Chocolate Guinness Cake with Baileys Buttercream Frosting

Let’s be real—some desserts just hit differently. And this Chocolate Guinness Cake with Baileys Buttercream Frosting? It’s one of those desserts. Rich, moist, and packed with deep chocolate flavor, this Chocolate Guinness Cake is made for serious indulgence. The Guinness adds a subtle malty richness that takes the chocolate to the next level, while the Baileys buttercream? Oh man, it’s smooth, creamy, and just boozy enough to keep things interesting.

Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day (or, honestly, any time you’re craving something decadent), this cake is surprisingly easy to whip up. No need for fancy skills—just some basic baking tools, good ingredients, and a little patience while it bakes to perfection. And if you’re looking for something equally cozy but a little different, you might want to check out these Earl Grey Sugar Cookies—they pair ridiculously well with a cup of tea or coffee.

Beyond tasting amazing, this cake has a mix of ingredients that each play a role:

• Guinness Stout: Adds depth, enhancing the chocolatey goodness.
• Cocoa Powder: The foundation of that rich, dark flavor.
• Butter & Sugar: The duo that keeps it moist and sweet.
• Baileys Irish Cream: The secret to a frosting so good, you’ll want to eat it with a spoon.

Stay tuned—I’ll walk you through the best way to make this beauty, plus a few tips to make it even easier!

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Guinness Cake

Listen, I don’t throw around the word obsessed lightly—but this Chocolate Guinness Cake with Baileys Buttercream Frosting is next level. If you’re even thinking about making this cake, let me tell you why it’s about to become your new favorite.

1. It’s Insanely Moist and Rich

Thanks to the Guinness, this cake has a deep, chocolatey flavor with an unbelievably soft texture. The stout doesn’t make it taste like beer (so don’t worry about that), but it does bring out the best in the cocoa powder. And since it’s loaded with butter and sour cream, you get that melt-in-your-mouth goodness in every bite.

2. The Frosting is Straight-Up Addictive

If you’ve never had Bailey’s buttercream, prepare to fall in love. It’s silky, slightly boozy, and perfectly sweet without being overpowering. Honestly, I could eat this stuff with a spoonful. (No judgment if you do, too.)

3. It’s Perfect for Any Occasion

Sure, this cake screams St. Patrick’s Day, but let’s be real—you don’t need a holiday to enjoy chocolate and Baileys. Birthdays, dinner parties, random Tuesday nights when you need a pick-me-up… this cake just works.

4. It Pairs Well with… Everything

Slice it up with a hot cup of coffee, a glass of Irish whiskey, or even alongside these Earl Grey Sugar Cookies for a little tea-time indulgence. However you serve it, it’s gonna be a hit.

5. It’s Easier to Make Than You Think

No crazy techniques, no hard-to-find ingredients—just a simple, foolproof recipe that delivers every time. And trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again (and again).

Ingredients for Chocolate Guinness Cake

Alright, let’s talk about what makes this Chocolate Guinness Cake with Baileys Buttercream Frosting so ridiculously good. Every ingredient plays a key role, from the deep chocolate flavor to the ultra-moist texture. Grab these, and you’re on your way to baking something seriously epic.

Cake Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240ml) Guinness Stout – The magic ingredient! It enhances the chocolate flavor and keeps the cake incredibly moist.
• 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter – Because butter makes everything better.
• ¾ cup (75g) unsweetened cocoa powder – Go for a high-quality brand for the richest flavor.
• 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar – Sweetens and balances the bitterness of the cocoa.
• ¾ cup (180ml) sour cream – Adds creaminess and keeps the cake soft.
• 2 large eggs – Helps bind everything together.
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract – Adds depth and rounds out the chocolate notes.
• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour – The base of any great cake.
• 2 ½ teaspoons baking soda – Gives the cake that perfect rise.
• ½ teaspoon salt – Because a little salt makes everything taste better.

Baileys Buttercream Frosting:

• 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened – The creamy foundation for the frosting.
• 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar – For that smooth, sweet texture.
• 3 tablespoons Baileys Irish Cream – This is where the magic happens!
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Because vanilla + Baileys = perfection.
• Pinch of salt – Just a little to balance the sweetness.

If you’re into trying different desserts, you might also love these Earl Grey Sugar Cookies—they’re a fun, delicate treat that pairs beautifully with a cup of tea.

Essential Tools for Baking for Chocolate Guinness Cake

Baking this Chocolate Guinness Cake with Baileys Buttercream Frosting doesn’t require a fancy setup, but having the right tools will make your life so much easier. Here’s what you’ll need:

Must-Have Tools

• 9-inch round cake pan (or two 8-inch pans) – This ensures even baking and a perfect cake shape. If you want a layered look, go with two 8-inch pans.
• Mixing bowls – At least two: one for dry ingredients, one for wet.
• Whisk & spatula – A whisk helps incorporate the dry ingredients, while a spatula is perfect for folding and scraping every last bit of batter.
• Electric mixer (hand or stand mixer) – You can mix everything by hand, but trust me, an electric mixer will save time and effort, especially for the Baileys buttercream.
• Measuring cups & spoons – Baking is all about precision. Eyeballing ingredients? Not today!
• Sifter – Helps prevent clumps in cocoa powder and ensures a smooth, even batter.

Nice-to-Have Extras

• Offset spatula – This makes spreading the frosting super easy. A butter knife works, but an offset spatula? Game changer.
• Wire cooling rack – Speeds up the cooling process so you can frost faster.
• Cake turntable – If you’re feeling fancy and want a perfectly frosted cake, this tool makes swirling that Bailey’s buttercream is effortless.

Got your tools ready? Perfect. Before we dive into baking, if you’re into unique treats, check out these Earl Grey Sugar Cookies—they’re delicate, buttery, and a great companion to your cake.

How to Make the Chocolate Guinness Cake

Alright, let’s get baking! This Chocolate Guinness Cake with Baileys Buttercream Frosting is easy to make, even if you’re not a pro baker. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a rich, moist cake with the silkiest frosting ever.

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch round cake pan (or two 8-inch pans) with parchment paper.
2. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the Guinness and bring to a slight simmer. Remove from heat.

Step 2: Make the Batter

3. Whisk in the cocoa powder and sugar into the warm Guinness-butter mixture until smooth.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sour cream, eggs, and vanilla extract.
5. Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the Guinness mixture, stirring until combined.
6. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet ingredients, mixing until smooth.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan(s) and smooth the top.
8. Bake for 45-50 minutes (or 30-35 minutes for two 8-inch pans) until a toothpick comes out clean.
9. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Make the Baileys Buttercream

10. Beat butter until fluffy, then gradually mix in the powdered sugar.
11. Add Baileys Irish Cream and vanilla extract, beating until smooth.

Step 5: Frost & Enjoy!

12. Spread that dreamy Baileys buttercream over the cooled cake. Slice and serve!

Looking for another sweet treat? These Earl Grey Sugar Cookies pair perfectly with a cup of tea and a slice of this cake.

Swaps and Substitutions of Chocolate Guinness Cake

Not everyone has Guinness or Baileys on hand, and that’s fine! You can still make a ridiculously good Chocolate Guinness Cake with Baileys Buttercream Frosting with a few easy swaps. Whether you need a non-alcoholic version, a gluten-free alternative, or just a quick substitution, I’ve got you covered.

Don’t Have Guinness? Try These Instead:

• Black Coffee – Keeps the cake rich and deepens the chocolate flavor.
• Chocolate Stout – If you don’t have Guinness but still want beer, try a chocolate stout for a similar effect.
• Root Beer or Cola – Adds sweetness and a little bit of fizz for moisture.

No Baileys? No Problem!

• Heavy Cream + Vanilla Extract – A splash of cream with a little vanilla gives a smooth, creamy frosting without the alcohol.
• Irish Cream-Flavored Coffee Creamer – Adds that signature taste without the booze.
• Milk + a Tiny Splash of Whiskey – If you just need a touch of Irish kick, this works great!

Gluten-Free Option:

• Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free 1:1 baking mix (like Bob’s Red Mill). The texture stays soft and delicious.

Dairy-Free? You Can Still Have It!

• Use vegan butter for both the cake and frosting.
• Swap sour cream for coconut yogurt or a dairy-free alternative.
• Use oat milk or almond milk in the frosting instead of Baileys.

No matter how you tweak it, this cake is going to be so good. And if you’re into unique flavors, try these Earl Grey Sugar Cookies—they’re buttery, delicate, and a great contrast to this rich cake.

What to Serve with Chocolate Guinness Cake

This Chocolate Guinness Cake with Baileys Buttercream Frosting is already a showstopper, but the right pairing can take it to the next level. Whether you’re going for a cozy night in or a full-blown dessert spread, here are some of the best drinks and sides to serve with this rich, chocolatey masterpiece.

Best Drinks to Pair with It

• Irish Coffee – A hot cup of coffee with a splash of whiskey and cream? Yes, please! The bold flavors cut through the richness of the cake.
• More Guinness! – If you’re already baking with it, why not drink it too? A smooth pint of Guinness pairs perfectly with this cake’s malty chocolate notes.
• Baileys on the Rocks – A chilled glass of Baileys complements the frosting like a dream.
• Red Wine – A bold, slightly sweet wine (like a Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel) makes for a perfect contrast to the deep cocoa flavors.
• Milk (Duh!) – You can never go wrong with a cold glass of milk to balance out the sweetness.

Toppings & Extras

• Whipped Cream – A dollop of fresh whipped cream makes every bite extra luscious.
• Chocolate Shavings – Sprinkle some on top for an elegant finish.
• Fresh Berries – Strawberries or raspberries add a fresh, tart contrast to all the chocolatey goodness.
• A Side of Ice Cream – A scoop of vanilla or coffee ice cream takes this dessert over the top.

Looking for another dessert to impress? These Earl Grey Sugar Cookies are light, buttery, and a great balance to this rich cake.

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6 FAQs About Chocolate Guinness Cake

1. What is the best frosting for Guinness cake?

The best frosting for Chocolate Guinness Cake is hands down Baileys Buttercream Frosting. The smooth, creamy texture and slight boozy sweetness of Baileys complement the deep, malty chocolate flavor of the cake perfectly. If you prefer something less sweet, a whipped cream cheese frosting or a dark chocolate ganache also works beautifully.

2. Can you add Baileys to chocolate cake?

Absolutely! Bailey Irish Cream adds a rich, slightly boozy flavor that pairs incredibly well with chocolate. You can mix it directly into the batter for extra moisture and a hint of Irish cream goodness. Just replace part of the liquid (like milk or cream) with Baileys to keep the right texture.

3. How to make Baileys Buttercream Frosting?

It’s super easy! Beat 1 cup of softened butter until fluffy, then gradually add 3 cups of powdered sugar. Pour in 3 tablespoons of Baileys Irish Cream and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, then whip until smooth. If it’s too thick, add a splash of milk or more Baileys to get the perfect consistency.

4. What does Guinness do to cake?

Guinness makes the cake incredibly moist, rich, and deep in flavor. The stout enhances the chocolate, giving it a subtle malty, almost caramel-like undertone. Don’t worry—it won’t taste like beer! The alcohol mostly bakes out, leaving behind only the good stuff.

5. Can you mix Guinness and Baileys?

Yes! In drinks, you’ll find them together in Irish cocktails, like the famous Irish Car Bomb. In baking, they create an amazing combination—Guinness deepens the chocolate flavor in the cake, while Baileys adds a creamy, sweet contrast in the frosting.

6. What type of frosting is best for chocolate cake?

It depends on your vibe! For something creamy and sweet, Baileys Buttercream is perfect. If you love tangy flavors, a chocolate cream cheese frosting works great. Want something ultra-decadent? A silky chocolate ganache takes it to the next level.

Looking for another indulgent dessert? These Earl Grey Sugar Cookies are delicate, buttery, and pair beautifully with a warm cup of tea or coffee!

If you’re looking for the ultimate dessert that’s rich, indulgent, and packed with Irish flavor, this Chocolate Guinness Cake with Baileys Buttercream Frosting is the one. It’s got everything—deep, chocolatey goodness, a ridiculously moist texture, and a smooth, creamy frosting with just the right kick of Baileys. Whether you’re making it for St. Patrick’s Day, a birthday, or just because you deserve a slice of something amazing, this cake never disappoints.

The best part? It’s easier to make than you think. No complicated techniques, no fancy ingredients—just a simple batter, a little patience while it bakes, and a Baileys-infused buttercream that comes together in minutes. Serve it with a cup of coffee, a glass of whiskey, or even another pint of Guinness, and you’ve got a dessert that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Oh, and if you’re in the mood for something a little different, but just as delicious, you might want to check out these Earl Grey Sugar Cookies. They’re buttery, fragrant, and the perfect balance to a rich, chocolatey cake like this.

Now, the only thing left to do? Grab your ingredients, turn on the oven, and get baking. Trust me—you won’t regret it. Cheers!