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Home » My Latest Recipes

Guinness Chocolate Cake

Feb 5, 2025 · 2 Comments

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This Guinness Chocolate Cake is a rich, moist dessert with a deep chocolate flavor. The Guinness stout makes the chocolate taste even stronger and adds a slight bitterness that balances the sweetness. Topped with a marshmallow frosting, this cake becomes an irresistible treat, perfect for special occasions like St. Patrick’s Day.

chocolate Guinness stout cake decorated for st patricks day

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The billowy marshmallow frosting contrasts beautifully with the nearly black cake, resembling the frothy head of a pint of Guinness. For serving, pair it with a glass of Guinness or a shot of espresso for a perfect flavor complement.

slice of St Patrick's Day cake on a plate
Jump to:
  • Ingredients
  • Instructions
  • Equipment
  • Storage
  • FAQ
  • More St. Patrick's dessert recipes
  • 📋 Recipe

Ingredients

Cake ingredients

Gather up the following ingredients to make the chocolate cake with Guinness:

ingredients needed to make chocolate cake with Guinness including flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, oil, eggs and Guinness stout
  • All-purpose flour and cocoa powder - sift both to remove any lumps
  • Cornstarch, baking powder and baking soda
  • Granulated sugar
  • Eggs - use large eggs brought to room temperature
  • Vegetable oil
  • Guinness stout
  • Simple syrup (optional) - simple syrup is brushed on cake layers to add moistness and more Guinness flavor. You need the following ingredients to make the syrup:
    • Guinness stout
    • Granulated sugar

See recipe card for quantities.

Buttercream and decorating ingredients

You need to the following ingredients to make the marshmallow fluff buttercream:

ingredients needed to make marshmallow buttercream icing including marshmallow fluff, powdered sugar, butter and milk
  • Unsalted butter - softened to room temperature
  • Powdered sugar - sift to remove any lumps
  • Marshmallow fluff - most often found in your grocer's peanut butter aisle
  • Whole milk or Guinness - you can enhance the stout flavor by incorporating Guinness into the buttercream
  • Decorations - use your favorite decorations, such as sprinkles, glazes, or festive shamrocks, to add the perfect finishing touch!

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Guinness chocolate cake instructions

First, prepare two 8" round cake pans by lining the bottom with parchment paper or greasing the pans. If you prefer a taller cake similar to the one I made, use two 7" round cake pans

prepare two round cake pans with parchment paper to make chocolate Guinness cake for St Patrick's day

The cake batter comes together effortlessly in a single bowl. You can mix it by hand or use an electric hand or stand mixer for convenience.

dry ingredients combined in mixing bowl to make Guinness Stout Chocolate Cake

1 - Combine flour, cocoa powder, sugar, cornstarch, baking powder and baking soda in a large mixing bowl

adding eggs and oil to chocolate cake dry ingredients

2 - Add oil and eggs. Mix until well combined.

pouring Guinness stout into mixing bowl to make cake batter

3 - Slowly pour Guinness into bowl while continuing to mix, scraping the bowl occasionally. The batter should be smooth.

Guinness stout chocolate cake batter divided evenly between 2 round cake pans

4 - Divide batter between the two prepared cake pans. Bake at 350℉ / 180℃ for 35 - 40 minutes, or until cake is fully risen and a toothpick inserted in the center of cake comes out clean.

5 - After baking, place cakes on a rack and allow to cool completely before unmolding. Unmold by running an offset spatula or knife around the inside of the cake pan and flip the pan over onto a platter.

6 - Carefully trim the dome off of each cake to create a flat surface. Then, slice each cake in half horizontally for a total of 4 layers. Set the individual layers aside.

chocolate Guinness cake for St Patrick's day sliced into four layers

Guinness simple syrup instructions (optional)

This step is optional, but adding simple syrup enhances the moisture and intensifies the Guinness flavor. To prepare, combine granulated sugar and Guinness in a medium-sized saucepan. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring frequently until the sugar dissolves completely. Set aside to cool.

heating Guinness stout and granulated sugar in a saucepan to make simple syrup to moisten Guinness Chocolate Cake layers

Buttercream and cake assembly instructions

butter and marshmallow fluff in mixing bowl

1 - Place softened butter and marshmallow fluff in the bowl of a stand mixer (note: a hand mixer may also be used). Mix on medium speed until well combined (approximately 2 - 3 minutes).

powdered sugar and milk added to mixing bowl to make buttercream

2 - Add powdered sugar and milk (or substitute milk with Guinness to enhance the stout flavor) to mixing bowl. Turn on mixer to low speed. Gradually increase mixer to medium speed and mix for 2 minutes. Scrape down the mixer with a rubber spatula. Mix for another minute on medium-high speed.

brushing Guinness flavored simple syrup on cake layer

3 - Place one cake layer on a serving platter. If using simple syrup, brush 3 - 4 tablespoons evenly over the cake layer. Spread a smooth, even ¼-inch layer of marshmallow buttercream on top.

Adding marshmallow filling between cake layers

4 - Spread a smooth, even ¼-inch layer of marshmallow buttercream on top.

adding final layer of cake to finish stacking

5 - Gently place the second cake layer on top, ensuring it is centered and level. Brush with simple syrup if using. Spread a ¼" layer of marshmallow buttercream on top. Repeat process for remaining two cake layers.

adding final decorating touches to St Patrick's Day chocolate cake with Guinness stout beer

6 - Cover the top and sides of the cake with a smooth layer of marshmallow buttercream. Decorate the cake as desired. For my design, I pressed sprinkles along the bottom edge, drizzled a green glaze over the top, and finished with buttercream swirls and candy shamrocks for a festive touch.

Equipment

Gather the following equipment to make this chocolate Guinness stout cake:

  • Electric mixer (hand or stand)
  • Bowls, measuring cups and spoons
  • Two 8" Cake Pans - or use 7" cake pans if you wish for a taller cake
  • Food Scale - optional for more accurate measurements
  • Offset metal spatula
  • Cake platter
  • Saucepan - optional to make the Guinness simple syrup
closeup of chocolate Guinness cake decorated and on a serving platter

Storage

To keep your Guinness chocolate cake fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. When you're ready to serve it, take the cake out about an hour beforehand so it can warm up to room temperature. This helps bring out its rich flavor and soft texture.

The finished cake does not freeze well due to the marshmallow buttercream.

FAQ

What is Guinness?

Guinness is a famous Irish dry stout that originated in 1759 at the St. James’s Gate Brewery in Dublin, Ireland. It is known for its dark color, creamy head, and rich, roasted malt flavor with hints of coffee and chocolate.

Why add Guinness to a cake?

The bitterness of the stout balances the sweetness of the cake, creating a well-rounded taste. The roasted barley in Guinness gives hints of coffee and caramel, complementing chocolate beautifully.

How should I serve the Guinness chocolate cake?

Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of whiskey caramel sauce. Pair with a glass of stout, Irish coffee, or even a Irish cream liqueur.

More St. Patrick's dessert recipes

Looking for more dessert ideas for your St. Patrick's Day celebration? Check out these recipes:

  • overhead view of dessert shamrocks filled with Baileys cream cheese filling
    Puff Pastry Shamrocks with Baileys Irish Cream
  • overhead view of St Patrick's Day flourless chocolate cake decorated with green sprinkles and shamrocks
    Flourless Chocolate Cake with Baileys
  • inside of key lime cookie
    Key Lime Pie Cookies

I hope you enjoy this Guinness chocolate cake as much as my family and friends have over the years!

📋 Recipe

chocolate Guinness stout cake decorated for st patricks day

Guinness Stout Chocolate Cake

Rich chocolate cake loaded with Guinness flavor and finished with a marshmallow fluff.
5 from 1 vote
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 40 minutes mins
Cook Time 35 minutes mins
Cooling Time 45 minutes mins
Total Time 2 hours hrs
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 14 people
Calories 608 kcal

Equipment

  • Hand Mixer or
  • 1 Stand Mixer
  • 1 Food Scale optional for more accurate measurements
  • Bowls, measuring cups and spoons
  • 2 8" Cake Pans or use 7" cake pans if you wish for a taller cake
  • 1 Cake platter
  • 1 Offset metal spatula
  • 1 Saucepan optional - if making the simple syrup

Ingredients
 
 

Chocolate Guinness Cake

  • ¾ cup Cocoa Powder
  • 2 cups All Purpose Flour
  • 2 cups Granulated Sugar
  • 2 Tablespoon Cornstarch
  • 2 teaspoons Baking Powder
  • ½ teaspoon Baking Soda
  • ¾ Cup Vegetable or Canola Oil
  • 4 Large Eggs Room temperature
  • 1 ¼ Cup Guinness Stout Room temperature

Simple Syrup

  • ¾ Cup Guinness Stout
  • ¾ Cup Granulated sugar

Buttercream

  • 1½ Cup Unsalted butter Softened
  • 16 Ounces Jar of Marshmallow Fluff
  • 5 Cups Powdered sugar
  • ¼ Cup Whole milk or Guinness stout using Guinness will add more stout flavor to the buttercream

Decorations - use any decorations to suit your theme (e.g. sprinkles, drizzle a glaze, candy shamrocks, etc...)

Instructions
 

Guinness Chocolate Cake

  • Preheat oven to 350℉ / 180℃.
  • Prepare two 8" round cake pans by lining the bottom with parchment paper or greasing the pans. Note: use 7" cake pans if you wish for a taller cake.
  • Combine flour, cocoa powder, sugar, cornstarch, baking powder and baking soda in a mixing bowl. (note: the cake batter may be mixed by hand or using an electric mixer)
    ¾ cup Cocoa Powder, 2 cups All Purpose Flour, 2 cups Granulated Sugar, 2 Tablespoon Cornstarch, 2 teaspoons Baking Powder, ½ teaspoon Baking Soda
  • Add oil and eggs. Mix until combined.
    ¾ Cup Vegetable or Canola Oil, 4 Large Eggs
  • Slowly pour Guinness into bowl while continuing to mix, scraping the bowl occasionally. The batter should be smooth.
    1 ¼ Cup Guinness Stout
  • Divide batter between the two prepared cake pans.
  • Bake for 35 - 40 minutes, or until cake is fully risen and a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean.
  • Place cakes on a rack and allow to cool completely before unmolding. Unmold by running an offset spatula or knife around the inside of the cake pan and flip the pan over onto a platter.
  • Carefully trim the dome off of each cake to create a flat surface. Then, slice each cake in half horizontally for a total of 4 layers. Set the individual layers aside.

Simple Syrup (optional)

  • Place granulated sugar and Guinness in a medium-sized saucepan. Bring mixture to a low boil, stirring often until the sugar is melted.
    ¾ Cup Guinness Stout, ¾ Cup Granulated sugar
  • Set aside and cool to room temperature.

Buttercream

  • Place marshmallow fluff and softened butter in the bowl of a stand mixer (note: a hand mixer may also be used).
    1½ Cup Unsalted butter, 16 Ounces Jar of Marshmallow Fluff
  • Mix on medium speed until well combined (approximately 2 - 3 minutes).
  • Add powdered sugar and milk (or Guinness if using) to mixing bowl.
    5 Cups Powdered sugar, ¼ Cup Whole milk or Guinness stout
  • Turn on mixer to low speed. Gradually increase mixer to medium speed and mix for 2 minutes. Scrape down the mixer with a rubber spatula. Mix for another minute on medium-high speed.

Assemble Cake

  • Place one cake layer on a serving platter. If using simple syrup, brush 3 - 4 tablespoons evenly over the cake layer. Spread a smooth, even ¼-inch layer of marshmallow buttercream on top.
  • Gently place the second cake layer on top, ensuring it is centered and level. Brush with simple syrup if using. Spread a ¼" layer of marshmallow buttercream on top. Repeat the process for the remaining two cake layers.
  • Cover the top and sides of the cake with a smooth layer of marshmallow buttercream, ensuring even coverage for a polished finish.
  • Decorate cake as desired. For my design, I pressed sprinkles along the bottom edge, drizzled a green glaze over the top, and finished with buttercream swirls and candy shamrocks for a festive touch.

Video

Notes

  • To keep your Guinness chocolate cake fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. When you're ready to serve it, take the cake out about an hour beforehand so it can warm up to room temperature. This helps bring out its rich flavor and soft texture.

Nutrition

Calories: 608kcalCarbohydrates: 126gProtein: 3gFat: 32gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 8gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 52mgSodium: 104mgPotassium: 96mgFiber: 2gSugar: 56gVitamin A: 609IUVitamin C: 0.01mgCalcium: 49mgIron: 2mg
Keyword Guinness chocolate cake, St Patrick's desserts, st patricks day cake
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Vince says

    February 05, 2025 at 8:50 pm

    5 stars
    I had the pleasure of having a slice of this gem, and the combination of tastes is great. The chocolate cake is a treat - it's a cut above other chocolate cakes I've had, and I'm guessing the Guinness makes the difference.

    There was a suggestion to try it with vanilla ice cream, and I'm on board with that. Give it a try. You will have a new favorite.

    Reply
    • dessertswithstephanie says

      February 05, 2025 at 8:56 pm

      Vince, Thank you for your feedback! So pleased you enjoyed the cake.

      Reply
5 from 1 vote

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Welcome to Desserts With Stephanie. I hope you enjoy your visit. All the recipes and techniques I discuss on this site have been fully tested in my bakery for more than 15 years. Let's have some fun in the kitchen and put a smile on someone's face with a little sweetness.

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