Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chocolate Guinness Cake with Baileys Buttercream Frosting brings together two delicious components that complement each other perfectly. The Guinness in the cake adds depth and moisture, creating a rich flavor that’s even better when paired with the creamy, slightly boozy Baileys frosting. The cake is dense yet tender, with a luxurious, melt-in-your-mouth quality that will have your guests coming back for more. It’s a unique twist on traditional chocolate cake, with the beer adding a subtle richness, and the Baileys buttercream taking it to another level of indulgence.

Ingredients

For the Guinness Cake

3 cups (390g) all-purpose flour, sifted
2 1/3 cups (465g) granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon espresso powder (optional)
1 teaspoon fine sea salt
2/3 cup (83g) cocoa powder

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

For the Guinness Cake:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, espresso powder (if using), sea salt, and cocoa powder.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the Guinness, vegetable oil, and eggs. Add the sour cream and vanilla extract, stirring until combined.
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the Baileys Buttercream Frosting:

In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
Gradually add the Baileys Irish Cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat until the frosting is smooth and creamy. If the frosting is too thick, add a little more Baileys to reach the desired consistency.
Once the cakes have cooled, frost the top of one layer with the Baileys buttercream. Place the second cake on top and frost the top and sides of the entire cake.
Decorate with any additional Baileys drizzle or chocolate shavings, if desired.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 10-12
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: 1 hour (including cooling and frosting)

Variations

Cupcakes: Instead of making a layer cake, you can use the same batter to make cupcakes. Bake for 18-20 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
Non-Alcoholic Option: If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, you can make the frosting with Irish cream flavoring or a vanilla bean frosting instead of using Baileys.
Chocolate Ganache: If you’re a fan of even more chocolate, top the cake with a rich chocolate ganache before adding the Baileys buttercream.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you have a warm climate, it’s best to refrigerate the cake to prevent the frosting from softening too much.
Reheating: If you want to serve the cake slightly warm, you can microwave individual slices for 10-15 seconds. However, this cake is best enjoyed at room temperature.

FAQs

Can I use a different beer instead of Guinness?

Yes, you can use a different stout or dark beer, but Guinness gives the cake a distinctive flavor. A chocolate stout would work similarly.

Do I have to use Baileys in the frosting?

While Baileys adds a rich and creamy flavor, you can substitute it with a different liqueur like Kahlúa or use vanilla extract for a non-alcoholic option.

Can I freeze the cake?

Yes, you can freeze the cake layers. Once baked and cooled, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Allow them to thaw completely before frosting.

How can I make this cake more festive?

For added decoration, you can top the cake with chocolate curls, sprinkles, or even edible gold flakes for a special touch. It’s perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or any celebratory occasion.

Can I make the frosting without butter?

The frosting relies on butter for its creamy texture, but you can try using a plant-based butter substitute if you need a dairy-free option.

Is this cake suitable for people with gluten allergies?

This cake can be made gluten-free by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure to check for any other ingredients that may contain gluten.

Can I make this cake a day ahead?

Yes, this cake actually gets better after a day or two. Just store it in an airtight container at room temperature.

Can I use a different type of frosting?

Absolutely! You can use a classic cream cheese frosting or a whipped chocolate ganache if you prefer a different flavor profile.

How can I ensure my cake is moist?

The Guinness adds moisture to the cake, but be sure not to overmix the batter or overbake the cake, as both can lead to a dry texture.

Can I use a different pan size?

You can use different-sized pans, but you may need to adjust the baking time. If using smaller pans, the cake will cook faster; if using a larger pan, it may take longer to bake.

Conclusion

Chocolate Guinness Cake with Baileys Buttercream Frosting is a show-stopping dessert that combines rich flavors and indulgent textures. The deep, dark beer enhances the chocolatey goodness of the cake, while the creamy, boozy frosting adds a luxurious touch. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday or simply treating yourself, this cake is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your guests.

Chocolate Guinness Cake with Baileys Buttercream Frosting

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Author: Julia
Total Time: 1 hour (including cooling and frosting)
Yield: 12 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This decadent Chocolate Guinness Cake with Baileys Buttercream Frosting is a rich and indulgent dessert that combines the depth of Guinness beer with the sweetness of chocolate and a creamy, boozy Baileys-infused frosting. Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or any special occasion, this cake offers a unique and luxurious twist on traditional chocolate cake. Moist, dense, and melt-in-your-mouth, it’s sure to become a favorite for anyone who loves a good dessert with a little extra flair.

Instructions

For the Guinness Cake:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, espresso powder (if using), sea salt, and cocoa powder.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the Guinness, vegetable oil, eggs, sour cream, and vanilla extract.
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the Baileys Buttercream Frosting:

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
Gradually add the Baileys Irish Cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat until smooth and creamy. Add more Baileys if needed to adjust consistency.
Once the cakes have cooled, frost the top of one layer with the Baileys buttercream. Place the second cake on top and frost the top and sides of the entire cake.
Optionally, decorate with extra Baileys drizzle or chocolate shavings.

Notes

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If the climate is warm, refrigerate to keep the frosting from melting.
Freezing: The cake layers can be frozen once baked and cooled. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw before frosting.
Non-Alcoholic Option: Use a vanilla bean frosting or Irish cream flavoring instead of Baileys for a non-alcoholic version.
Toppings: Top with chocolate ganache or chocolate curls for added indulgence.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American