"My son Ate the Guinness Cake!!-"
"My son ATE the Guinness Cake!!-" is a medium Irish recipe that serves 12. 420 calories per serving. Recipe by fromscratchbaker on YouTube.
Prep: 30 min | Cook: 45 min | Total: 1 hr 30 min
Cost: $20.31 total, $1.69 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
- 3/4 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (high‑quality Dutch‑process)
- 1 tsp Baking Soda
- 1 tsp Baking Powder
- 1/2 tsp Salt (kosher or sea salt)
- 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter (softened, cut into cubes)
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1/2 cup Brown Sugar (packed)
- 2 Large Eggs (room temperature)
- 2 tsp Vanilla Extract (pure)
- 1 cup Guinness Stout (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup Buttermilk (room temperature)
- 6 oz Dark Chocolate (70% cocoa, chopped)
- 1/2 cup Rum‑Infused Chocolate Chips (optional, for ganache and garnish)
- 1/2 cup Heavy Cream (for ganache)
- 1 tbsp Rum (dark rum, for ganache)
Instructions
Prepare Pans and Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease two 9‑inch round cake pans, line the bottoms with parchment paper, then lightly flour the sides.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 350°F
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
Time: PT5M
Cream Butter and Sugars
In another bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar with an electric hand mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3‑4 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in the vanilla extract.
Time: PT3M
Incorporate Wet Ingredients
With the mixer on low, alternately add the dry‑ingredient mixture and the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry mixture. Pour in the Guinness stout and mix until just combined; the batter will be thin.
Time: PT5M
Divide Batter and Bake
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula and bake for 30‑35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Time: PT35M
Temperature: 350°F
Cool Cakes
Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a cooling rack to cool completely before frosting.
Time: PT20M
Prepare Rum‑Chocolate Ganache
In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat and add the chopped dark chocolate and rum‑infused chocolate chips. Let sit 1 minute, then whisk until smooth and glossy.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: medium heat
Assemble and Frost
Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a thin layer of ganache over the top, then place the second layer. Pour the remaining ganache over the top and sides, using a spatula to smooth. Garnish with extra rum‑infused chocolate chips if desired.
Time: PT10M
Rest Before Serving
Allow the assembled cake to set at room temperature for 30 minutes so the ganache firms up, then slice and serve.
Time: PT30M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 420
- Protein
- 5g
- Carbohydrates
- 48g
- Fat
- 22g
- Fiber
- 3g
Dietary info: vegetarian
Allergens: gluten, dairy, eggs, soy
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of All-Purpose Flour: Bread Flour (use 1 cup flour + 2 tbsp vital wheat gluten)
- Instead of Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Natural cocoa powder (slightly more bitter)
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Margarine (use same amount)
- Instead of Granulated Sugar: Coconut sugar (same amount)
- Instead of Brown Sugar: Dark brown sugar
- Instead of Large Eggs: Egg substitute (1/4 cup each)
- Instead of Vanilla Extract: Maple extract
- Instead of Guinness Stout: Dry stout or porter
- Instead of Buttermilk: Milk + 1 tsp lemon juice
- Instead of Dark Chocolate: Semi‑sweet chocolate
- Instead of Rum‑Infused Chocolate Chips: Regular chocolate chips + 1 tbsp rum
- Instead of Heavy Cream: Half‑and‑half
- Instead of Rum: Brandy
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
- Electric Hand Mixer
- 9‑Inch Round Cake Pans
- Parchment Paper
- Cooling Rack
- Saucepan
- Spatula
- Oven
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Sieve
- Knife and Cutting Board
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Sifting dry ingredients to avoid lumps
- Creaming butter and sugars until light and fluffy
- Do not over‑mix after adding Guinness; batter should remain slightly thin
- Bake until a clean toothpick emerges; avoid under‑baking
- Properly melt chocolate and cream for a smooth ganache
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use room‑temperature ingredients for an even batter
- For extra coffee flavor, add 1 tsp instant espresso powder to the dry mix
- If you prefer less alcohol, substitute half the Guinness with strong brewed coffee
Troubleshooting
Cake is dense and heavy
Make sure to sift the flour and cocoa, and avoid over‑mixing the batter after adding Guinness.
Ganache is grainy
Ensure the cream is hot but not boiling and whisk continuously until the chocolate fully melts.
Cake cracks on top
Check oven temperature with an oven thermometer; tent the cake with foil if it browns too quickly.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftover cake, covered, for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil; freeze for up to 2 months.
Room temperature: Can sit at room temperature for up to 2 days if covered.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Bake the layers up to 2 days ahead and store wrapped in the fridge
- Ganache can be made 1 day ahead; re‑warm gently before frosting
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Guinness Chocolate Cake in Irish cuisine?
Guinness Chocolate Cake blends traditional Irish stout with classic chocolate cake, a modern twist that emerged in the late 20th century as home bakers experimented with beer in desserts. The stout adds a subtle coffee‑like bitterness and moist texture, making it a popular celebratory cake in Ireland and among Guinness fans worldwide.
What are the traditional regional variations of Guinness Cake in Irish cuisine?
While the basic recipe uses Guinness stout, some Irish bakers add a splash of Irish whiskey or a layer of caramel. In the north, a touch of oatmeal is sometimes incorporated for texture, whereas in Dublin cafés you may find a coffee‑infused version using cold‑brew alongside the stout.
How is Guinness Chocolate Cake traditionally served in Ireland?
It is typically served at family gatherings, St. Patrick's Day parties, or as a dessert after a hearty Irish stew. The cake is often sliced into generous wedges and enjoyed with a cup of tea or a small glass of stout.
What occasions or celebrations is Guinness Chocolate Cake traditionally associated with in Irish culture?
Guinness Chocolate Cake is popular for birthdays, weddings, and especially St. Patrick's Day, where the deep amber color of the cake mirrors the iconic Guinness hue. It also appears at pub‑hosted bake‑offs and community fairs.
What makes Guinness Chocolate Cake special or unique in Irish cuisine?
The use of Guinness stout provides a distinct malty, slightly bitter flavor that sets it apart from ordinary chocolate cakes. The carbonation helps create a tender crumb, and the combination of stout and chocolate reflects Ireland's love of both beer and sweet treats.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Guinness Chocolate Cake?
Common errors include over‑mixing the batter, which can develop gluten and make the cake tough, and baking at too high a temperature, which dries the cake out. Also, using warm Guinness can cause the batter to become too thin and affect rise.
Why does this Guinness Chocolate Cake recipe use rum‑infused chocolate chips in the ganache instead of plain chocolate chips?
Rum‑infused chips add a subtle boozy depth that complements the stout flavor without overwhelming the cake. The rum also enhances the chocolate’s richness, creating a layered taste experience.
Can I make Guinness Chocolate Cake ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, bake the layers up to two days ahead, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Assemble with ganache when ready to serve, or store the fully frosted cake covered in the fridge for up to five days.
What texture and appearance should I look for when making Guinness Chocolate Cake?
The cake should be moist, with a fine crumb and a deep, dark chocolate color. The ganache should be glossy, smooth, and set to a satin finish that cracks slightly when sliced.
How do I know when the Guinness Chocolate Cake is done cooking?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; 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 focuses on classic and modern baked goods made from scratch, emphasizing technique, ingredient science, and approachable home‑baking tutorials.
How does the YouTube channel fromscratchbaker's approach to Irish baking differ from other cooking channels?
fromscratchbaker combines detailed step‑by‑step explanations with a focus on ingredient sourcing and troubleshooting, often highlighting traditional Irish flavors like Guinness while providing modern twists and clear visual cues that set it apart from more generic baking channels.
Last updated: August 30, 2026








