I remember the first time I baked a Guinness Chocolate Cake with Baileys Frosting. It was for my sister’s birthday, and she’d been raving about this decadent dessert for months. I’ll admit, I was a little intimidated at first – I’d never worked with Guinness in baking before, and the idea of pairing it with chocolate and Baileys sounded almost too good to be true. But I’m so glad I gave it a try, because the end result was nothing short of magical.
As soon as that rich, moist chocolate cake came out of the oven, the aroma of the Guinness and the hint of coffee filling the kitchen, I knew it was going to be special. And when I spread on the silky-smooth Baileys frosting and took that first bite, it was like a little piece of heaven. The way the dark, roasty notes of the Guinness perfectly complemented the sweet creaminess of the Baileys – it was truly a flavor explosion in my mouth. From that moment on, I knew this Guinness Chocolate Cake with Baileys Frosting was going to become a staple in my repertoire.
Why This Guinness Chocolate Cake with Baileys Frosting Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Guinness Chocolate Cake with Baileys Frosting
What makes this Guinness Chocolate Cake with Baileys Frosting recipe so special is the way the beer and liqueur work together to create an incredibly moist, rich, and decadent dessert. The Guinness adds a depth of flavor that you just can’t get from regular chocolate cake, while the Baileys frosting brings a luxurious creaminess that perfectly balances out the bold, roasty notes. Plus, the technique of blooming the cocoa powder in the Guinness before adding it to the batter ensures a smooth, fudgy texture that will have your guests coming back for seconds (and maybe thirds!).
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Guinness – The star of the show, providing that signature dark, roasty flavor.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder – For a deep chocolate taste that complements the Guinness perfectly.
- Flour – All-purpose flour works great, but you can also use whole wheat for a slightly heartier crumb.
- Baking soda – Helps the cake rise and achieve that perfect, tender crumb.
- Salt – Just a pinch to balance out the sweetness.
- Butter – Adds richness and moisture to the cake.
- Sugar – Both granulated and brown sugar for the best flavor and texture.
- Eggs – Provide structure and binding.
- Vanilla extract – Enhances the other flavors.
- Baileys Irish Cream – The star of the frosting, adding a luxurious creaminess.
- Powdered sugar – For a silky-smooth, lush frosting.
Step-by-Step Guinness Chocolate Cake with Baileys Frosting Instructions
Preparing Your Guinness Chocolate Cake with Baileys Frosting
This Guinness Chocolate Cake with Baileys Frosting is a show-stopping dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a rich, moist chocolate cake with a decadent Irish cream frosting that’s sure to impress. Let’s get started!
1- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9-inch round cake pan. In a medium bowl, whisk together the Guinness and cocoa powder until smooth and lump-free.
2- In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
3- Alternately add the flour mixture and the Guinness-cocoa mixture to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing just until incorporated after each addition. Be careful not to overmix.
4- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before frosting.
5- To make the Baileys frosting, beat the softened butter in a large bowl until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating well after each addition, until the frosting is light and fluffy. Beat in the Baileys until fully incorporated.
6- Spread the Baileys frosting over the top and sides of the cooled Guinness Chocolate Cake. Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the frosting to set.
Pro Tips for Success
- Make sure to bloom the cocoa powder in the Guinness – this helps develop the rich chocolate flavor.
- Don’t overmix the batter, as this can lead to a tough, dense cake.
- Be sure to let the cake cool completely before frosting, or the frosting may melt.
- If the frosting seems too thick, add a tablespoon of Baileys at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
- Garnish the finished cake with a dusting of cocoa powder or chopped toasted nuts for an extra special touch.
Serving and Storing Your Guinness Chocolate Cake with Baileys Frosting
Perfect Pairings for Guinness Chocolate Cake with Baileys Frosting
This Guinness Chocolate Cake with Baileys Frosting is a showstopper on its own, but it’s also delicious paired with a variety of accompaniments. For a cozy, intimate gathering, serve it with a warm Irish coffee or a glass of Guinness for the ultimate Irish-inspired dessert experience. It’s also fantastic with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of sweetened whipped cream for a more decadent treat.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Guinness Chocolate Cake with Baileys Frosting can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Just be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. You can also freeze the unfrosted cake for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before frosting and serving.
For make-ahead convenience, you can prepare the cake layers in advance and freeze them. Then, when you’re ready to serve, simply thaw the cake, make the Baileys frosting, and assemble. This is a great option if you’re hosting a party or event and want to get a head start on your dessert preparation.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Guinness Chocolate Cake with Baileys Frosting
Creative Guinness Chocolate Cake with Baileys Frosting Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many ways to put a twist on this Guinness Chocolate Cake with Baileys Frosting recipe. Try adding a layer of caramel or a swirl of Nutella to the cake, or top it with a sprinkle of chopped toasted walnuts or pecans. For a seasonal twist, you could incorporate pumpkin or gingerbread spices into the cake batter. And if you’re a coffee lover, try swapping out the Baileys for a strong espresso or coffee-flavored liqueur in the frosting.
Making Guinness Chocolate Cake with Baileys Frosting Diet-Friendly
To make this Guinness Chocolate Cake with Baileys Frosting a bit more diet-friendly, you can try a few simple substitutions. Use low-fat or nonfat cream cheese instead of butter in the frosting, and swap out the granulated sugar for a calorie-free sweetener like erythritol or stevia. For a gluten-free version, replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. And if you’re vegan, you can use dairy-free butter and Baileys alternatives in both the cake and the frosting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use regular stout instead of Guinness?
A: Absolutely! While Guinness is the traditional choice, you can certainly use any dark, roasty stout beer in this recipe. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile may be slightly different.
Q: How can I make the Guinness Chocolate Cake with Baileys Frosting ahead of time?
A: This cake freezes really well! You can bake the cake layers in advance, let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to assemble, just thaw the layers in the refrigerator overnight, make the Baileys frosting, and frost the cake.
Q: Can I reduce the amount of Baileys in the frosting?
A: Yes, if you find the Baileys flavor to be too strong, you can start with just 2 tablespoons and add more to taste. Keep in mind that the Baileys also helps soften the frosting, so you may need to add a splash of milk or heavy cream to achieve the desired consistency.
Q: How many people does this Guinness Chocolate Cake with Baileys Frosting serve?
A: This recipe makes one 9-inch round cake, which can easily serve 8-10 people. If you’re feeding a larger crowd, you can double the recipe and bake it in a 9×13 inch pan.
Q: What’s the best way to store leftover Guinness Chocolate Cake with Baileys Frosting?
A: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the unfrosted cake layers for up to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw them in the fridge before frosting and serving.
Guinness Chocolate Cake with Baileys Frosting
- Total Time: 45
- Yield: 12
Description
Indulge in the ultimate decadent dessert – a moist, fudgy Guinness Chocolate Cake topped with a silky, boozy Baileys Frosting. This irresistible combination of rich chocolate and creamy Irish liqueur is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Ingredients
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 cups granulated sugar
– 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 2 teaspoons baking soda
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup Guinness stout
– 1/2 cup vegetable oil
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 4 cups powdered sugar
– 1/4 cup Baileys Irish Cream
Instructions
1. – Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. – In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
3. – In a separate bowl, whisk together the Guinness, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla.
4. – Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. – Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. – Allow the cake to cool completely.
7. – In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until light and fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and Baileys, beating until smooth and creamy.
8. – Spread the Baileys Frosting over the cooled cake. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
For best results, use room temperature ingredients. The Guinness gives the cake a rich, moist texture, while the Baileys Frosting adds a delightful Irish twist. Store any leftover cake in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 35
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a truly decadent and show-stopping dessert, this Guinness Chocolate Cake with Baileys Frosting is the recipe for you. The rich, moist chocolate cake paired with the silky-smooth Baileys buttercream is an absolute flavor sensation that’s sure to impress your guests. Plus, with make-ahead and storage tips, it’s easy to prepare this impressive dessert in advance, so you can enjoy the party along with your guests. So what are you waiting for? Give this Guinness Chocolate Cake with Baileys Frosting a try, and get ready for the compliments to start rolling in!