Chocolate Guinness Cake Recipe

Rich, dark, and unbelievably moist, Chocolate Guinness Cake is a show‑stopping bake that works beautifully for Christmas, birthdays, or any cosy weekend treat. The stout deepens the chocolate flavour without making the cake taste like beer — instead, it adds warmth, richness, and a velvety texture that keeps the crumb soft for days.

If you love festive baking, don’t miss our Christmas baking ideas for more inspiration.

⭐ Ingredients

For the cake

• 250ml Guinness
• 250g unsalted butter
• 75g cocoa powder
• 400g caster sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 140ml sour cream
• 275g plain flour
• 2½ tsp bicarbonate of soda
• ½ tsp salt

For the cream cheese frosting

• 300g cream cheese
• 150g icing sugar
• 125ml double cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Affiliate baking tools:

• 23cm springform tin
• Stand mixer
• Spatula set
• Baking parchment

🍫 Method

1. Prepare the tin

Grease and line a 23cm springform tin. Heat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan).

2. Melt the Guinness and butter

In a large saucepan, gently heat the Guinness and butter until melted. Whisk in the cocoa and sugar until smooth.

3. Add the wet ingredients

Whisk in the sour cream, eggs, and vanilla.

4. Add the dry ingredients

Sift in the flour, bicarbonate of soda, and salt. Whisk until just combined — the batter will be runny.

5. Bake

Pour into the tin and bake for 45–55 minutes, or until the centre springs back. Cool completely in the tin.

6. Make the frosting

Beat the cream cheese and icing sugar until smooth. Slowly add the double cream and whip until thick and spreadable.

7. Frost the cake

Spread the frosting generously on top to mimic the creamy head of a pint of Guinness.

🎄 Serving Suggestions

• Dust with cocoa for a richer finish
• Add chocolate curls for a festive look
• Serve with Irish cream for a Christmas twist
• Pair with our Christmas hot chocolate