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Guinness Chocolate Cake (Best St. Patrick’s Day Dessert)

Guinness Chocolate Cake: The Ultimate St. Patrick's Day Treat

Guinness Chocolate Cake is an indulgent dessert perfect for St. Patrick’s Day with a rich chocolate flavor.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Cooling Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: Irish
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Cake
  • 1 can Nonstick Baking Spray Keeps the cake from sticking to the bundt pan for easy release.
  • 1 cup Granulated Sugar Sweetens the cake; feel free to swap with coconut sugar for a less refined option.
  • 1 cup Light Brown Sugar Adds moisture and a deeper flavor; no direct substitute, but more granulated sugar can work.
  • 2 cups All-Purpose Flour Provides structure; can be substituted with a gluten-free flour mix if needed.
  • 3/4 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder Enhances the rich chocolate flavor; consider using Dutch-processed cocoa for a more intense taste.
  • 1 teaspoon Espresso Powder Intensifies the chocolate flavor; strong coffee can be used if you don't have this on hand.
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Soda Ensure it's fresh for proper rise.
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Powder Additional leavening for a fluffy cake; cannot be replaced with baking soda.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Enhances the cake’s flavors; kosher salt works well as a substitute.
  • 5 large Eggs Provides structure and moisture; substitute with flax eggs for a vegan option.
  • 1 cup Full-Fat Sour Cream Adds richness and moisture; plain Greek yogurt can be a good alternative.
  • 8 oz Guinness Beer Offers a unique flavor profile; other stout beers can be used as a substitute.
  • 1/2 cup Vegetable Oil Keeps the cake moist; can switch to melted coconut oil if preferred.
  • 1/2 cup Whole Milk Adds moisture; consider using buttermilk for extra flavor or a dairy-free alternative if needed.
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract Enhances the cake’s flavor; skip if unavailable, understanding that it may change the taste.
For the Baileys Buttercream
  • 1 cup Unsalted Butter Creates a rich texture; if using salted butter, omit additional salt in the recipe.
  • 4 cups Confectioners' Sugar Sweetens the frosting and aids in achieving texture.
  • 3 tbsp Baileys Irish Cream Introduces a delightful flavor; substitute with heavy cream for a non-alcoholic version.
  • 2 tbsp Whole Milk Adds creaminess; feel free to use more Baileys instead for richer flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract Elevates the frosting’s flavor; optional if omitted.
  • 1 pinch Salt Balances sweetness; adjust to taste as desired.
  • 4 oz High-Quality White Chocolate Adds richness and sweetness; milk chocolate can be an alternative.

Equipment

  • 10-cup bundt pan
  • mixing bowls
  • whisk
  • spatula
  • oven

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and prepare your 10-cup bundt pan with nonstick baking spray.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, light brown sugar, all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, espresso powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, whisk the eggs, full-fat sour cream, Guinness, whole milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  4. Pour the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients, using a spatula to gently stir until just combined.
  5. Transfer the batter into the prepared bundt pan and gently tap to release air bubbles.
  6. Place the bundt pan in the oven and bake for about 50 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  7. Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then invert onto a cooling rack.
  8. Beat the unsalted butter until smooth, then gradually add confectioners' sugar and mix in Baileys, whole milk, vanilla extract, and salt to make the buttercream.
  9. Frost the cooled cake generously with Baileys Buttercream, allowing some to cascade down the sides.
  10. Optional: Make a salted caramel by cooking sugar and water until dissolved, stir in butter, then cream and whiskey.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 5gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 2gSugar: 35gVitamin A: 600IUCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Store cake at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days or refrigerate for longer storage.

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