead Tips
- Bake the cake layers up to 2 days ahead and store them wrapped in the fridge
- Frosting can be made 24 hours in advance and kept refrigerated; bring to room temperature before spreading
- Assemble the cake just before serving for the freshest texture
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Guinness Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting in Irish cuisine?
Guinness chocolate cake blends the iconic Irish stout with classic chocolate, creating a modern twist on traditional Irish desserts that often featured stout in breads and puddings. The addition of cream cheese frosting reflects contemporary influences, making it a popular celebratory cake in Ireland and among Irish diaspora gatherings.
What are the traditional regional variations of Guinness Chocolate Cake within Ireland?
While the base recipe stays the same, some regions add a splash of Irish whiskey or use a darker stout for a richer flavor. In the north, a drizzle of caramel made with brown sugar is sometimes added, whereas in Dublin cafés the cake may be served with a dollop of clotted cream instead of cream cheese.
How is Guinness Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting traditionally served in Irish celebrations?
It is often presented as a centerpiece at St. Patrick's Day parties, weddings, and family gatherings, sliced thick and paired with a cup of tea or a glass of stout. The cake is usually served at room temperature so the frosting stays silky and the chocolate sponge remains moist.
What occasions or celebrations is Guinness Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting associated with in Irish culture?
The cake is a favorite for St. Patrick's Day, birthdays, and holiday gatherings such as Christmas and New Year's. Its rich flavor also makes it a popular choice for after‑dinner treats during Irish pub nights.
How does Guinness Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting fit into the broader Irish dessert tradition?
Irish desserts often highlight butter, cream, and stout; this cake combines those hallmark ingredients, echoing the comforting, buttery textures of Irish soda breads while delivering a chocolatey indulgence. It bridges classic Irish flavors with modern cake techniques.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Guinness Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include Irish Guinness stout, unsalted butter, whole milk, and full‑fat cream cheese. Acceptable substitutes are any dark stout for Guinness, buttermilk for milk, and Neufchâtel cheese for a lower‑fat frosting, though the flavor profile will shift slightly.
What other Irish dishes pair well with Guinness Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting?
Serve the cake alongside a cheese board featuring Irish cheddar, or pair it with a traditional Irish coffee for a decadent dessert combo. A side of fresh berries or a simple vanilla custard also complements the rich chocolate flavor.
What makes Guinness Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting special or unique in Irish cuisine?
The use of stout as a liquid ingredient imparts a subtle maltiness and depth that typical chocolate cakes lack. Combined with a tangy cream cheese frosting, the cake balances richness with brightness, creating a uniquely Irish flavor profile.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Guinness Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting?
Common errors include over‑mixing the batter, which creates a dense crumb, using melted butter for the frosting (which makes it runny), and baking at too high a temperature, which dries out the cake. Follow the low‑heat bake and keep the frosting butter at room temperature for best results.
Why does this Guinness Chocolate Cake recipe use a lower oven temperature of 140°C fan instead of a standard 180°C?
The lower temperature allows the cake to bake slowly, preserving moisture from the Guinness and preventing a dry, crumbly texture. It also reduces the risk of the top cracking, giving a smooth, velvety surface ideal for frosting.
What does the YouTube channel Jane's Patisserie specialize in?
Jane's Patisserie focuses on home‑baked desserts, especially cakes and pastries that blend classic techniques with modern flavor twists. The channel emphasizes approachable recipes that require minimal equipment and often feature indulgent ingredients like chocolate and cream cheese.
How does the YouTube channel Jane's Patisserie's approach to Irish‑inspired baking differ from other cooking channels?
Jane's Patisserie highlights the cultural story behind each dish, using authentic Irish ingredients like Guinness while simplifying steps for home cooks. Unlike many channels that rely on heavy mixers, Jane often demonstrates no‑mixer methods, making the recipes more accessible.
Last updated: August 31, 2026
