Irish Guinness Chocolate Cake Recipe – Rich, Moist & Easy to Make

Easy Guinness Cake Recipe – The best Irish chocolate cake for St. Patrick’s Day

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with this easy Guinness cake recipe, a rich and moist Irish chocolate cake that’s perfect for any occasion. The deep chocolate flavor, paired with a creamy vanilla frosting, makes this the best Guinness cake recipe you’ll ever try!

Before I moved to the UK I ran a rowing club, and whenever I wanted to reward my fellow coaches I would bring them cake. I made a darn good chocolate cake with a chocolate ganache. However, for my wedding we had one of the layers of our wedding cake be a chocolate Guinness cake. I had never had it before, but it was delicious. So, I’ve re-created it.

After much searching I found various versions of the cake, including from the classic Nigella. Ultimately I made some changes/additions based on my taste, just to try and match my amazing wedding cake (which we got from here in case you are curious). The icing is distinctive, and really helps to match the Guinness both in look and taste. Enjoy, preferably with the rest of the Guinness.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 cup Guinness
• 1 cup butter (room temperature)
• 3/4 cup cocoa powder
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups plain flour (sifted)
• 2 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 cup espresso shot

For the Frosting:

• 10.5 oz (1 1/4 cups) cream cheese
• 1 1/4 cups icing sugar
• 1/2 cup whipping cream

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a 9-inch springform pan.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Sift the cocoa powder to remove lumps, then mix with espresso and vanilla to form a chocolate paste. Add to the butter mixture and blend well.
4. Pour in the Guinness, eggs, and sour cream, mixing until fully combined.
5. Slowly add the sifted flour and baking soda, stirring until just incorporated.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 45 minutes, or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
7. Allow the cake to cool completely before icing.
8. For the frosting, whip the cream cheese and gradually add icing sugar until smooth. Slowly pour in the whipping cream and mix until fluffy.
9. Spread the frosting over the cooled cake, mimicking the frothy head of a pint of Guinness!
10. Slice, serve, and enjoy with the rest of your Guinness!

Substitutions

• No Guinness? Try another dark stout or even strong brewed coffee for a similar depth of flavor.
• No sour cream? Use Greek yogurt or buttermilk.
• Dairy-free version: Swap butter for vegan butter and use dairy-free cream cheese and coconut cream.

Equipment

• 9-inch springform pan
• Mixing bowls
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Sifter
• Whisk and spatula

Storage

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator: Keeps for up to 5 days when covered.
• Freezing: Freeze unfrosted cake for up to 3 months. Thaw and frost before serving.

Top Tips

• Use room-temperature ingredients for a smoother batter.
• Sifting the cocoa powder prevents lumps.
• Don’t overmix once you add the flour—this keeps the cake moist.
• Let the cake cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.

Variations

• Chocolate Ganache Topping: Swap the frosting for a rich chocolate ganache.
• Whiskey Frosting: Add a splash of Irish whiskey to the frosting for an extra kick.
• Spiced Guinness Cake: Add cinnamon or nutmeg for a hint of spice.

Why This is the Best St. Patrick’s Day Cake

This Irish chocolate cake is the ultimate St. Patrick’s Day treat! With its deep, malty Guinness flavor and creamy frosting, it’s like a pint of Guinness in cake form. Whether you’re celebrating with friends or enjoying a cozy night in, this easy Guinness cake recipe is sure to be a hit.

Looking for more hearty recipes?

• Chocolate mocha cake – delicious and rich
• Chocolate Beetroot cake – with a drizzle of light cream
• One pot sausages and cider with lentils – warm, earthy and scrumptious

Guinness Chocolate Cake