There’s something undeniably indulgent about a slice of Chocolate Guinness Cake with Chocolate Ganache. Deep cocoa flavor meets the bold richness of stout beer, creating a moist, tender crumb that melts in your mouth. The Guinness enhances the chocolate rather than overpowering it, giving this cake a complex, bakery-style depth. Finished with a smooth, glossy chocolate ganache, this dessert is perfect for celebrations, holidays, or whenever you crave an intensely rich chocolate treat.
This Chocolate Guinness Cake with Chocolate Ganache is elegant enough for entertaining yet simple enough to bake at home. With its soft texture, balanced sweetness, and silky ganache topping, it’s the ultimate chocolate stout cake for serious chocolate lovers.
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Why This Chocolate Guinness Cake with Chocolate Ganache Is So Special
The magic of Chocolate Guinness Cake with Chocolate Ganache lies in the combination of stout beer and cocoa powder. Guinness stout intensifies the chocolate flavor, creating a deep, malty undertone that makes this bundt cake stand out from standard chocolate cakes.
Unlike overly sweet desserts, this cake delivers balanced richness. The sour cream ensures a moist crumb, while the stout beer adds body and subtle bitterness that enhances the cocoa.
The chocolate ganache topping transforms this cake into a show-stopping dessert. As it gently drips over the sides of the bundt cake, it forms a silky coating that firms slightly at room temperature, giving each slice a luxurious finish.
If you enjoy chocolate stout cake, decadent bundt cakes, or rich chocolate desserts, this Chocolate Guinness Cake with Chocolate Ganache belongs in your recipe collection.
Ingredients for Chocolate Guinness Cake with Chocolate Ganache
Each ingredient plays an important role in building flavor, texture, and structure.
• Guinness Stout Beer: Deepens the chocolate flavor and keeps the cake moist.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and ensures a tender crumb.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Provides bold, concentrated chocolate flavor.
• Granulated Sugar: Balances the bitterness of stout and cocoa.
• Sour Cream: Creates softness and adds slight tang for depth.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients and give structure to the cake.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances and rounds out the chocolate notes.
• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base and structure of the bundt cake.
• Baking Soda: Reacts with the stout and sour cream for proper rise.
For the Chocolate Ganache
• Dark Chocolate: Forms the rich base of the ganache topping.
• Heavy Cream: Melts the chocolate into a smooth, pourable glaze.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and aroma.
• Irish Cream Liqueur (Optional): Adds an extra layer of flavor that pairs beautifully with the stout.
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
If you need flexibility, this Chocolate Guinness Cake with Chocolate Ganache adapts well.
You can substitute another stout beer if Guinness is unavailable. Choose a dark stout for the closest flavor profile.
Greek yogurt can replace sour cream while maintaining moisture and tenderness.
For a slightly sweeter finish, semi-sweet chocolate can be used in place of dark chocolate for the ganache.
To make the cake alcohol-free, simmer the stout a bit longer to cook off more alcohol while preserving flavor.
How to Make Chocolate Guinness Cake with Chocolate Ganache
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Prepare a bundt pan by greasing it thoroughly and lightly dusting it with flour to prevent sticking.
- In a large saucepan over low heat, combine the Guinness stout and butter. Stir until the butter is fully melted.
- Whisk in the cocoa powder and sugar until smooth and fully incorporated. Remove from heat.
- In a separate bowl, beat the sour cream, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. Pour this mixture into the chocolate stout mixture and stir until combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour and baking soda. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
- Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Carefully loosen the edges and invert onto a cooling rack to cool completely.
- To prepare the ganache, heat the dark chocolate and heavy cream together in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until smooth.
- Remove from heat and stir in salt, vanilla, and Irish cream if using.
- Let the ganache cool slightly. For thicker ganache, chill it briefly before pouring over the cooled cake. Drizzle evenly over the top, allowing it to cascade down the sides.
Tips for the Perfect Chocolate Guinness Cake with Chocolate Ganache
Grease the bundt pan thoroughly, paying attention to every curve and crevice. A well-prepared pan prevents sticking and preserves the cake’s beautiful shape.
Do not overmix the batter. Overmixing can make the cake dense instead of tender.
Allow the cake to cool slightly before removing it from the pan. Removing it too soon may cause breaking.
If you prefer thicker ganache that doesn’t drip all the way down, refrigerate it for 5 to 10 minutes before pouring.
Store Chocolate Guinness Cake with Chocolate Ganache covered at room temperature for up to several days. Refrigeration will firm the ganache but may slightly harden the cake.
Serving Ideas and Creative Variations
This Chocolate Guinness Cake with Chocolate Ganache pairs beautifully with freshly brewed coffee or Irish coffee. The bold flavors complement the rich chocolate notes perfectly.
For a festive presentation, dust the top lightly with cocoa powder before adding ganache.
You can also serve slices with lightly whipped cream to balance the richness.
If making ahead, bake the chocolate bundt cake and freeze it without the ganache. Add the chocolate ganache after thawing for best texture.
For a more indulgent twist, add chocolate chips to the batter for extra bursts of chocolate throughout the cake.
What Makes Chocolate Guinness Cake with Chocolate Ganache So Moist?
The combination of stout beer, sour cream, and butter ensures a soft, moist crumb. Guinness enhances the cocoa while maintaining structure. The acidity from the stout reacts with baking soda, helping the cake rise beautifully.
The chocolate ganache topping seals in moisture and adds another layer of rich chocolate flavor, making every bite smooth and decadent.
If you’re searching for a dessert that delivers bold chocolate flavor, elegant presentation, and unforgettable texture, this Chocolate Guinness Cake with Chocolate Ganache is the perfect choice.
Conclusion: A Decadent Dessert Worth Baking Again and Again
Chocolate Guinness Cake with Chocolate Ganache is more than just a dessert — it’s a rich, bakery-quality experience you can create in your own kitchen. The deep cocoa flavor, enhanced by the malty notes of Guinness stout, gives this cake a complexity that sets it apart from traditional chocolate cakes. Combined with the silky chocolate ganache that drapes beautifully over the bundt shape, every slice feels indulgent and special.
What makes this Chocolate Guinness Cake with Chocolate Ganache truly exceptional is its balance. It’s intensely chocolatey without being overly sweet, moist without being heavy, and elegant without requiring complicated techniques. Whether you’re baking for St. Patrick’s Day, a dinner gathering, or simply to satisfy a chocolate craving, this chocolate stout cake delivers impressive results every time.
With simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and stunning presentation, this recipe proves that bold flavors and classic baking can come together effortlessly. Once you try this Chocolate Guinness Cake with Chocolate Ganache, it’s likely to become one of your go-to chocolate desserts for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chocolate Guinness Cake with Chocolate Ganache
1. Does Chocolate Guinness Cake with Chocolate Ganache taste like beer?
No, it doesn’t taste strongly like beer. In Chocolate Guinness Cake with Chocolate Ganache, the stout enhances the cocoa and deepens the chocolate flavor rather than making the cake taste like alcohol. The result is a richer, more complex chocolate profile with subtle malty undertones.
2. Can I make Chocolate Guinness Cake with Chocolate Ganache ahead of time?
Yes, this cake is ideal for making ahead. You can bake the chocolate bundt cake one day in advance and store it tightly covered at room temperature. Add the chocolate ganache the day you plan to serve it for the best texture and shine. If freezing, freeze the cake without ganache and add the topping after thawing.
3. How do I keep my bundt cake from sticking to the pan?
For perfect Chocolate Guinness Cake with Chocolate Ganache, thoroughly grease every curve of the bundt pan and lightly dust it with flour. Allow the cake to cool for about 5 minutes before gently loosening the edges. Proper pan preparation ensures the cake releases cleanly and keeps its beautiful shape.
4. Can I substitute the Guinness in Chocolate Guinness Cake with Chocolate Ganache?
Yes, you can substitute another dark stout beer for a similar flavor. If you prefer to avoid alcohol, simmer the stout longer to cook off more alcohol while retaining flavor, or use a non-alcoholic stout alternative. The key is maintaining that deep, roasted note that complements the chocolate.
More Relevant Recipes
- Red Velvet Cream Cheese Bundt Cake: This rich and moist bundt cake delivers a deep cocoa flavor with a tender crumb, much like a Chocolate Guinness Cake with Chocolate Ganache. Finished with a luscious cream cheese element, it offers the same elegant presentation and decadent texture, making it perfect for celebrations and special occasions.
- Sourdough Discard Brownies Recipe: These intensely chocolatey brownies feature a fudgy center and crackly top, capturing the same bold cocoa richness found in a chocolate stout cake. If you love the deep chocolate flavor profile of Chocolate Guinness Cake with Chocolate Ganache, these brownies provide a similarly indulgent dessert experience in bar form.
- Chocolate Rum Balls Recipe: Packed with rich chocolate flavor and a hint of warm, spirited depth, these no-bake treats echo the sophisticated taste combination found in a stout-infused chocolate cake. Their smooth texture and intense cocoa notes make them a perfect companion recipe for anyone who enjoys bold, chocolate-forward desserts.
Chocolate Guinness Cake with Chocolate Ganache
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 slices
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Chocolate Guinness Cake with Chocolate Ganache is a rich, moist chocolate bundt cake made with Guinness stout for deep cocoa flavor, then finished with a silky dark chocolate ganache (optionally spiked with Irish cream).
Ingredients
- 1 cup Guinness stout beer: Adds malty depth and keeps the cake moist.
- 17 tablespoons unsalted butter: Creates a rich, tender crumb.
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Gives bold chocolate flavor.
- 2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens and balances the dark cocoa.
- 2/3 cup sour cream: Adds moisture and a slight tang.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the batter and add structure.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Enhances the chocolate and aroma.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the cake’s structure.
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking soda: Helps the cake rise and stay light.
- 8 ounces dark chocolate, chopped: The base of the chocolate ganache.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Melts chocolate into a smooth, pourable ganache.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Sharpens and balances the sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth to the ganache.
- 1 tablespoon Irish cream liqueur (optional): Adds a subtle Irish-cream finish.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a bundt pan thoroughly (butter, oil, or coconut oil), then lightly dust with flour and tap out the excess.
- In a large saucepan over low heat, combine the Guinness stout and butter. Stir occasionally until the butter is fully melted.
- Whisk the cocoa powder and sugar into the warm Guinness-butter mixture until smooth. Remove the saucepan from the heat.
- In a medium bowl, beat the sour cream, eggs, and 1 tablespoon vanilla extract until smooth. Pour this mixture into the saucepan and stir until fully combined.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and baking soda. Add the dry ingredients to the saucepan and stir just until evenly mixed (avoid overmixing).
- Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan. Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 5 minutes. Gently loosen the edges with a thin spatula or knife, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- To make the chocolate ganache, place the chopped dark chocolate and heavy cream in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Remove the ganache from the heat and stir in the salt, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and Irish cream liqueur (if using).
- For a thicker drip, chill the ganache in the refrigerator for 5–10 minutes. Spoon or pour ganache over the cooled cake, letting it flow down the sides before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For a clean release, grease every crevice of the bundt pan and dust with flour; tap out excess flour before adding batter.
- Cool the cake for 5 minutes in the pan, then invert onto a rack and let it cool fully before adding ganache.
- If you don’t want ganache to drip to the bottom, refrigerate it for 5–10 minutes before pouring.
- Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 1 week; refrigeration can firm the cake slightly.
- Freezing tip: Freeze the cake without ganache for best results. Add ganache after thawing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Irish-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 713 kcal
- Sugar: 47 g
- Sodium: 379 mg
- Fat: 43 g
- Saturated Fat: 26 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 76 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 135 mg