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This decadent Guinness Chocolate Cake with Irish Buttercream combines rich, moist chocolate layers infused with stout beer, wrapped in a luxurious Irish cream buttercream. The combination creates an irresistibly fudgy texture that makes this cake perfect not just for St. Patrick's Day, but any special occasion worthy of an impressive dessert.
I've made this cake countless times for family gatherings, and it never fails to draw amazed reactions. The first time I served it at my sister's birthday, everyone demanded the recipe before they'd even finished their slices.
Essential Ingredients and Selection Tips
- Guinness Beer: Use room temperature beer to ensure proper mixing. The stout adds richness and intensifies the chocolate flavor
- Cocoa Powder: Choose unsweetened, high-quality Dutch-process cocoa for the deepest flavor
- Sour Cream: Full-fat version provides moisture and tenderness
- Irish Cream: Bailey's works best, but any Irish cream liqueur will do
- Butter: Use unsalted, good-quality butter for the frosting to control salt content
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Step 1: Cake Base Creation
- Begin with room temperature ingredients for optimal mixing
- Whisk dry ingredients thoroughly to eliminate cocoa lumps
- Combine wet ingredients separately before adding to dry mixture
- Step 2: Baking Process
- Use deep 8-inch pans for best results
- Tap pans gently before baking to remove air bubbles
- Check doneness at 35 minutes - don't overbake
- Step 3: Frosting Preparation
- Beat butter until genuinely fluffy (about 5 minutes)
- Add powdered sugar gradually to prevent mess
- Incorporate Irish cream slowly for smooth consistency
- Step 4: Assembly and Decoration
- Chill layers before frosting
- Apply thin crumb coat first
- Create drip effect when cake is thoroughly chilled
My family particularly loves the Irish cream buttercream. My grandmother, who typically avoids sweet frostings, always asks for seconds when I make this cake.
Storage and Serving Tips
- Keep at room temperature under a cake dome
- Best served at room temperature
- Can be made ahead and frozen unfrosted
- Stays fresh for 3-4 days when properly stored
After years of baking and testing various chocolate cake recipes, this Guinness version remains my go-to for special occasions. The combination of deep chocolate flavor enhanced by stout beer, paired with that silky Irish cream frosting, creates something truly magical that surpasses ordinary chocolate cake.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use a different type of beer?
- Yes, you can substitute Guinness with another dark stout or beer, but Guinness adds a unique richness to this cake.
- → Can I make this cake ahead of time?
- Yes, the cake can be made a day ahead. Store it covered at room temperature, or refrigerate if your climate is warm.
- → How do I store leftovers?
- Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or in the fridge for up to a week.
- → What can I use instead of Irish cream in the frosting?
- If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, substitute Irish cream with heavy cream or milk, and add vanilla for flavor.
- → Can I freeze the cake layers?
- Yes, the unfrosted cake layers can be frozen. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months.