Dark Chocolate Guinness Cake with Bailey’s Irish Cream Frosting

This Dark Chocolate Guinness Cake is a rich, moist, and decadent dessert, infused with the deep flavors of Guinness stout and dark cocoa. Paired with a silky Bailey’s Irish Cream frosting, this cake is the ultimate St. Patrick’s Day treat—perfect for any celebration or indulgent occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and Moist Texture – The Guinness beer enhances the depth of the chocolate while keeping the cake incredibly moist.
• Decadent Irish Cream Frosting – The smooth Bailey’s frosting adds a creamy, boozy kick to complement the chocolate.
• Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and easy steps make this cake a show-stopping yet approachable dessert.
• Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day – A fun and festive way to celebrate with classic Irish flavors.
• Crowd-Pleaser – Deep chocolate flavors and creamy frosting make this a hit at any gathering.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cake:

• 1 cup Guinness stout
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• ¾ cup sour cream
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt

For the Bailey’s Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 3 tablespoons Bailey’s Irish Cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Directions

Prepare the Cake:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch cake pans with parchment paper.

Make the Batter:

2. In a saucepan, heat Guinness and butter over medium heat until melted. Remove from heat and whisk in cocoa powder and sugar. Let cool slightly.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together sour cream, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir into the Guinness mixture.

Combine the Ingredients:

4. In another bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually fold into the wet mixture until smooth.

Bake the Cake:

5. Divide the batter between the prepared cake pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Let cakes cool completely before frosting.

Make the Bailey’s Frosting:

7. In a large bowl, beat butter until creamy.
8. Gradually add powdered sugar, Bailey’s Irish Cream, vanilla extract, and salt, beating until smooth and fluffy.

Assemble the Cake:

9. Place one cake layer on a cake stand and spread frosting evenly on top.
10. Add the second layer and frost the top and sides.
11. Slice, serve, and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Servings: 10 slices
• Calories: 450 kcal per slice

Variations

• Extra Boozy Frosting – Add an extra tablespoon of Bailey’s for a stronger Irish cream flavor.
• Chocolate Ganache Drizzle – Pour a warm chocolate ganache over the top for an elegant finish.
• Coffee-Infused Version – Replace ¼ cup of the Guinness with espresso for a mocha twist.
• Caramel Drizzle – Drizzle salted caramel sauce over the frosting for added richness.
• Cupcake Version – Divide batter into cupcake liners and bake for 18-22 minutes.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze unfrosted cake layers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before frosting.
• Make-Ahead: Bake the cake a day ahead and frost before serving for best texture.

FAQs

Can I use another type of stout?

Yes! You can substitute any dark stout beer, like Murphy’s or Beamish, for a similar depth of flavor.

Does the cake taste like beer?

No! The Guinness enhances the chocolate flavor, making it richer but without a strong beer taste.

Can I make this without alcohol?

Yes! Replace the Guinness with strong brewed coffee and Bailey’s with heavy cream and vanilla extract.

What’s the best way to frost the cake smoothly?

• Use an offset spatula to spread frosting evenly.
• Chill the cake for 15 minutes before frosting for easier spreading.

Can I use a different frosting?

Yes! Try cream cheese frosting, chocolate buttercream, or whipped ganache for variety.

How do I make the frosting thicker?

Add more powdered sugar (1 tablespoon at a time) until you reach the desired consistency.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Fold in ½ cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips for extra texture.

What can I serve with this cake?

Pair it with a cold pint of Guinness, Bailey’s Irish coffee, or vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.

Can I make this in a bundt pan?

Yes! Bake in a greased bundt pan at 350°F for 45-50 minutes.

Is this cake kid-friendly?

Since the alcohol bakes out of the cake, it’s safe for kids. However, you can replace the Bailey’s in the frosting with milk for a non-alcoholic version.

Conclusion

This Dark Chocolate Guinness Cake with Bailey’s Irish Cream Frosting is a decadent, rich, and festive dessert, perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or any special occasion. With its deep chocolate flavor, moist texture, and creamy Bailey’s frosting, this cake is guaranteed to impress! Bake, frost, and enjoy a taste of Ireland in every bite!