• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Chef Dennis
  • Recipe Index
  • On the Road
  • About
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipe Index
  • About
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipe Index
    • About
    • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Cake Recipes

    Guinness Chocolate Cake – Irish Classic

    Published: Mar 9, 2021 · Modified: Aug 26, 2021 by Chef Dennis Littley

    539 shares
    • Facebook366
    • Yummly
    4.99 from 86 votes
    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe
    Pinterest image for Guinness Chocolate Cake

    When it comes to dessert my Guinness Chocolate Cake will not disappoint! While traveling through Ireland I enjoyed quite a few slices of this delicious cake.

    And although it doesn’t quite resemble the original version of an Irish stout cake, it’s been adopted wholeheartedly by Irish restaurateurs and pub owners. And for that I am grateful!

    slice of Guinness chocolate cake with a fork on a cream colored plate with a pint of Guinness and another slice of cake behind it

    When you think of stout and the complex intensity of the brew, with its deep flavors, mixing it with chocolate, adds to the complexity and increases the depth of the chocolate….sigh. It’s a wonderful thing.

    What ingredients do I need to make a Guinness chocolate cake?

    ngredients to make guinness chocolate cake

    Let’s start by gathering the ingredients we need to make a Guinness Chocolate Cake. In Chef Speak this is called the “Mise en Place” which translates to “Everything in its Place”.

    Not only does setting your ingredients up ahead of time speed the up cooking process, but it also helps ensure you have everything you need to make the dish.

    Do I have to use Guinness in the cake recipe?

    No, you can use any of your favorite dark beers or red wine to make this delicious cake. If you can’t have alcohol or would rather not include it in the recipe these are acceptable substitutes.

    • Root Beer
    • Black Coffee
    • Black Tea
    • Chocolate Milk

    **Coffee will be the closest substitute that will bring out the deep chocolate notes. The alcohol will all burn off, and I promise no one will get drunk from the cake.

    How do I make Guinness Chocolate Cake?

    Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F.

    overhead shot of mixing cocoa into beer mixture
    • Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the Guinness to the melted butter and bring to a simmer.
    • Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the cocoa powder. Mix well and allow to cool for 10 minutes.

    Why is the cocoa added to the warm Guinness?

    By adding the cocoa to the warm Guinness and letting sit for a few minutes, were allowing the cocoa to bloom. This step brings out the cocoa’s deep chocolate notes and helps create the rich chocolate flavors that this cake is known for.

    Why do I melt the butter instead of creaming it with the sugar?

    This is a different technique than most cakes call for. By melting the butter and adding it to the Guinness and cocoa, the butter now reacts to the mixture like oil and produces a soft moist crumb.

    overhead shot of mixing chocolate mixture into egg mixture
    • Whisk together the Greek yogurt, eggs and vanilla extract in a large mixing bowl.
    • Add the cooled cocoa mixture to the egg mixture and mix until well blended and smooth.
    overhead shot of mixing flour mixture into cake batter
    • In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugars, baking powder and salt. Set to the side until needed. **Combine all the ingredients using a wire whisk.
    • Add the flour to the chocolate mixture and stir until well incorporated. *Be careful not to overmix!
    cake batter in prepared springform pan

    Pour the chocolate batter into the prepared pan and place on the center rack of a 350 degree F. preheated oven.

    Ingredients to make frosting for Guinness chocolate cake

    While the cake is baking, you have time to make the frosting (vanilla is not pictured)

    Can I add a little Baileys Irish Cream to the Frosting?

    You sure can! Just swap out the heavy cream for the Baileys Irish Cream.

    whole frosted guinness chocolate cake with a pint of guinness in the back ground

    Cool the finished cake on a wire rack until cool to the touch. Transfer the cooled cake to a cake dish for frosting.

    Make sure to let the cake fully cool before frosting.

    Whole frosted Guinness chocolate cake on a cream colored platter with a pint of Guinness behind it

    When the frosting is smooth and the cake has cooled, frost the top of the cake with the frosting. The cake should resemble a pint of Guinness.

    Chef Dennis pouring a pint of Gunniess at Murphy's Bar in Killarney Ireland

    I actually learned the proper way to pour a pint of Guinness at Murphy’s Bar in Killarney, Ireland.

    overhead shot of Guinness chocolate cake sliced on a white platter with a slice on a small plate

    Wouldn’t you love a slice or two of this ah-mazingly delicious Guinness Chocolate Cake? I know your family would love to partake in this taste of Ireland.

    Baking Tools I use

    This post includes affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    • 9 -inch Springform Pan
    • offset spatula (essential for bakers)
    • 9-inch parchment cake circles
    • silicone spatulas
    • wire whisk
    • mixing bowls

    More Cakes I Know You’ll Love!

    • slice of chocolate mousse cake being taken out of whole cake
      Best Chocolate Mousse Cake
    • Vegan Chocolate Fudge Cake with Whipped Cream
      Vegan Chocolate Fudge Cake Recipe made with Coconut Oil
    • slice of cake on a spatula being taken out of the whole cake
      Chocolate Cake with Strawberry Mousse Filling
    • slice of Italian chocolate torte on a stack of white plates
      Authentic Italian Chocolate Torte

    Delicious Irish Dishes To Try!

    • Cottage Pie aka Shepherd’s Pie
    • Guinness Beef Stew
    • Dublin Coddle with Chicken Sausage
    • Irish Whiskey Salmon

    Did you make this? Please RATE THE RECIPE below!

    Please SUBSCRIBE and FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM and PINTEREST!

    whole frosted guinness chocolate cake with a pint of guinness in the back ground
    Print Recipe Save Saved!
    4.99 from 86 votes

    Guinness Chocolate Cake

    You don't have to wait for St. Patrick's Day to make my Guinness Chocolate Cake. Your family and friends will love this rich chocolaty dessert with a cream cheese frosting any time of year!
    Prep Time25 mins
    Cook Time45 mins
    Total Time1 hr 10 mins
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: Irish
    Servings: 12
    Calories: 544kcal
    Author: Chef Dennis Littley

    Equipment

    • 9 inch springform pan

    Ingredients

    Cake Pan

    • 2 tbsp butter
    • 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder

    Guinness Chocolate Cake

    • 12 tbsp unsalted butter
    • 1 cup Guinness
    • ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
    • 2 large eggs
    • 1 cup Greek yogurt full fat (plain or vanilla)
    • 1 tablespoon vanilla
    • 2 cups all-purpose flour
    • 1 cup sugar
    • 1 cup brown sugar packed
    • 1 tablespoon baking powder
    • ¾ teaspoon sea salt

    Frosting

    • 8 ounce cream cheese softened
    • 2½ cups powdered sugar
    • 2 tablespoons heavy cream
    • 1 tsp vanilla
    US Customary – Metric
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    Cake Pan

    • Butter a 9-inch spring form pan with 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Dust with 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder, tap out the excess cocoa powder and set off to the side.

    Guinness Chocolate Cake

    • Preheat your oven to 350°
    • Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the Gunniess to the melted butter and bring to a simmer.
    • Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the cocoa powder. Mix well and allow to cool for 10 minutes.
    • Whisk together the Greek yogurt, eggs and vanilla extract in a large mixing bowl.
    • Add the cooled cocoa mixture to the egg mixture and mix until well blended and smooth.
    • In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugars, baking powder and salt. Set to the side until needed.
      **Combine all the ingredients using a wire whisk.
    • Add the flour to the chocolate mixture and stir until well incorporated.
      *Be careful not to overmix!
    • Pour the chocolate batter into the prepared pan.
      **This is a thin batter, don't worry.
    • Bake on the middle rack of the preheated oven for 50 to 55 minutes or until a cake tester comes out with only a trace of batter attached.
    • Cool the finished cake on a wire rack until cool to the touch. Transfer the cooled cake to a cake dish for frosting.
      **Allow the cake to cool a little longer after removing it from the pan.

    Frosting

    • In the bowl of your stand mixer use the paddle attachment to beat the cream cheese until smooth.
    • Gradually add in the powdered sugar, the cream and vanilla.
      **Add more powdered sugar or cream as needed.
    • When the frosting is smooth and the cake has cooled, frost the top of the cake with the frosting.
      **The cake should resemble a pint of Guinness.

    Video

    Nutrition

    Calories: 544kcal | Carbohydrates: 86g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Cholesterol: 86mg | Sodium: 327mg | Potassium: 173mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 65g | Vitamin A: 690IU | Calcium: 53mg | Iron: 2mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @askChefDennis or tag #askChefDennis!

    More Restaurant-Style Cakes

    • Banana bread sliced on a cutting board.
      Best Banana Bread Recipe
    • coconut cake on spatula being taken out of whole cake.
      Best Coconut Cake Recipe
    • slice of boston cream pie being taken our of whole cake
      Boston Cream Pie
    • slice of red velvet cake on a spatula being taken out of whole cake.
      Red Velvet Cake Recipe

    About Chef Dennis

    Picture of Chef Dennis

    Chef Dennis Littley is a classically trained chef with over 40 years of experience working in the food service industry. In his second career as a food blogger he has made it his mission to demistify cooking by sharing his time-tested recipes, knowledge, and chef tips to help you create easy-to-make restaurant-quality meals in your home kitchen. Let Chef Dennis help you bring the joy of cooking into your home. For more details, check out his About page.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




      This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    1. Charlie Ward

      March 12, 2022 at 4:25 pm

      5 stars
      This is a great cake! Do you have any ideas on making this cake into cupcakes?

      Reply
      • Tracy Pfeifle

        March 18, 2023 at 1:37 am

        5 stars
        Delicious wish I could post a picture.

        Reply
    2. Felicity

      March 16, 2021 at 5:41 pm

      I’m in the middle of making this recipe and notice that sometimes you say baking powder and sometimes baking soda. Would you be able to clarify which should be used?

      Reply
      • Chef Dennis Littley

        March 16, 2021 at 6:16 pm

        sorry for the confusion, that was a typo. It is baking powder

        Reply
    3. Debra

      March 14, 2021 at 11:00 am

      5 stars
      Rich and delicious….just the way chocolate cake should taste.

      Reply
    4. Everything Enchanting

      March 13, 2021 at 8:08 pm

      Love chocolate cakes and this one looks so yummy 😍 I’ll have to try making this someday soon!

      Reply
    5. Jessica Formicola

      March 13, 2021 at 1:31 pm

      5 stars
      I am stocked with Guinness for St. Paddy’s Day, so this cake needs to be on my must list! Thanks so much for sharing the recipe

      Reply
    6. Anosa Malanga

      March 13, 2021 at 1:19 pm

      I am new to baking and looking for recipes to try out. Not sure if I can already do this but hopefully soon. I just need to practice and practice more.

      Reply
    7. Emily Flint

      March 12, 2021 at 9:12 pm

      5 stars
      This cake is the bomb!! Perfect timing!

      Reply
    8. Leslie

      March 12, 2021 at 4:37 pm

      5 stars
      This Guinness Chocolate Cake Recipe is pure heaven!

      Reply
    9. Sue

      March 12, 2021 at 3:05 pm

      5 stars
      This chocolate cake is the best use of Guinness yet!

      Reply
    10. Angela

      March 12, 2021 at 1:41 pm

      5 stars
      I love the richness that the Guinness adds to this chocolate cake. So amazing!

      Reply
    11. Sabrina

      March 12, 2021 at 1:22 pm

      5 stars
      What a great cake. I love the richness from the beer!

      Reply
    12. Nayomi

      March 12, 2021 at 12:00 pm

      5 stars
      Super delicious guinness and chocolate cake

      Reply
    13. FOODHEAL

      March 12, 2021 at 9:51 am

      5 stars
      I drink un unsweetened cocoa every day, I know this chocolate cake is going to be a real treat. I appreciate that you are using brown sugar …

      Reply
    14. Catalina

      March 11, 2021 at 3:30 pm

      5 stars
      I am so curious to try a Guinness cake. I love the texture of your chocolate cake!

      Reply
    15. Rosemary

      March 11, 2021 at 12:12 pm

      I’m not a beer drinker so I think I’d go witht the red wine. Chocolate and red wine, my perfect combo.
      Looks divine!!

      Reply
    16. Nikki Wayne

      March 10, 2021 at 10:35 pm

      5 stars
      Thanks for sharing your recipe. It sounds like a really delicious chocolate cake.

      Reply
    17. Monica Simpson

      March 10, 2021 at 9:47 pm

      I have heard of adding coffee to chocolate cake to enhance the flavor but I can see how Guiness would be even better!

      Reply
    18. Beth

      March 10, 2021 at 6:58 pm

      5 stars
      This looks delicious! I’m adding the ingredients to my list and will make it this week.

      Reply
      • Beth

        March 12, 2021 at 11:23 pm

        5 stars
        I made this tonight and it is delicious!

        Reply
    19. Ben

      March 10, 2021 at 3:01 pm

      5 stars
      I’m already drooling over here! Nothing is better than Guinness and chocolate. Om nom nom.

      Reply
    20. Briana Baker

      March 10, 2021 at 2:56 pm

      5 stars
      Oh yum! LOVE this cake! I’ll have to make this this year for sure!

      Reply
    Newer Comments »

    Primary Sidebar


    My name is Dennis Littley or "Chef Dennis" as I'm known both at work and across the blogosphere. As a classically trained chef with 40+ years of experience in the kitchen, I share my time-tested recipes, knowledge, and chef tips to help you create easy-to-make restaurant-quality meals in your home kitchen.

    More about me →

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

    Fan Favorites

    • loaf of homemade artisan bread on a wooden cutting board
      Almost No-Knead Artisan Bread Recipe
    • 2 Maryland crab cakes on a white plate
      Baked Maryland Crab Cakes Recipe
    • chicken parm with pasta on a white plate
      Chicken Parmesan Recipe
    • seasoned crispy chicken legs on a foil wrapped tray
      Best Baked Chicken Legs {Drumsticks}
    • side view of slice of bee sting cake being taken out of full cake
      German Bee Sting Cake (Bienenstich) Recipe
    • Tiramisu with a fork on a white plate
      Best Tiramisu Recipe {step by step}
    • overhead view of barbecued half racks of baby back ribs on a white platter
      Easy Oven Baked Baby Back Ribs
    • overhead view of veal parm and linguine on a white plate
      Restaurant Style Veal Parm Recipe

    Featured In

    logos of all the places chef dennis has been featured

    Popular Posts

    • crispy seasoned chicken leg quarters on a white platter
      Best Baked Chicken Leg Quarters
    • cropped-Gunniess-Beef-Stew-13.jpg
      Authentic Guinness Beef Stew Recipe
    • overhead shot of baked crab imperial on a white plate with sauteed greens and roasted potatoes
      Maryland Style Jumbo Lump Crab Imperial
    • close up of half a chicken salad sandwich on a white plate
      Best Chicken Salad – Deli Style
    • oysters rockefeller with a slice of lemon on a bed of rock salt on a white platter
      How to Make Restaurant Style Oysters Rockefeller
    • sliced dry rub roasted brisket with cilantro and tomatoes on on a white platter
      Easy Oven Baked Beef Brisket Recipe
    • rack of pork with end cut off
      Oven Roasted Rack of Pork {Pork Rib Roast}
    • sliced meatloaf with the rest of meatloaf on a white platter
      Best Meatloaf Recipe

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    INFO

    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclosure Policy
    • Cookie Policy
    • Accessibility Policy

    SUBSCRIBE

    Sign Up Today and start getting my easy-to-make restaurant-style recipes!

    CONTACT

    • About
    • Contact
    © 2009-2023 · Ask Chef Dennis ·

    Proud Member of:
    Mediavine Publisher Network
    539 shares
    • 366