Imagine sinking your fork into a slice of this decadent Guinness cake, where the rich, chocolatey aroma envelops you like a warm hug. The cake is moist and fluffy, with a deep, dark color that hints at its indulgent flavor. Each bite is a delightful dance of sweetness and a hint of coffee, perfectly balanced with a creamy, dreamy frosting that melts in your mouth. It’s the kind of dessert that brings people together, sparking joy and laughter with every slice. Trust me, you’ll want to share this heavenly treat with everyone!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Trust me, you’re going to love the rich, chocolatey flavor that’s simply irresistible!
- This one’s a game-changer for dessert lovers—perfect for any occasion!
- It’s surprisingly easy to make, so you can impress your friends without breaking a sweat.
- The unique twist of using stout gives it a depth that’s hard to beat!
- Leftovers? What leftovers? This cake disappears faster than you can say “Guinness!”
Recipe Snapshot
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Category | Side Dish |
Cuisine | American-inspired comfort food |
Prep Time | 10 minutes |
Cook Time | 15 minutes |
Total Time | 25 minutes |
Dietary | Vegetarian |
Serves | 4 |
Best Served | Hot and cheesy right off the cob! |
Ingredients

- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour Key ingredient for structure and texture.
- ¾ cup cocoa powder Adds rich chocolate flavor and depth.
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar Sweetens the cake and balances flavors.
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda Helps the cake rise and become fluffy.
- ½ teaspoon salt Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
- 1 cup strong brewed coffee Enhances chocolate flavor.
- ½ cup vegetable oil Adds moisture.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract Enhances overall flavor profile.
- 3 large eggs Bind ingredients together and provide richness.
- ½ cup buttermilk Adds tanginess and helps create a tender crumb.
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce Great substitute for moisture.
- ½ cup brown sugar Adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor.
- ½ cup butter Contributes to a rich, moist texture.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure it’s nice and hot when your cake goes in.
Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Pan
Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter or non-stick spray. Dust it lightly with flour to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together 1 ¾ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 ½ cups of sugar, ¾ cup of cocoa powder, 1 ½ teaspoons of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt.
Step 4: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, mix 1 cup of strong brewed coffee, ½ cup of vegetable oil, 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract, and 3 large eggs until well combined.
Step 5: Blend the Mixtures
Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined; don’t overmix!
Step 6: Pour the Batter
Carefully pour the batter into your prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Step 7: Bake the Cake
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Check with a toothpick; it should come out clean.
Step 8: Cool the Cake
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 9: Frost and Enjoy!
Once cooled, frost with your favorite chocolate frosting. Slice, serve, and enjoy your deliciously rich delight!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter. Experiment with different types of cocoa powder for varied flavors. Don’t skip the cooling time; it enhances the taste. For a non-alcoholic twist, substitute Guinness with a rich stout or dark soda. Top with cream cheese frosting for a delightful finish.
How to Serve

Delight in these creative serving suggestions for your Guinness cake:
- Top with a generous dollop of whipped cream for a light contrast.
- Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful temperature contrast.
- Drizzle with chocolate sauce for an extra indulgent touch.
- Pair with fresh berries for a burst of fruity freshness.
- Dust with powdered sugar for a simple yet elegant finish.
- Enjoy with a cup of rich coffee or a creamy hot chocolate.
- Slice and serve with a side of caramel sauce for a sweet twist.
- Garnish with mint leaves for a pop of color and freshness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
• Allow the cake to cool completely before storing.
• Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place wrapped slices in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezing
• Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap.
• Place the wrapped cake in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Label with the date and type of cake.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating
• Thaw the cake in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the cake on a baking sheet and cover with foil.
• Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of beer for this recipe?
Absolutely! If you prefer not to use Guinness, you can substitute it with a non-alcoholic stout or a rich dark soda. This will still give you that deep flavor without the alcohol content.
How can I make this cake gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check that all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
What can I use instead of eggs in this recipe?
You can use applesauce or mashed bananas as a substitute for eggs. Typically, 1/4 cup of applesauce or banana replaces one egg, keeping your cake moist and delicious!
How should I store the leftover cake?
Store the leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it or freeze individual slices for later enjoyment.
Final Thoughts
And there you have it—your very own Guinness cake, a delightful treat that’s as easy to make as it is delicious! Picture yourself sharing this rich, chocolatey goodness with friends and family, creating memories over every slice. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and dive into this rewarding baking adventure. You’ll be amazed at how simple it is to whip up this crowd-pleaser. Enjoy every bite!

guinness cake recipe
Equipment
- 1 9-inch round cake pan Greased and floured
- 1 Large bowl For mixing dry ingredients
- 1 another bowl For mixing wet ingredients
- 1 Spatula For smoothing batter
- 1 Wire Rack For cooling the cake
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour Key ingredient for structure and texture.
- ¾ cup cocoa powder Adds rich chocolate flavor and depth.
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar Sweetens the cake and balances flavors.
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda Helps the cake rise and become fluffy.
- ½ teaspoon salt Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup strong brewed coffee Enhances chocolate flavor.
- ½ cup vegetable oil Adds moisture.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract Enhances overall flavor profile.
- 3 large eggs Bind ingredients together and provide richness.
- ½ cup buttermilk Adds tanginess and helps create a tender crumb.
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce Great substitute for moisture.
- ½ cup brown sugar Adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor.
- ½ cup butter Contributes to a rich, moist texture.
Instructions
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure it’s nice and hot when your cake goes in.
- Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter or non-stick spray. Dust it lightly with flour to prevent sticking.
- In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix coffee, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and eggs until well combined.
- Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined; don’t overmix!
- Carefully pour the batter into your prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Check with a toothpick; it should come out clean.
- Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, frost with your favorite chocolate frosting. Slice, serve, and enjoy your deliciously rich delight!