Happy Baking Everyone! A pint of plain is your only man
This is my take on a Guinness Cake, folks, and I created the recipe to fit the 20cm x 30cm pan like all the other cakes. It’s delicious, decadent, moist and rich with a subtle taste of the black stuff but nothing overpowering.
Have a go. You owe it to yourself!
Chris’s Chocolate Guinness Cake
Ingredients
☘️ Love Irish Food & Culture?
Every Wednesday, we send our best Irish recipes, food stories, and kitchen traditions straight to your inbox. Join 64,000+ readers who love Ireland.
| Ingredient | Metric | Imperial / US Cups |
|---|---|---|
| Plain Flour | 250g | 2 cups |
| Baking Soda | 1 1/2 tsp | 1 1/2 tsp |
| Baking Powder | 1 1/2 tsp | 1 1/2 tsp |
| Salt | Pinch | Pinch |
| Cocoa Powder | 70g | 1/2 cup + 1 tbsp |
| White Sugar | 100g | 1/2 cup |
| Soft Dark Brown Sugar | 200g | 1 cup |
| Large Eggs | 2 | 2 |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 1/2 tsp | 1 1/2 tsp |
| Vegetable Oil | 100ml | 1/3 cup + 1 tbsp |
| Crème Fraîche or Sour Cream | 200g | 3/4 cup + 1 tbsp |
| Guinness | 300ml | 1 1/4 cups |
| Boiling Water | 100ml | 1/3 cup + 1 tbsp |
Cream Cheese Frosting
| Ingredient | Metric | Imperial / US Cups |
|---|---|---|
| Butter | 100g | 1 stick |
| Cream Cheese | 300g | 1 1/4 cups |
| Icing Sugar | 150g | 1 1/4 cups |
| Vanilla Essence | 1 tsp | 1 tsp |
Method
Sieve the flour, cocoa powder, salt and raising agents in a bowl and set aside. In another bowl, lightly beat the eggs with the sugars. Add the vanilla, oil and crème fraîche, and gently incorporate. Pour in the Guinness, then add the dry ingredients and mix well. Finally, add the boiling water and gently mix until the batter is smooth.
Transfer to the baking pan.
Bake at 180°C/356°F conventional oven for 35 minutes or 160°C/320°F fan assisted.
Once the cake has cooled, move on to the cream cheese frosting. Whip the butter and icing sugar together for about 1 minute. Add the cream cheese and vanilla essence. Whip for another 2-3 minutes until light and creamy. Spread over the cake using a spatula or a palette knife. Chill for about 20 minutes then cut and serve.
Additional Notes
This recipe is converted from grams, so the US cup measurements are approximate.
All the best,
Chris – Your Irish Baker Abroad
How to Store Chris’s Chocolate Guinness Cake
Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 4 days. Allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavour and texture.
Can You Freeze Chris’s Chocolate Guinness Cake?
Yes, you can freeze the cake without the frosting. Wrap it tightly in cling film and then aluminium foil to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting and serving.
Why Is My Guinness Cake Not Moist?
Ensure you measure the ingredients accurately, especially the liquids. Overbaking can dry out the cake, so check for doneness at 30 minutes and avoid baking longer than necessary. Using fresh ingredients like baking powder and soda also helps maintain moisture.
Experience Authentic Irish Food in Person
Learn to bake authentic Irish scones and bread in a local home in Galway. This is a wonderful way to connect with Irish food culture and bring a real skill home with you.
Book: Traditional Irish Homemade Baking Scones and Bread class in Galway
For more delicious Irish baking inspiration, check out our Irish soda bread recipe and Chris’s Traditional Irish Soda Bread. If you love scones, don’t miss the Irish Soda Scones or the raisin scones recipe from the Irish Baker Abroad. For hearty meals, try the traditional Irish stew recipe or the Guinness Shepherd’s Pie.
Love Traditional Irish Food?
We share authentic Irish recipes, baking tips, and food traditions every week. Join thousands of readers who get the best of Irish cooking delivered straight to their inbox.
Join the Love Irish Cooking Newsletter
64,000 Ireland lovers can’t be wrong.
Every week, our free newsletter delivers hidden gems, seasonal guides, local stories, and practical travel tips — straight to your inbox. Join the community that loves Ireland as much as you do.
FREE GUIDE: 25 Hidden Gems of Ireland That Most Tourists Never Find (PDF)
☘️ Get More Irish Recipes & Stories
Join 64,000+ readers for weekly Irish recipes, food traditions, travel guides, and hidden gems. Free every morning.
📥 Free Download: Ireland Travel Planning Guide
Our most popular resource — itineraries, insider tips, and the 50 places you must not miss.
Secure Your Dream Irish Experience Before It’s Gone!
Planning a trip to Ireland? Don’t let sold-out tours or packed attractions spoil your journey. Iconic experiences like visiting the Cliffs of Moher, exploring the Rock of Cashel, or enjoying a guided walk through Ireland’s ancient past often sell out quickly—especially during peak travel seasons.
Booking in advance guarantees your place and ensures you can fully immerse yourself in the rich culture and breathtaking scenery without stress or disappointment. You’ll also free up time to explore Ireland’s hidden gems and savour those authentic moments that make your trip truly special.
Make the most of your journey—start planning today and secure those must-do experiences before they’re gone!