If there’s ever been a cake destined for celebration, it’s Guinness Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. Imagine a lusciously moist, dark-as-night chocolate crumb, a subtle malty richness from the stout, and a pillow of tangy, creamy frosting swirling on top. Each bite delivers a symphony of flavors and a wonderfully tender texture—all balanced by that hint of Guinness magic. Whether you need a stunning dessert for St. Patrick’s Day, a special birthday, or a cozy night in, this is a recipe that transforms ordinary ingredients into something deeply memorable.

Guinness Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love most about this recipe is how each ingredient plays a starring role—from the malty depth of Guinness to the subtle tang of sour cream and that dreamy, cloudlike cream cheese frosting. Each component brings a unique flavor or texture, creating a showstopper of a dessert without any fancy shopping lists.

Guinness stout: The heart of the cake, this brings a gentle bitterness and enhances the cocoa’s richness.
Unsalted butter: Gives that classic cake moisture and melt-in-your-mouth texture, plus it blends perfectly when melted with the stout.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: Powers the deep chocolate flavor and irresistible dark color.
Granulated sugar: Balances out the tang and bitter notes, while ensuring a perfectly tender crumb.
Sour cream: Adds moisture, a soft crumb, and a pleasant tang that beautifully offsets the cocoa.
Large eggs: Bind and enrich the batter, delivering just the right structure.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out both batter and frosting, pulling all the flavors together.
All-purpose flour: Essential for structure—measure carefully for the best tender crumb!
Baking soda: Lifts the cake, interacting with the sour cream and Guinness for a perfectly risen result.
Salt: Brightens every flavor—don’t skip it!
Cream cheese: The essential base for the frosting; be sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens and creates that billowy, fluffy texture in the frosting.
Heavy cream or milk: Loosens the frosting to a dreamy spreadable consistency.

How to Make Guinness Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prep the Pan and Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and make sure your 9-inch round cake pan or springform pan is well-greased. This cake is all about that plush, fudgy interior—so a properly prepped pan ensures your masterpiece comes out effortlessly, preserving every last crumb!

Step 2: Start the Guinness Mixture

In a medium saucepan set over medium heat, combine the Guinness stout and unsalted butter. Wait for the butter to fully melt, inhaling that malty, irresistible aroma—this rich duo forms the flavor base of your Guinness Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting.

Step 3: Whisk in Cocoa and Sugar

Once the butter has melted into the beer, immediately whisk in the cocoa powder and granulated sugar. Stir steadily until everything dissolves into a glossy, almost midnight-hued concoction. Remove from the heat and set aside to let it cool slightly; you want it warm but not hot, so it won’t scramble the eggs later.

Step 4: Blend the Wet Ingredients

In a separate large bowl, whisk together your sour cream, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. This creamy mixture lays the groundwork for a plush, tender crumb, and the sour cream’s tang really makes the chocolate sing.

Step 5: Combine and Mix

Pour the slightly cooled Guinness mixture into your sour cream mixture. Whisk patiently until everything is beautifully combined—this is when that dark, chocolatey cake batter starts to come to life.

Step 6: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually fold these dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Take your time here to achieve a silky, lump-free batter, but don’t overmix—just until everything is combined and no dry streaks remain.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Pour your luxurious batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top for even baking. Slide it into the oven and let it bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs. Let the cake cool completely in the pan, which helps lock in moisture.

Step 8: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until creamy and smooth. Add in the powdered sugar gradually (to prevent a sugar cloud!), then beat in vanilla and just enough heavy cream (or milk) to reach a spreadable, fluffy consistency. This is the crowning glory of your Guinness Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting!

Step 9: Frost the Cake

Once your cake is completely cool, slather the top (and sides, if you wish) with that generous layer of cream cheese frosting. The contrast—dark chocolatey cake and billowy, pale frosting—is pure joy! For an extra touch, dust with cocoa powder or scatter chocolate shavings over the top.

How to Serve Guinness Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Garnishes

A simple dusting of high-quality cocoa powder or a light flurry of bittersweet chocolate shavings add both elegance and a touch of extra chocolate intensity. For a festive occasion, top with chocolate curls, edible gold leaf, or even a sprinkle of sea salt to highlight the cake’s rich flavors. Fresh berries or candied orange peel work beautifully too, complementing the tangy cream cheese frosting.

Side Dishes

This cake is fantastic all by itself, but if you’re creating a dessert table, consider pairing it with fresh strawberries, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, or a dollop of softly whipped cream. For celebrations, set out glasses of Irish coffee or, of course, a pint of chilled Guinness to echo the flavors of the cake.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the Guinness Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting into petite squares for a dessert buffet, or serve as grand wedges on individual cake stands for a touch of drama. For a party, layer cubes of the cake and frosting in clear glasses to make decadent parfaits. If you’re feeling playful, stamp out mini rounds and create “cake sandwiches” with a layer of frosting in between—an irresistible handheld treat!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover slices (if you have any!) should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cream cheese frosting keeps everything moist, and the flavors develop even more beautifully over a day or two. Just be sure to bring the cake to room temperature before serving for the best, fudgy texture.

Freezing

Freezing is absolutely an option! Wrap individual slices or the unfrosted cake tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then frost before serving, or freeze slices with frosting and simply allow them to soften at room temperature for an indulgent treat anytime.

Reheating

While this cake shines served at room temperature, you can gently warm slices (unfrosted) in the microwave for a few seconds if you crave that just-baked warmth. If frosted, let the cake sit at room temperature to soften before eating—no need to heat, as the cream cheese frosting is best enjoyed cool and creamy.

FAQs

Can I make Guinness Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting without alcohol?

Yes, you can substitute the Guinness with strong brewed coffee or a non-alcoholic stout if you’d prefer the cake without alcohol. The flavor will be slightly different, but you’ll still get a rich, moist chocolate result.

What type Dessert

Unsweetened natural cocoa powder works great and produces a boldly chocolate flavor. If you want an even darker hue and a mellower taste, try Dutch-processed cocoa—but either works beautifully!

Can I use a different frosting?

Absolutely! While the tangy cream cheese frosting is the classic companion, this cake is also gorgeous with chocolate ganache, whipped cream, or even a silky Irish whiskey buttercream for an extra grown-up twist.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. It’s important not to overbake to preserve that fudgy texture—start checking at the 45-minute mark.

Can I make cupcakes instead of a single cake?

Definitely! Just divide the batter among lined muffin tins (fill them about two-thirds full) and bake at 350°F for 18 to 22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Top with swirls of cream cheese frosting and enjoy adorable, individual treats.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply want to pamper yourself, Guinness Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a recipe you’ll come back to again and again. It’s one of those desserts that wins hearts with its depth of flavor, effortless charm, and pure comfort in every bite. Give it a try and let it become your new go-to favorite!

Guinness Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 19 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich, moist decadence of this Guinness Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or any special occasion, the deep flavors of Guinness and cocoa meld beautifully in this indulgent dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake:

1 cup Guinness stout
1 cup unsalted butter
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 cups granulated sugar
2/3 cup sour cream
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 to 3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk

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Instructions

Preheat your oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan or springform pan.
Mix Guinness and butter: In a saucepan, heat Guinness and butter until melted. Whisk in cocoa powder and sugar until smooth. Let cool slightly.
Combine wet ingredients: In a bowl, whisk sour cream, eggs, and vanilla. Pour in the Guinness mixture and whisk to combine.
Prepare dry ingredients: In another bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt. Fold into the wet mixture.
Bake: Pour batter into pan and bake for 45-55 minutes. Cool in pan.
Make frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, then vanilla and cream. Spread over cooled cake.