As I stood in my kitchen, the fragrant blend of cocoa and stout filled the air, instantly transporting me to the heart of Ireland. This Dark Chocolate Guinness Cake with Baileys Cream Cheese Icing is the ultimate way to celebrate life’s moments, no matter the occasion. With its incredible richness and depth of flavor, this dessert not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also brings a touch of elegance to your table. The best part? It’s surprisingly simple to prepare, making it perfect for both novice and experienced bakers. Whether you’re treating yourself or impressing guests during St. Patrick’s Day, this cake is your ticket to indulgence. Are you ready to add a little magic to your baking adventures?

Why is this cake a must-try?

Indulgent flavor: The combination of dark chocolate and Guinness beer creates a rich, moist cake that’s layered with complexity, making each bite a delight.

Effortlessly impressive: Show off your baking skills with this stunning dessert, perfect for gatherings or special occasions. Guests won’t believe it’s homemade!

Versatile options: Adapt it easily into cupcakes, layered cakes, or even doughnuts, so you can enjoy this decadent treat in multiple forms.

Quick preparation: With just a few steps, you’ll have a spectacular cake ready to wow your friends and family—ideal for any busy home chef!

Perfect for celebrations: Whether it’s St. Patrick’s Day or just a Tuesday, this cake adds a festive touch that fits any occasion. For another delightful dessert, check out my Coconut Cake Cheese.

Dark Chocolate Guinness Cake Ingredients

• You’ll love how these ingredients come together for a truly indulgent experience!

For the Cake

Guinness beer – Adds rich flavor and moisture to the cake; feel free to substitute with non-alcoholic stout or even coffee for a different spin.
Butter – Provides richness and moisture; you can use unsalted or salted based on your preference.
Cocoa Powder – Contributes deep chocolate flavor and color; opt for unsweetened cocoa powder for the best results.
Caster/Superfine Sugar – Sweetens the cake, allowing for smooth mixing; granulated sugar can be a fine alternative if needed.
Sour Cream – Adds moisture and a touch of tang; Greek yogurt works beautifully as a substitute.
Eggs – Provides structure and richness; no substitutions are recommended for best results.
Vanilla Extract – Enhances the cake’s flavor; you can omit or use vanilla bean if you run out.
Plain Flour – The key structure for your cake; no direct substitutions suggested here for optimal texture.
Bicarbonate of Soda (Baking Soda) – Helps the cake rise; consider mixing it with baking powder if you don’t have any.

For the Icing

Sifted Icing Sugar (Powdered Sugar) – Ensures sweetness and texture in your icing; an icing mixture is an acceptable substitute.
Cream Cheese – Forms the creamy base of the icing; mascarpone can be a delightful alternative.
Baileys Irish Cream – Infuses the icing with lush flavor; omit or replace with a non-alcoholic flavoring if you prefer.

By gathering these ingredients, you’re on your way to creating a sensational Dark Chocolate Guinness Cake that’s sure to impress!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Dark Chocolate Guinness Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). While the oven warms up, take a 9-inch springform pan and generously butter it before lining the bottom with parchment paper. This ensures your Dark Chocolate Guinness Cake releases effortlessly after baking, leaving you with a smooth, perfect edge for presentation.

Step 2: Melt and Mix the Base Ingredients
In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter within the Guinness beer, stirring gently until combined. Once melted, whisk in the cocoa powder and superfine sugar, mixing well until fully incorporated. Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly, as this will be the rich base of your cake.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk these ingredients together until smooth and fully blended. Gradually pour this mixture into the slightly cooled beer and cocoa blend, stirring with a spatula until everything is combined. This step adds moisture and richness to your Dark Chocolate Guinness Cake.

Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients
Sift together the plain flour and bicarbonate of soda to ensure no lumps remain. Gradually incorporate the sifted dry ingredients into the wet mixture, folding gently until no dry flour is visible. The batter will be thick and rich, displaying a deep chocolate hue that promises indulgence when baked.

Step 5: Bake the Cake
Pour the decadent batter into the prepared springform pan, using a spatula to smooth the top. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 1 hour. Your Dark Chocolate Guinness Cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean, though the center may seem slightly wet; it will set as it cools.

Step 6: Cool the Cake
Once out of the oven, let the cake rest in the pan for about 10 minutes. Afterward, carefully run a knife around the edges to loosen it, then transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial as it prevents the cake from collapsing; patience will ensure a well-formed result.

Step 7: Prepare the Baileys Cream Cheese Icing
While the cake cools, make the Baileys cream cheese icing by creaming room temperature cream cheese with softened butter in a medium bowl. Beat these together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add sifted icing sugar and Baileys Irish Cream, continuing to mix for about 5 minutes until the icing is fluffy and decadently rich.

Step 8: Decorate the Cake
Once the Dark Chocolate Guinness Cake is completely cool, you can spread the Baileys icing generously over the top. For an elegant finish, consider splitting the cake in half horizontally to layer delicious icing inside before frosting the top. This will not only enhance the flavor but also add a stunning visual to your presentation.

What to Serve with Dark Chocolate Guinness Cake?

There’s something magical about pairing the rich, deep flavors of this cake with delightful additions that complement its indulgence.

Fresh Berries: Bright and tangy, strawberries or raspberries add a refreshing contrast that cuts through the cake’s richness.
Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy texture and sweet flavor of vanilla ice cream create a heavenly pairing that balances the decadent chocolate.
Espresso or Coffee: A warm cup of coffee enhances the cake’s flavors, elevating your dessert experience with a cozy touch.
Hazelnut Praline: The nutty crunch of praline adds texture and enhances the cake’s depth, making each bite a flavorful adventure.
Chocolate Ganache: A glossy pour of chocolate ganache on top intensifies the chocolate experience, perfect for those who crave more richness.
Baileys Irish Cream: For a grown-up twist, serve a glass of Baileys to mirror the icing, creating a cohesive flavor journey.
Whipped Cream: Light and airy whipped cream provides a delicate balance to the cake’s heaviness, adding a delightful touch.
Mint Sprig Garnish: Adding a fresh mint sprig not only brightens the plate but also introduces a refreshing aroma that enhances each bite.

Expert Tips for Dark Chocolate Guinness Cake

Cool Completely: Allow the cake to cool fully in the pan to prevent collapsing; warm cakes can tend to break or sag.
Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick to test if your Dark Chocolate Guinness Cake is baked through; if it comes out mostly clean, it’s perfect.
Adjust Baking Times: If using smaller pans or cupcake molds, reduce baking time by about 15-20 minutes to avoid dry edges while keeping a moist center.
Icing Control: The Baileys cream cheese icing recipe yields a generous amount; consider halving if you’re only frosting the top, especially if layering.
Mixing Techniques: Ensure the beer mixture cools slightly before adding eggs to avoid scrambling; this keeps your cake light and fluffy.

How to Store and Freeze Dark Chocolate Guinness Cake

Room Temperature: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days; this helps retain moisture while maintaining flavor.

Fridge: If you prefer, refrigerate the cake in an airtight container for better preservation, but it may dry out after about 5 days.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cake (without icing) for up to 3 months; wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.

Reheating: To serve, defrost in the fridge overnight and enjoy it at room temperature or warm it gently in the oven to restore its rich texture.

Make Ahead Options

These Dark Chocolate Guinness Cake preparations are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can bake the cake up to 2 days in advance; once cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it at room temperature. This helps maintain its moisture and flavor. The Baileys cream cheese icing can also be prepared up to 3 days prior to serving—just refrigerate it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy this delightful dessert, simply frost the cooled cake with the icing, allowing it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes for the best flavor and texture. You’ll be rewarded with a decadent treat that’s just as delicious as when freshly made!

Dark Chocolate Guinness Cake Variations

Feel free to let your creativity flow and make this cake your own with these delightful twists!

Cupcake Version: Bake the batter in cupcake tins for 15-20 minutes. These mini indulgences are perfect for parties or a quick treat!
Layered Cake: Split the baked cake into two or three layers, slathering Baileys cream cheese icing between them for an extravagant dessert display.
Doughnut Delight: Transform the cake batter into doughnuts by baking in a doughnut pan. Top with a luscious Baileys glaze for a unique treat!
Nutty Surprise: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for a crunchy texture that complements the rich chocolate and stout flavors.
Chocolate Chips: Add dark chocolate chips to the batter for an extra burst of chocolate goodness with each bite; they melt into delightful pockets of richness.
Gluten-Free Swap: Substitute with a gluten-free flour blend to create a gluten-free version that still retains moisture and flavor, so everyone can enjoy!
Mocha Magic: For a coffee kick, mix in espresso powder with the dry ingredients, enhancing the chocolate flavor while adding a delightful lift for coffee lovers.
Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne or ground cinnamon to the batter for a surprising warmth that pairs beautifully with the richness of the chocolate.

As you explore these variations, don’t forget to check out my recipes for Brown Butter Chocolate or Salted Caramel Chocolate for more delicious inspirations!

Dark Chocolate Guinness Cake Recipe FAQs

What kind of Guinness beer should I use?
Absolutely, you can use any variety of Guinness beer for this cake, though the standard Guinness Draught works best for its rich flavor and moisture. If you prefer to avoid alcohol, feel free to substitute it with a non-alcoholic stout or even a strong coffee, which can also provide depth to the chocolate flavor.

How should I store my Dark Chocolate Guinness Cake?
To keep your cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you’d like, you can also refrigerate it, but be mindful that it may begin to dry out after that timeframe. If you want to keep it longer, you can wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it without icing for up to 3 months.

Can I freeze the Dark Chocolate Guinness Cake?
Yes! Freezing your cake is a great option. Make sure to let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, defrost it in the fridge overnight. For a delightful experience, serve it at room temperature or warm it gently in the oven.

What should I do if my cake sinks in the middle?
Very often, a cake might sink if it’s underbaked or if the oven temperature wasn’t accurate. To ensure an even bake, always use an oven thermometer to verify the temperature is correct. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean, or with just a few moist crumbs. If you notice your cake sinking, it’s best to add a few extra minutes to the baking time for better results next time.

Is this cake suitable for those with dietary restrictions?
The Dark Chocolate Guinness Cake contains gluten and dairy. However, you can make it gluten-free by substituting the plain flour with a good-quality gluten-free flour blend, and for those who are lactose intolerant, using dairy-free alternatives like almond cream cheese and coconut butter can work just as well! Be sure to check your specific dietary needs before baking.

How can I tell if the ingredients are ripe or ready to use?
When it comes to ingredients like eggs and butter, ensure the butter is at room temperature for easy mixing – soft but not melted. Eggs should also be at room temperature to incorporate smoothly into the batter. Sour cream remains fresh as long as it’s free from any off-smells or discoloration. The fresher, the better for your Dark Chocolate Guinness Cake!