A Delicious Guinness Cake for St. Paddy's Day
A Delicious Guinness Cake for St. Paddy's Day is a easy American (Irish-inspired) recipe that serves 8. 380 calories per serving. Recipe by Rachael Ray Show on YouTube.
Prep: 45 min | Cook: 45 min | Total: 1 hr 45 min
Cost: $6.70 total, $0.84 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
- 1.5 cups Granulated Sugar (fine)
- 0.5 cup Unsalted Butter (melted)
- 1 cup Guinness Stout Beer (room temperature)
- 0.5 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (high‑quality)
- 1 tsp Baking Soda (ensure fresh)
- 1 tsp Baking Powder (for lift)
- 2 units Large Eggs (room temperature)
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract (pure)
- 0.5 cup Buttermilk (room temperature)
- 0.5 cup Unsalted Butter (for frosting) (softened)
- 2 cups Powdered Sugar (sifted)
- 2 tbsp Heavy Cream (for frosting consistency)
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract (for frosting) (pure)
Instructions
Preheat Oven
Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and let it preheat while you prepare the batter.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 350°F
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and baking powder.
Time: PT5M
Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the melted butter with the Guinness, eggs, vanilla extract, and buttermilk until smooth.
Time: PT5M
Combine Wet and Dry
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix.
Time: PT5M
Bake the Cake
Grease the 9x13 inch cake pan, pour in the batter, and smooth the top. Bake for 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Time: PT45M
Temperature: 350°F
Cool the Cake
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a cooling rack to cool completely.
Time: PT10M
Prepare Vanilla Cream Frosting
In a clean bowl, beat the softened butter until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream, beating until smooth and spreadable.
Time: PT10M
Frost the Cake
Spread the vanilla cream frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Slice and serve.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 380
- Protein
- 5g
- Carbohydrates
- 55g
- Fat
- 15g
- Fiber
- 3g
Dietary info: Vegetarian
Allergens: Eggs, Dairy, Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of All-Purpose Flour: Gluten-Free Flour blend
- Instead of Granulated Sugar: Coconut sugar
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Margarine
- Instead of Guinness Stout Beer: Other stout beer, Dark ale
- Instead of Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Dutch‑processed cocoa
- Instead of Large Eggs: Egg replacer
- Instead of Vanilla Extract: Vanilla bean
- Instead of Buttermilk: Milk + 1 tsp lemon juice
- Instead of Unsalted Butter (for frosting): Margarine
- Instead of Heavy Cream: Milk
- Instead of Vanilla Extract (for frosting): Vanilla bean
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Rubber Spatula
- 9x13 Inch Cake Pan
- Oven
- Cooling Rack
- Piping Bag (optional) (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Do not overmix the batter after adding wet ingredients.
- Check cake doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to avoid melting the frosting.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use room‑temperature eggs and buttermilk for a smoother batter.
- Sift the cocoa powder with the flour to prevent clumps.
- For extra flavor, add a tablespoon of instant coffee granules to the wet mixture.
Troubleshooting
Cake is dense or heavy.
Ensure you did not overmix the batter and that the baking soda and powder are fresh. Also, verify the oven temperature is accurate.
Frosting is too runny.
Add more powdered sugar a tablespoon at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
Cake cracks on top.
Avoid opening the oven door early; bake at a steady temperature and consider tenting with foil if browning too fast.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic and foil; freeze for up to 2 months.
Room temperature: Covered at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Bake the cake a day ahead, wrap tightly, and store at room temperature.
- Frosting can be made up to 2 days in advance; keep refrigerated and bring to room temperature before spreading.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Guinness Chocolate Cake in Irish-American cuisine?
Guinness Chocolate Cake blends traditional Irish stout with classic American chocolate cake, creating a dessert that celebrates Irish heritage while appealing to American sweet‑tooth preferences. It has become popular for St. Patrick's Day gatherings, symbolizing the fusion of Irish brewing culture with home‑baked comfort foods.
What are the traditional regional variations of Guinness Cake in Ireland and the United States?
In Ireland, Guinness is often used in breads and stews, but a dessert cake is a modern adaptation. In the United States, bakers add cocoa and vanilla frosting, sometimes incorporating coffee or chocolate chips for extra depth, making it richer than the simpler Irish versions.
How is Guinness Chocolate Cake traditionally served in Irish celebrations?
It is typically served at St. Patrick's Day parties, often sliced and paired with a cup of tea or coffee. Some families garnish it with a dusting of cocoa or a drizzle of Irish cream liqueur for an extra festive touch.
What occasions or celebrations is Guinness Chocolate Cake traditionally associated with in Irish culture?
While not an ancient tradition, the cake has become a staple for St. Patrick's Day, Irish pub gatherings, and birthday celebrations where a nod to Irish heritage is desired.
What authentic ingredients are essential for an authentic Guinness Chocolate Cake versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include real Guinness stout, unsweetened cocoa powder, and buttermilk. Acceptable substitutes are other dark stouts, Dutch‑processed cocoa, or a milk‑plus‑lemon juice mixture for buttermilk if unavailable.
What other Irish‑inspired dishes pair well with Guinness Chocolate Cake?
Pair the cake with a creamy Irish coffee, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a side of Irish cheese like Dubliner. Savory options like corned beef sliders also make a fun contrast at a St. Patrick's Day spread.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Guinness Chocolate Cake at home?
Common mistakes include overmixing the batter, using stale baking soda/powder, and opening the oven too early. These can lead to a dense texture, poor rise, or a cracked top.
Why does this Guinness Chocolate Cake recipe use both baking soda and baking powder?
Baking soda reacts with the acidity of the stout and buttermilk to give lift, while baking powder provides additional leavening for a light crumb. Together they ensure the cake rises evenly despite the heavy liquid.
Can I make Guinness Chocolate Cake ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, bake the cake a day ahead, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Store at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate for up to five days. Frost just before serving for the best texture.
What does the YouTube channel Rachael Ray Show specialize in?
The YouTube channel Rachael Ray Show specializes in quick, approachable home cooking with a focus on comfort foods, seasonal dishes, and practical tips for everyday cooks, often featuring guest chefs and celebrity guests.
How does the YouTube channel Rachael Ray Show's approach to Irish‑inspired desserts differ from other cooking channels?
Rachael Ray emphasizes simplicity and speed, using readily available ingredients like Guinness and pantry staples, whereas many specialty channels might delve into more traditional techniques or obscure regional ingredients.
Last updated: September 2, 2026
