Chocolate Guinness Cake Recipe UK With Whitakers Truffles for Decoration
Rated 5.0 stars by 1 users
Category
Chocolate
Servings
12
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
40 minutes
Calories
375
A Guinness Chocolate Cake brings together the robust character of stout and the luxurious sweetness of rich cocoa, resulting in a show-stopping dessert that feels both comforting and a little bit special.
The malty undertones in Guinness enhance the chocolate’s depth, creating a moist crumb with a unique, grown-up edge.
A swirl of creamy topping—reminiscent of the famous frothy head on a pint—adds a playful nod to the cake’s inspiration and contrasts beautifully with the intense chocolate base.
This recipe is ideal for celebrations, casual gatherings, or an indulgent weekend treat.
It’s surprisingly simple to prepare, yet offers an impressive finish that’s guaranteed to spark conversation.
Each slice reveals a harmony of flavours: the chocolatey richness complemented by the subtle bittersweet notes of stout, all topped off by a smooth layer of cream.
Embrace this taste of Ireland and treat yourself to a memorable baking experience. 🍰 🎂
Ingredients
-
240ml (1 cup) Guinness stout
-
115g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter
-
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
-
1/2 cup (100g) packed brown sugar
-
2 large eggs
-
1 tsp vanilla extract
-
65g (3/4 cup) unsweetened cocoa powder
-
190g (1 1/2 cups) all-purpose flour
-
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
-
1/2 tsp salt
-
300g cream cheese
-
150g icing sugar
-
2 tsp cornflour
-
125ml double cream (or whipping cream)
-
Whitakers Dark Chocolate Irish Cream chocolates
Cake Ingredients - Liquid & Butter:
Cake Ingredients - Sugars & Eggs:
Cake Ingredients - Dry Ingredients:
Cream Topping Ingredients
Directions
Preheat & Prepare:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and lightly flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
Melt Butter & Guinness:
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine Guinness and butter until the butter is fully melted.
Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract.
Slowly stir in the warm Guinness-butter mixture until well blended.
Combine Dry Ingredients:
Sift together cocoa powder, flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl.
Make the Batter:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
Stir until just combined (do not overmix).
Bake:
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan.
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Cream Topping:
In a bowl, beat the cream cheese and icing sugar together until smooth.
Add the cornflour and double cream, then beat until the mixture is light, smooth, and slightly thickened.
Spread a generous layer over the top of the cooled cake, mimicking the frothy top of a Guinness pint.
Decorate:
For a special finishing touch, arrange Whitakers Dark Chocolate Irish Cream chocolates around the top edge of the cake.
Chill the cake for at least 20 minutes to set the topping.
Recipe Notes
More Guinness Flavoured Recipes:
Click here for all of our Guinness-Flavoured Baking Recipes
Click here for our recipe for Guinness chocolate truffles
Click here for our old-fashioned fruit cake with Guinness recipe.
Click here for our recipe for chocolate Guinness cupcakes.
Help With Your Baking:
If you have any questions how to make this cake using our recipe, please post a comment below and we will get back to you.
Servings: The recipe typically yields about 12 slices of cake.
Calories per serving: 375 calories per slice.
Remember: Please tag #whitakerschocolates with photos of your homemade Guinness-flavoured cake with chocolate.
How to Store Your Homemade Guinness Cake
Storing your homemade Guinness cake is simple once it has cooled completely on a wire rack.
Allowing the cake to reach room temperature prevents any residual warmth from creating unwanted moisture and affecting its texture.
If you have already added the cream cheese topping, store the cake in the fridge to keep it fresh.
Loosely cover it with cling film or use a dedicated cake container, and it should stay in good condition for two to three days.
If you haven’t yet topped the cake, you can keep it in a sealed container or wrapped in cling film at room temperature for up to two days.
It’s also possible to freeze the cake if you’d like to make it in advance.
Wrap the cooled, untopped cake securely in cling film, then add an extra layer of aluminium foil or place it in a freezer-safe container.
You can freeze it for up to three months.
When you’re ready to serve, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then add the cream cheese topping to ensure the best possible flavour and texture.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions for Your Guinness Flavoured Chocolate Cake
Serving your Guinness flavoured chocolate cake slightly chilled or at room temperature allows the malty notes to shine through and keeps the crumb moist.
A drizzle of warm salted caramel or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream will enhance the cake’s deep cocoa flavour, while contrasting nicely with the stout’s slight bitterness.
A cup of strong coffee provides a bold counterpoint, highlighting the cake’s intensity.
For a spirited celebration, enjoy a slice with a glass of smooth Irish whiskey or a pint of stout to mirror the cake’s key ingredient.
Fresh berries on the side offer a sweet, tangy lift, and whipped cream adds lightness to balance the dense, chocolatey crumb.
Whether it’s a dinner party centrepiece or a comforting weekend treat, this Guinness flavoured chocolate cake invites you to savour each bite with a well-chosen accompaniment.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Energy | 375 kcal |
| Fat | 18g |
| - saturates | 10g |
| Carbohydrate | 50g |
| - sugars | 35g |
| Fibre | 2g |
| Protein | 5g |
| Salt | 0.5g |
A Brief History of Chocolate Guinness Cake
Guinness stout dates back to 1759 in Ireland. Arthur Guinness brewed it at St James Gate in Dublin.
Using beer in baking adds moisture and flavour. Stout pairs well with chocolate due to malty notes.
The modern chocolate Guinness cake recipe became popular in the early 2000s. Nigella Lawson featured it in her 2004 book Feast.
Her version uses Guinness in the batter for a moist crumb. The cream cheese frosting mimics the beer's frothy head.
It has become a staple for St Patricks Day celebrations. Variations include decorations like truffles for extra indulgence.
Why Does Guiness Go Well in a Chocolate Cake?
Guinness adds a subtle depth that elevates the chocolate’s natural richness.
The roasted barley in the stout brings out a slight bitterness, which balances the sweetness of the cake batter.
This combination of sweet and bitter gives each bite a more complex flavour profile.
The malty undertones in Guinness can also highlight the earthy characteristics of cocoa, creating a harmonious blend that many describe as both cosy and decadent.
As the cake bakes, the stout’s moisture helps produce a soft, moist crumb, ensuring each slice remains tender while retaining plenty of chocolatey goodness.
