Name: Crispy Guinness Chocolate Cake Recipe
Prep time: 2 h
Cook time: 27 min
Total time: 5 h
Cuisine: Irish
Ingredients: 2 bottles (11.2–12 ounces each) Guinness beer; 1 and 3/4 cups (219g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled); 3/4 cup (62g) unsweetened natural cocoa powder; 1 and 3/4 cups (350g) granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons baking soda; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 teaspoons espresso powder (optional); 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil (or canola oil or melted coconut oil); 3/4 cup (180g) full-fat sour cream, at room temperature; 2 large eggs, at room temperature; 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 1/2 cup (120ml) buttermilk, at room temperature; 8 ounces (226g) full-fat brick cream cheese, softened to room temperature; 1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature; 2 and 1/2 cups (300g) confectioners’ sugar; 1/2 cup (41g) unsweetened natural or dutch-process cocoa powder; 3 Tablespoons (45ml) reduced Guinness, from step 1; Pinch salt; Optional: gold sprinkles for garnish

If you’re a chocolate lover who also enjoys a rich, malty twist, then this Crispy Guinness Chocolate Cake Recipe is about to become your new favorite. It’s deeply chocolatey, wonderfully moist, and has that unmistakable hint of Guinness that elevates it to something special every time.

The image shows a rich chocolate cake in two layers covered with dark brown smooth chocolate frosting. The top layer has thick swirled chocolate frosting borders decorated with small golden sugar sprinkles. A slice of cake is slightly pulled out, showing a moist, dense chocolate cake layer beneath the frosting. The cake sits on a round wooden board placed on a white marbled surface, with a green cloth nearby and a silver cake server lifting the slice. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Guinness Chocolate Cake Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy Guinness Chocolate Cake Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy Guinness Chocolate Cake Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I still remember the first time I made this Guinness chocolate cake — the rich aroma filling the kitchen and the surprise on everyone’s faces when they tasted that deep layer of fudge paired with the subtle beer undertone. It’s a crowd-pleaser every single time!

Bold Flavor Fusion: Real Guinness is reduced to intensify flavor without changing the cake’s moist, tender crumb.
Simple Ingredients: Pantry staples come together with Irish charm for a homemade feel.
Versatile Treat: Perfect as a layered cake, sheet cake, or cupcakes for any occasion.
Dreamy Frosting: Cream cheese cocoa frosting with a hint of Guinness ties this cake together beautifully.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before we dive in, here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need. I've got some tips for picking the best versions of these ingredients so your cake tops out in flavor and texture.

Flat lay of two whole uncracked brown eggs, a small mound of all-purpose flour, a small mound of natural unsweetened cocoa powder, a small pile of granulated sugar, a small pile of baking soda, a small pile of baking powder, a small pile of salt, a small pile of espresso powder, a simple white ceramic bowl containing glossy vegetable oil, a simple white ceramic bowl with full-fat sour cream, a small white ceramic bowl with pure vanilla extract, a small white ceramic bowl holding buttermilk, a simple white ceramic bowl containing reduced dark Guinness beer, a block of full-fat cream cheese, a stick of unsalted butter, a small pile of confectioners’ sugar, and a small pile of natural cocoa powder, all arranged with perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Guinness beer: The star of the show! Reducing it concentrates the flavor without adding extra liquid, making the cake incredibly rich and moist.
All-purpose flour: Provides structure and keeps the cake tender, especially important since cocoa powder can make things a bit delicate.
Unsweetened natural cocoa powder: Using natural cocoa helps to bloom beautifully with the hot Guinness, intensifying that deep chocolate flavor.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a nice crumb.
Baking soda and baking powder: These leavening agents work together to give the cake a gentle rise and lovely texture.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all those chocolatey notes.
Espresso powder: (optional) A secret weapon for boosting the chocolate intensity without tasting like coffee.
Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist — plus, oil-based cakes stay tender longer than butter-based ones.
Full-fat sour cream: Adds richness and contributes to a velvety crumb.
Large eggs: Bind everything together, adding structure and moisture.
Pure vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors and adds a sweet aroma.
Buttermilk: Adds tang and reacts with the leaveners for a light, fluffy texture — fresh is best, or see the note if you need a substitute.
Full-fat brick cream cheese: For that rich, luscious frosting that perfectly balances the cake’s flavor.
Unsalted butter: Adds creaminess and stability to the frosting.
Confectioners’ sugar: Sweetens and smooths the frosting.
Unsweetened cocoa powder (natural or Dutch-process): Gives the frosting its delightful chocolate flavor.
Reduced Guinness: Used in the frosting too, to echo that special beer note and tie everything together.
Pinch of salt: Just enough to balance the sweetness in the frosting.
Optional gold sprinkles: Because sometimes your cake deserves a little extra sparkle!

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Crispy Guinness Chocolate Cake Recipe is how adaptable it is. Whether you want to switch things up for dietary needs or just put your own spin on it, there’s plenty of room to get creative without losing the signature rich, moist flavor infused by that reduced Guinness.

Gluten-Free Variation: Swap out the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. I tried this once using a blend with xanthan gum, and it turned out wonderfully moist without compromising the cake’s texture.
Dairy-Free Version: Replace the sour cream and buttermilk with coconut cream and a plant-based milk soured with lemon juice. I noticed the cake still held its rich flavor, and the frosting can be made using vegan cream cheese and margarine for a luscious finish.
Guinness Cupcakes: If you’re short on time or prefer smaller treats, bake the batter in cupcake liners at 350°F for about 20–22 minutes. The same frosting works beautifully on each cupcake, and they’re perfect for sharing at parties.
Sheet Cake Option: Baking as a sheet cake in a 9x13-inch pan is super convenient for casual gatherings. Just bake for 40 minutes at 350°F. I love this option for potlucks when slicing and serving needs to be quick and easy.
Seasonal Twists: For fall, stir in a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice to the dry ingredients. Around St. Patrick’s Day, add a few drops of mint extract to the frosting for a festive touch. Both additions bring great depth without overpowering the Guinness-chocolate harmony.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Guinness Chocolate Cake Recipe

A thick slice of dark chocolate cake with two rich, moist layers separated by a smooth, creamy chocolate frosting sits on a white plate. The top and sides of the slice are coated with the same frosting, decorated with small golden sugar sprinkles on the edge. A silver fork presses gently into the bottom layer of the cake. The background shows a soft white marbled texture with a blurred dark cup in the distance. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Reduce the Guinness to Concentrate That Flavor

Start by bringing both bottles of Guinness to a boil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Once boiling, turn the heat down to medium-low and let it gently simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes, until the volume reduces to roughly ¾ cup. This concentrated Guinness is the secret star that pumps up the chocolate flavor without thinning your batter. Use ½ cup of it while it's still hot for the cake, and save the rest to bring into your frosting later. Pro tip: You can do this up to 2 or 3 days ahead and store it in the fridge — just warm back up before using in the cake batter.

Step 2: Prep Your Cake Pans for Easy, Clean Release

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease two 9-inch cake pans thoroughly, then line the bottoms with parchment paper rounds. Don’t forget to grease the parchment too — this little step makes removing the cakes a breeze after baking and helps keep your layers perfectly intact. This is a game changer!

Step 3: Whisk Together the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour, natural cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and espresso powder if you’re using it. This little combo ensures an even distribution for that classic rich texture and a subtle espresso kick that amps up the chocolate. Set this bowl aside while you move on to mixing the wet ingredients.

Step 4: Blend the Wet Ingredients to Creamy Perfection

Using a stand or handheld mixer with the whisk attachment, combine the vegetable oil, full-fat sour cream, eggs, and vanilla extract on medium-high speed until fully blended. Next, add the buttermilk and mix again until smooth and uniform. All your refrigerated ingredients should be at room temperature here—it helps everything mix together seamlessly without lumps.

Step 5: Bring It All Together with Hot Reduced Guinness

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry, then gently stir or whisk just until combined. Now pour in the hot reduced Guinness and mix on low speed until your batter is smooth and silky. It will be thin—about 6 cups or 1250g total—which is perfect for this moist, tender crumb. That hot Guinness really “blooms” the cocoa powder, intensifying the chocolate flavor beautifully.

Step 6: Bake Your Cake Layers Until Perfect

Divide the batter evenly between your two prepared pans. Pop them in your preheated oven and bake for 27 minutes, checking with a toothpick inserted in the center—it should come out clean when done. Keep an eye near the end of baking, as ovens vary. Once baked, let your cakes cool completely in the pans on a wire rack before handling.

Step 7: Whip Up That Luxurious Guinness Cocoa Frosting

Beat softened cream cheese and butter together on medium speed for about 2 minutes until creamy and smooth. Add confectioners’ sugar, cocoa powder, 3 tablespoons of the cooled reduced Guinness, and a pinch of salt. Beat on low speed for 30 seconds to incorporate, then crank it up to high and beat for 1 full minute—don’t overdo it or the frosting can get too fluffy. Adjust the consistency if needed by adding more powdered sugar (if too thin) or a tablespoon more Guinness (if too thick). Taste and sprinkle in an extra pinch of salt if you want to brighten the flavors.

Step 8: Assemble and Frost Like a Pro

If your cake layers have domed tops, level them off carefully with a serrated knife so your cake stacks perfectly flat. Place one layer on your serving plate or cake stand and spread about 1 cup (250g) of frosting evenly across the top. Add the second layer and cover the entire cake’s top and sides with the remaining frosting. For a smooth, professional finish, use a bench scraper to gently smooth out the sides. If you want to get fancy, pipe extra frosting on top, or sprinkle with gold shimmer sprinkles for a festive touch!

Step 9: Chill and Slice with Confidence

Refrigerate your assembled cake, uncovered, for 30 to 60 minutes. This chilling step helps the frosting firm up, so your slices stay clean and tidy. You can serve the cake chilled or bring it back to room temperature depending on your preference. Leftovers store beautifully wrapped tightly in the fridge for up to 5 days—though honestly, this cake rarely lasts that long!

Top Tip

These tips come from countless batches of baking and tasting—I want to make sure your Crispy Guinness Chocolate Cake Recipe turns out as beautifully as it can every time!

Perfect Guinness Reduction: Always reduce your Guinness slowly over medium-low heat until it’s about ¾ cup—this intensifies the flavor beautifully without drying it out. I like to do this a day or two ahead to save time and deepen the flavor even further.
Room Temperature Matters: Bringing all your dairy ingredients—like eggs, sour cream, butter, and cream cheese—to room temperature is a game changer for smooth batter and frosting. It makes mixing easier and gives you that luscious texture every time.
Thin Batter Isn’t a Problem: The batter will be thinner than you expect and that’s exactly right! Trust the process. It bakes up into a wonderfully moist and tender cake, so resist the urge to add more flour.
Level Your Layers: Don’t skip leveling your cake layers before frosting—it makes stacking neater and gives your cake a professional look that’s worth the little extra effort.

How to Serve Crispy Guinness Chocolate Cake Recipe

The image shows two parts of making a chocolate batter. On the left, a clear glass bowl with thick, smooth dark brown chocolate batter is being mixed with a metal whisk, while a clear measuring glass is pouring more dark liquid into the bowl, creating small bubbles on the surface. On the right, two round white bowls contain evenly spread dark brown batter with a slightly shiny, textured surface, resting on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

While the cream cheese cocoa frosting itself is rich and indulgent, a few gold sprinkles scattered on top add a festive sparkle and contrast. For a rustic touch, dust a little cocoa powder or powdered sugar right before serving. Fresh berries like raspberries or blackberries can also brighten up each slice.

Side Dishes

This cake is a star on its own, but pairing it with lightly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream complements the dense, fudgy texture perfectly. For a boozy twist, serve alongside Irish coffee or a creamy stout stout milkshake. A simple platter of mixed nuts or salted caramel popcorn makes for lovely snack companions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once frosted, store your cake tightly covered in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. It will stay moist and delicious for up to 5 days. I recommend using a cake carrier if you have one—it makes transport and storage easier and keeps your cake protected.

Freezing

You can freeze baked cake layers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 3 months. Thaw them fully in the fridge before frosting and assembling. The finished frosted cake also freezes well; wrap securely and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

This cake is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, but if you want to warm a slice slightly, microwave it for about 10 seconds. That melts the frosting just enough to enhance the gooey, fudgy bite without ruining the cream cheese texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I substitute the Guinness with another type of beer or liquid?

While Guinness gives this cake its classic rich and malty flavor, you can experiment with other stouts or porters. Avoid light beers or non-beer liquids as they won’t provide the same depth. Remember, reducing the beer is key to concentrate flavor without making the cake soggy.

Why is the cake batter so thin? Is something wrong?

This cake batter is naturally thin due to the reduced Guinness and sour cream. Don’t add more flour; the thin batter is what helps create a moist and tender crumb once baked.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

You can try substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking. Make sure it contains xanthan gum or a similar binder for structure. Keep in mind texture and flavor might vary slightly.

How do I prevent the frosting from becoming too runny or too stiff?

Adjusting the frosting consistency is easy: add more confectioners’ sugar to thicken or a tablespoon more of the reduced Guinness to loosen. Beat on low speed after each addition and check the texture. Avoid over-whipping to keep it smooth and creamy.

Final Thoughts

Thanks for baking along with me! This Crispy Guinness Chocolate Cake Recipe is truly one of those desserts that brings a little magic to any occasion—whether it’s a cozy night in or a big celebration. With its deeply rich chocolate flavor accented by that unique Guinness edge, every slice feels special. Don’t forget that little extras like garnishes and a chill to set the frosting can elevate the experience. I hope you enjoy every bite as much as I do!