If you’re looking for an indulgent yet easy dessert recipe that turns any celebration into something extraordinary, this Guinness Chocolate Cake with Irish Buttercream is your new go-to. Moist, rich, and irresistibly chocolatey, this show-stopping cake blends the deep, malty flavor of Guinness stout with the silky sweetness of homemade Irish cream frosting.
This isn’t just another chocolate cake it’s a bakery-quality dessert made simple. The dark beer adds a deep cocoa intensity, while the luscious Irish buttercream delivers a velvety finish that melts in your mouth. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or dinner parties, this cake is the definition of cheesy comfort food turned sweet luxury a balance between easy baking at home and a decadent dessert for special occasions.
Whether you’re searching for affordable baking ideas, easy recipes for families, or a simple dessert for beginners, this recipe will satisfy every craving.
Why You’ll Love This Guinness Chocolate Cake
- Rich and Moist Texture: The combination of cocoa, sour cream, and Guinness beer creates an unbelievably soft crumb that stays fresh for days.
- Easy to Make: Despite its elegant look, this cake is beginner-friendly and requires only basic pantry staples.
- Budget-Friendly Ingredients: You can find everything at your local grocery store no fancy tools or rare ingredients needed.
- Perfect for Celebrations: Ideal for birthdays, anniversaries, or holidays like St. Patrick’s Day.
- Customizable Frosting Options: Swap the Irish buttercream for your favorite frosting to fit dietary preferences.
- Freezer-Friendly: Great for meal prep desserts you can bake the layers ahead of time and assemble later.
Ingredient Breakdown
For the Guinness Chocolate Cake
- All-Purpose Flour (1¾ cups): The foundation of the cake. Provides structure while keeping the texture soft and tender. Perfect for beginner baking recipes.
- Granulated Sugar (2 cups): Balances the deep bitterness of the Guinness and cocoa powder. Essential for that signature moist crumb.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (¾ cup): The heart of this recipe. Choose a high-quality brand for a rich, dark chocolate flavor.
- Baking Soda & Baking Powder: The leavening duo that gives this cake its light, airy rise.
- Fine Sea Salt: A pinch enhances the chocolate flavor and balances sweetness.
- Sour Cream or Plain Yogurt (¾ cup): Adds moisture and tang, ensuring every bite stays creamy and soft. Great for healthy baking swaps too.
- Vegetable Oil (½ cup): Keeps the cake moist longer than butter, making this a budget-friendly baking ingredient that delivers consistent results.
- Eggs (3 large): Bind the ingredients together and provide structure and richness.
- Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Deepens the flavor profile and complements the chocolate beautifully.
- Guinness Beer (1 cup): The secret ingredient! Adds depth, a subtle roasted note, and enhances the overall chocolate flavor.
For the Irish Buttercream
- Unsalted Butter (4 sticks): The creamy base that gives the frosting its luscious texture. Use good-quality butter for the best flavor.
- Powdered Sugar (6 cups): Creates a smooth, fluffy consistency. Sift before adding for a perfect finish.
- Irish Cream Liqueur (¼ cup + 2 tbsp): Infuses the buttercream with a hint of warmth and indulgence. Bailey’s is a popular choice.
For the Chocolate Drip
- Semisweet or Bittersweet Chocolate (4 oz): Brings balance to the sweetness of the frosting. Choose a high-quality chocolate bar over chips for smoother melting.
- Heavy Cream (½ cup): Adds richness and helps create that gorgeous glossy finish.
- Optional Toppings: Sprinkles, chocolate curls, or crushed nuts for decoration ideal for party dessert ideas.
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Helps everything mix evenly and prevents curdling.
- Weigh Your Ingredients: For consistent results, use a kitchen scale especially for flour and cocoa.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Stir until just combined for a moist, tender crumb.
- Chill Before Frosting: A cold cake is easier to frost and prevents crumbs from mixing into the buttercream.
- Make the Drip Fresh: If the ganache thickens too much, warm it for 5–10 seconds in the microwave before using.
Ingredient Swaps and Variations
- Low-Carb Option: Substitute almond flour for part of the all-purpose flour and use sugar substitutes. Perfect for keto-friendly dessert ideas.
- Non-Alcoholic Version: Replace Guinness with coffee or stout-flavored soda for a kid-friendly twist.
- Dairy-Free Buttercream: Swap butter with plant-based alternatives and use coconut cream.
- Chocolate Espresso Cake: Add 1 tablespoon of espresso powder to the batter for an extra bold flavor.
- Gluten-Free Recipe: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make this a gluten-free dessert without compromising taste.
Serving Suggestions
- Fresh whipped cream or vanilla ice cream
- A cup of strong coffee or espresso
- Fresh berries for a bright contrast
- A drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
- To Make Ahead: Bake the cake layers a day in advance and refrigerate (wrapped tightly). Frost just before serving.
- To Store: Keep at room temperature for 2–3 days under a cake dome. For longer storage, refrigerate up to 5 days.
- To Freeze: Wrap unfrosted layers in plastic and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before frosting.
- For Meal Prep: Freeze individual slices for easy lunch desserts or quick sweet cravings during the week.
Cultural Note
Inspired by Irish flavors and classic American comfort food, this cake merges two traditions: the richness of Guinness stout and the creaminess of Irish buttercream frosting. It’s especially popular during St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, but truly timeless for any festive occasion.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this Guinness Chocolate Cake ahead of time?
Yes! Bake the layers up to two days in advance and store them in the fridge. Frost before serving for best texture.
2. Can I make it without alcohol?
Absolutely. Substitute the Guinness with black coffee or cola for a rich, non-alcoholic option.
3. How do I make this recipe healthier?
Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and reduce sugar slightly. You can also try a low-carb sweetener for a lighter version.
4. What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
5. Can I make cupcakes instead?
Yes! Pour the batter into lined muffin tins and bake for 18–20 minutes for easy party desserts or individual meal prep treats.
Guinness Chocolate Cake with Irish Buttercream
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8-inch round cake pans and line with parchment paper rounds.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk sour cream, oil, eggs, vanilla, and Guinness until smooth. Add wet mixture to dry ingredients and stir gently until combined. Do not overmix.
- Divide batter evenly between pans and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 30 minutes, then remove from pans and cool completely.
- Make the Irish buttercream: Beat butter until light and fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then pour in Irish cream. Beat on high for 3 minutes until smooth and fluffy. Adjust consistency with more sugar or cream as needed.
- Assemble: Place one cooled cake layer on a plate or stand. Frost the top with buttercream, then stack the second layer flat side up. Apply a thin crumb coat, chill until firm, then finish frosting the cake.
- Make the chocolate drip: Pour hot heavy cream over chopped chocolate. Let sit 2–3 minutes, then stir until smooth. Cool until thickened but pourable (about 10 minutes). Drizzle over chilled cake, spreading to edges for a drip effect.
- Decorate with sprinkles or chocolate curls before the ganache sets. Store covered at room temperature for 2–3 days.
