St Patrick's Day Desserts! Guinness Chocolate Cake with Buttercream

Rich, moist, and irresistibly decadent, Guinness Chocolate Cake with Buttercream is a dessert that combines the robust flavors of Guinness stout with the lusciousness of chocolate.

Topped with creamy buttercream frosting, this cake is perfect for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or any occasion that calls for a dessert with a little extra flair. This recipe is easy to follow and produces a crowd-pleasing cake that’s as stunning as it is delicious.

Why Guinness in Chocolate Cake?

A Perfect Pairing

Guinness stout, with its deep malty flavor and subtle bitterness, enhances the natural richness of chocolate. The stout brings out the cocoa’s complexity, creating a cake that’s moist and full of flavor.

A St. Patrick’s Day Staple

For anyone celebrating their Irish roots—or simply looking for an excuse to bake—this cake is a festive tribute to the flavors of Ireland. It’s a dessert that feels both indulgent and celebratory, making it perfect for sharing.

Ingredients for Guinness Chocolate Cake

For the Cake

• Guinness stout: 1 cup
• Unsalted butter: 1 cup, softened
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: ¾ cup
• Granulated sugar: 2 cups
• Brown sugar: ½ cup
• All-purpose flour: 2½ cups
• Baking soda: 1½ teaspoons
• Salt: ½ teaspoon
• Eggs: 3 large
• Sour cream: ¾ cup
• Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon

For the Buttercream Frosting

• Unsalted butter: 1 cup, softened
• Powdered sugar: 4 cups
• Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
• Heavy cream: 3 tablespoons (or more, if needed)
• Optional decorations: Chocolate shavings, sprinkles, or a drizzle of caramel

Step-by-Step Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

1. Preheat and Grease
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
2. Melt the Butter with Guinness
   In a medium saucepan, combine the Guinness stout and butter. Heat over medium-low until the butter melts. Remove from heat and whisk in the cocoa powder until smooth. Let this mixture cool slightly.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients
   In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
4. Combine the Wet Ingredients
   In another bowl, beat the eggs, sour cream, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually mix in the cooled Guinness-cocoa mixture.
5. Blend Wet and Dry Ingredients
   Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the cake dense.

Step 2: Bake the Cake

1. Divide the Batter
   Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans.
2. Bake
   Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool the cakes in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Making the Buttercream Frosting

Step 1: Cream the Butter

Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the butter on medium speed until it becomes fluffy and pale, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 2: Add Powdered Sugar

Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until combined. Increase the speed to medium and beat until smooth.

Step 3: Incorporate Vanilla and Cream

Add the vanilla extract and heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency. It should be smooth, spreadable, and fluffy.

Assembling the Cake

Step 1: Level the Layers

If your cake layers are domed, use a serrated knife to gently trim the tops, creating flat surfaces.

Step 2: Layer and Frost

1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand.
2. Spread a generous layer of buttercream on top.
3. Place the second layer on top and spread frosting over the entire cake, smoothing the sides and top.

Step 3: Decorate

Dust the top with cocoa powder, sprinkle with chocolate shavings, or drizzle with caramel sauce for added elegance.

Tips for the Perfect Guinness Chocolate Cake

Use Room Temperature Ingredients

Allow your butter, eggs, and sour cream to reach room temperature before mixing. This ensures a smooth batter and even baking.

Don’t Overmix

Overmixing the batter can result in a dense cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.

Cool Completely Before Frosting

Frosting a warm cake can cause the buttercream to melt. Make sure the cake layers are fully cooled before assembling.

Store Properly

Keep the cake covered in the refrigerator if you’re not serving it immediately. Allow it to sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before serving to soften the frosting.

Variations and Serving Suggestions

Cupcake Version

Turn this recipe into Guinness chocolate cupcakes by dividing the batter into a cupcake tin and reducing the baking time to 18-22 minutes.

Boozy Buttercream

Add a splash of Bailey Irish Cream or a hint of Guinness to the frosting for an extra layer of Irish-inspired flavor.

Pairings

Serve slices with:

• Irish coffee for a warm, boozy pairing.
• Vanilla ice cream for a creamy contrast.
• A pint of Guinness to enhance the malty flavors in the cake.

Why You’ll Love This Dessert

A Decadent Treat

The combination of Guinness stout and chocolate creates a depth of flavor that elevates this cake above your standard chocolate dessert.

Versatile and Festive

This cake is a perfect centerpiece for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, birthdays, or any occasion where a little indulgence is in order.

Easy to Make

Despite its impressive presentation, this recipe is straightforward and beginner-friendly, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels.

Guinness Chocolate Cake with Buttercream is more than just a dessert—it’s an experience. With its rich chocolate flavor, subtle hints of stout, and creamy frosting, this cake is sure to impress your friends and family. Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or simply indulging in a sweet treat, this recipe delivers on flavor, texture, and presentation.

So grab a pint of Guinness, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake a cake that’s as memorable as it is delicious. Sláinte!

Enjoy Watching This Video with a Similar Recipe

Source: Olive & Mango

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