Chocolate Guinness Cake feat. MyCupcakeAddiction

Chocolate Guinness Cake feat. MyCupcakeAddiction is a medium Irish recipe that serves 12. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Donal Skehan on YouTube.

Prep: 1 hr 36 min | Cook: 1 hr | Total: 2 hrs 51 min

Cost: $11.85 total, $0.99 per serving

Ingredients

  • 115 g Unsalted Butter (melted for the cake batter)
  • 240 ml Guinness Stout (room temperature)
  • 30 g Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (high‑quality Dutch‑processed)
  • 200 g Caster Sugar (fine granulated sugar)
  • 180 g Plain Flour (all‑purpose flour)
  • 5 g Baking Soda (approximately 1 tsp)
  • 3 Large Free‑Range Eggs (room temperature, shells removed)
  • 120 g Sour Cream (full‑fat, adds moisture)
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract (pure vanilla)
  • 225 g Cream Cheese (softened, room temperature)
  • 115 g Unsalted Butter (room temperature, for frosting)
  • 200 g White Chocolate (high‑quality, chopped for melting)
  • 250 g Icing Sugar (sifted to avoid lumps)

Instructions

  1. Melt Butter

    Place the butter in a small saucepan over low heat and melt gently, stirring occasionally until fully liquid.

    Time: PT2M

  2. Combine Guinness and Cocoa

    Add the Guinness stout to the melted butter, then whisk in the cocoa powder until the mixture is smooth and slightly frothy.

    Time: PT3M

  3. Prepare Dry Ingredients

    In a separate bowl, combine caster sugar, plain flour, and baking soda. Stir with a whisk to distribute evenly.

    Time: PT3M

  4. Create a Well and Add Wet Ingredients

    Make a well in the center of the dry mixture. Crack the three eggs into the well, add the sour cream, vanilla extract, and then pour in the Guinness‑cocoa mixture.

    Time: PT5M

  5. Mix Batter

    Whisk the combined mixture until smooth and just combined; avoid over‑mixing to keep the cake tender.

    Time: PT2M

  6. Prepare Baking Tin

    Grease the 9‑inch round baking tin and line the bottom with a disc of parchment paper.

    Time: PT2M

  7. Transfer Batter to Tin

    Using a spatula, pour the batter into the prepared tin and smooth the top with the back of the spatula.

    Time: PT1M

  8. Bake the Cake

    Place the tin in a pre‑heated oven and bake for 1 hour at 180°C, or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.

    Time: PT1H

    Temperature: 180°C

  9. Cool the Cake

    Allow the cake to cool completely in the tin on a wire rack, then run a thin knife around the edges and invert onto the rack to remove it.

    Time: PT1H

  10. Beat Butter and Cream Cheese

    In a clean bowl, beat the room‑temperature butter and softened cream cheese together on high speed until light and fluffy.

    Time: PT3M

  11. Melt White Chocolate

    Place the chopped white chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water (double boiler) and melt, stirring gently. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

    Time: PT5M

  12. Incorporate White Chocolate

    Pour the cooled melted white chocolate into the butter‑cream cheese mixture and beat on medium speed until fully incorporated.

    Time: PT2M

  13. Add Icing Sugar

    Sift the icing sugar over the mixture and fold in with a spatula until the frosting is smooth and glossy.

    Time: PT3M

  14. Frost the Cake

    Spread the white chocolate cream cheese frosting over the top and sides of the cooled cake using an offset spatula, creating gentle peaks for a rustic look.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
5 g
Carbohydrates
45 g
Fat
18 g
Fiber
2 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Contains gluten, Contains dairy, Contains eggs

Allergens: Dairy, Eggs, Gluten

Last updated: April 17, 2026

Amazon Associates

Amazon Associates PartnerTrusted

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. This helps support our site at no extra cost to you. Clicking on ingredient or equipment links will take you to amazon.com where you can purchase these items.

Chocolate Guinness Cake feat. MyCupcakeAddiction

Recipe by Donal Skehan

A rich, dark chocolate cake infused with Irish Guinness stout, paired with a silky white chocolate cream cheese frosting. Perfect for St. Patrick's Day celebrations or any occasion that calls for a decadent, moist cake.

MediumIrishServes 12

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

Source Video
1h 31m
Prep
1h 5m
Cook
19m
Cleanup
2h 55m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$11.85
Total cost
$0.99
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Whisk the Guinness and cocoa mixture until smooth and frothy.
  • Do not over‑mix the batter after adding wet ingredients to the dry.
  • Bake at 180°C for a full hour and test with a skewer.
  • Melt white chocolate using a double boiler and let it cool before adding to the frosting.
  • Cool the cake completely before frosting to prevent melting.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle hot butter and melted chocolate with care to avoid burns.
  • Use oven mitts when placing or removing the cake from the oven.
  • Steam from the double boiler can cause scalds; keep face away.

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, reflecting the Irish love for hearty, comforting desserts. While not a traditional historic recipe, it has become a popular modern treat for St. Patrick's Day celebrations, showcasing the versatility of Guinness beyond drinks.

cultural
Q

How does Guinness Chocolate Cake fit into the broader Irish dessert tradition?

A

Irish desserts often feature simple, rich flavors like butter, cream, and fruit. Guinness chocolate cake adds the deep, malty notes of stout to this tradition, creating a dessert that feels both familiar and indulgent, similar to other Irish favorites such as soda bread pudding and whiskey cake.

cultural
Q

What traditional Irish celebrations is Guinness Chocolate Cake commonly served at?

A

The cake is especially popular during St. Patrick's Day gatherings, Irish pub nights, and family celebrations where a festive, boozy dessert is welcomed. It also appears at birthday parties and holidays as a modern twist on classic Irish sweets.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Guinness Chocolate Cake versus acceptable substitutes?

A

The authentic recipe calls for Irish Guinness stout, high‑quality unsweetened cocoa powder, sour cream, and real butter. Acceptable substitutes include any dry stout or dark beer for Guinness, regular cocoa powder, Greek yogurt for sour cream, and margarine in place of butter, though flavor will vary.

cultural
Q

What other Irish dishes pair well with Guinness Chocolate Cake?

A

Pair the cake with a glass of Irish cream liqueur, a cup of strong Irish coffee, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a full Irish menu, serve alongside shepherd's pie, colcannon, or a cheese board featuring Irish cheddar.

cultural
Q

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

A

Its uniqueness lies in the use of Guinness, giving the cake a deep, slightly bitter malt flavor that balances the sweetness of chocolate and the richness of the white chocolate frosting. This combination creates a moist, dense crumb that is distinctly Irish yet universally appealing.

cultural
Q

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

A

Common errors include over‑mixing the batter, which can make the cake tough, using stale baking soda that reduces rise, and adding melted white chocolate that is too hot to the frosting, causing it to separate. Also, opening the oven too early can cause the cake to sink.

technical
Q

Why does this Guinness Chocolate Cake recipe use sour cream instead of plain yogurt?

A

Sour cream adds a richer, creamier texture and a subtle tang that balances the bitterness of the stout and cocoa. Plain yogurt would introduce more acidity and a thinner crumb, changing the cake’s characteristic density.

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 it just before serving or store the frosting separately in the fridge and apply when ready to eat.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Donal Skehan specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Donal Skehan focuses on approachable home cooking, featuring a mix of international recipes, quick meals, and seasonal dishes, all presented with clear step‑by‑step video tutorials and a friendly, down‑to‑earth style.

channel
Q

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

A

Donal Skehan blends traditional Irish flavors with modern techniques and global influences, often incorporating easy shortcuts and clear visual instructions. Unlike some niche Irish channels that stick strictly to heritage recipes, Skehan presents Irish dishes in a way that appeals to a broad, international home‑cook audience.

channel

You Might Also Like

Similar recipes converted from YouTube cooking videos

Chocolate Guinness Cake Recipe
5

Chocolate Guinness Cake Recipe

A rich, moist chocolate cake infused with Guinness stout and topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting. The cake is surprisingly simple—no mixer required—and finishes with a generous shaving of dark chocolate. Perfect for celebrations or a cozy treat, this Irish‑inspired dessert stays soft for days.

1 hr 35 minServes 12$15
Irish
Off the Shelf: Nigella's Chocolate Guinness Cake
9

Off the Shelf: Nigella's Chocolate Guinness Cake

A rich, moist chocolate cake infused with Guinness stout and topped with a fluffy cream cheese frosting. Inspired by Nigella Lawson's recipe from Miguel Nigell's cookbook, this cake requires no stand mixer and delivers a pint‑shaped treat that looks like a glass of Guinness with a creamy head.

1 hr 40 minServes 10$23
Irish
Chocolate Guinness Beer Cake Recipe
2

Chocolate Guinness Beer Cake Recipe

A rich, moist chocolate cake infused with Guinness stout, coffee, and buttermilk, topped with a silky chocolate buttercream. Perfect for celebrations or a decadent treat, this cake stays fluffy and pillowy while delivering a subtle beer flavor.

1 hr 15 minServes 12$31
Irish
Chocolate Guinness Cake...Most Requested Birthday Cake, also perfect for St. Patrick's Day
1

Chocolate Guinness Cake...Most Requested Birthday Cake, also perfect for St. Patrick's Day

A moist, rich chocolate cake made with Guinness stout and a silky cream cheese frosting. This one‑pot cake requires no stand mixer and is perfect for birthdays or any celebration.

1 hr 30 minServes 8$13
Irish
Easy Chocolate Layer Cake (with Stout or Coffee) - Dark, Moist, Perfect
13

Easy Chocolate Layer Cake (with Stout or Coffee) - Dark, Moist, Perfect

A rich, malty chocolate cake made with dark stout and topped with a glossy dark chocolate ganache. The beer adds depth and a subtle bitterness, while the sour cream keeps the crumb moist. Perfect for celebrations or a decadent dessert.

2 hrs 40 minServes 12$20
Irish
“Can I Get a Guinness Cake For My Eleven Year Old..?”
4

“Can I Get a Guinness Cake For My Eleven Year Old..?”

A rich, chocolatey Guinness cake perfect for birthdays. The stout flavor shines while the alcohol mostly cooks out during the 30‑minute bake, making it safe for younger guests. Inspired by a request from a parent who discovered the cake’s alcohol content reduces to about 30% after baking.

1 hrServes 8$8
Irish‑American
Chocolate Guinness Cake 😍🤤
7

Chocolate Guinness Cake 😍🤤

A rich, moist chocolate cake infused with Guinness stout, topped with a silky cream cheese frosting and a dusting of grated chocolate. Perfect for St. Patrick's Day celebrations or any occasion that calls for a decadent, beer‑enhanced dessert.

1 hr 10 minServes 12$12
Irish
"My son ATE the Guinness Cake!!-"
2

"My son ATE the Guinness Cake!!-"

A rich, moist chocolate cake flavored with Guinness stout and finished with a decadent rum‑infused chocolate ganache. Perfect for celebrations or a grown‑up dessert, this Irish‑inspired cake balances deep cocoa, subtle coffee notes from the beer, and a hint of rum from the chocolate chips.

1 hr 30 minServes 12$20
Irish