Guinness Chocolate Velvet Cake
Indulge in the rich flavors of our Guinness Chocolate Velvet Cake, a decadent dessert that skillfully combines the deep notes of stout beer with the bittersweet essence of cocoa. This cake is incredibly moist and dense, ensuring every bite melts in your mouth. The unexpected hint of Guinness enhances the chocolate flavor without being overwhelming, while the creamy icing adds a delightful finish. Perfect for special occasions or when you're in need of a comforting treat, this cake is easy to prepare, requiring only one pot on the stovetop. Pair it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an irresistible dessert that's sure to impress your guests. Consider adding fresh ginger for an extra layer of zesty warmth; it beautifully complements the cake's unique profile. Delight your senses with every slice!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Guinness stout
1 cup (none)
Unsalted butter
1/2 cup (sliced)
Unsweetened cocoa powder
3/4 cup (sifted)
Superfine sugar
2 cups (none)
Plain yogurt or sour cream
3/4 cup (none)
Eggs
2 (beaten)
Vanilla extract
1 tablespoon (none)
All-purpose flour
2 cups (sifted)
Baking soda
2 1/2 teaspoons (none)
Cream cheese
8 ounces (softened)
Confectioners' sugar
1 cup (none)
Heavy cream
1/2 cup (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Prepare a 9-inch springform pan by buttering it generously and lining the bottom with parchment paper.
3
In a large saucepan, pour in the Guinness stout and add the sliced unsalted butter. Heat gently over medium fire until the butter has completely melted, stirring occasionally to mix.
4
Once melted, sift in the unsweetened cocoa powder and superfine sugar, stirring until fully combined and smooth.
5
In a separate bowl, beat together the plain yogurt (or sour cream), eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually pour this mixture into the warm Guinness batter, whisking to combine.
6
Sift in the all-purpose flour and baking soda, gently folding until just combined. Take care not to overmix the batter.
7
Pour the thick, luscious batter into the prepared springform pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean. Start checking for doneness at the 45-minute mark.
9
Once done, remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a cooling rack, as the moisture will make it delicate.
10
After cooling, carefully peel off the parchment paper and transfer the cake onto a serving platter.
11
To make the icing, in a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese and confectioners' sugar. Using an electric mixer, whip until smooth and creamy, or utilize a food processor for ease.
12
Gradually incorporate the heavy cream, mixing until you reach a spreadable consistency.
13
Spread the cream cheese icing over the top of the cooled cake, starting from the center and fanning outwards, mimicking the frothy head of a pint of Guinness.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Guinness Chocolate Velvet Cake?
It is a decadent dessert that combines the deep notes of stout beer with the bittersweet essence of cocoa for a moist, dense finish.
Does the cake taste strongly of beer?
No, the hint of Guinness enhances the chocolate flavor without being overwhelming.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking.
What type of pan is needed for this recipe?
You should use a 9-inch springform pan that has been buttered and lined with parchment paper.
Is this cake easy to prepare?
Yes, it is easy to make and only requires one pot on the stovetop for the batter preparation.
How do I melt the butter?
Heat the Guinness stout and sliced unsalted butter in a large saucepan over medium heat until the butter has completely melted.
When should I add the cocoa powder?
Once the butter is melted into the stout, sift in the cocoa powder and superfine sugar, stirring until smooth.
Can I use sour cream instead of yogurt?
Yes, the recipe allows for either 3/4 cup of plain yogurt or sour cream.
How should I mix the eggs and vanilla?
Beat the eggs, yogurt, and vanilla extract together in a separate bowl until smooth before whisking them into the Guinness mixture.
Should I sift the flour?
Yes, sift the all-purpose flour and baking soda before gently folding them into the batter.
What is the most important tip for mixing the batter?
Take care not to overmix the batter once the flour and baking soda have been added.
How long does the cake take to bake?
The cake typically takes between 45 minutes to 1 hour to bake.
How do I know the cake is finished baking?
The cake is done when a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Why must the cake cool in the pan?
Because the cake is very moist, it is delicate and needs to cool completely in the pan to maintain its structure.
What is the icing made of?
The icing consists of cream cheese, confectioners' sugar, and heavy cream.
How do I achieve a smooth icing?
Whip the cream cheese and sugar with an electric mixer or use a food processor for ease.
How should I decorate the cake?
Spread the icing starting from the center and fan it outwards to mimic the frothy head of a pint of Guinness.
Can I add ginger to this cake?
Yes, adding fresh ginger provides a zesty warmth that complements the unique chocolate profile.
What are the best side pairings for this dessert?
It pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
What type of sugar is best for the batter?
Superfine sugar is recommended for this recipe to ensure a smooth batter.
How much Guinness stout is required?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of Guinness stout.
Is the butter salted or unsalted?
The recipe specifically requires 1/2 cup of unsalted butter.
What type of cocoa powder should I use?
Use 3/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, and ensure it is sifted.
How many eggs are in the recipe?
The recipe uses 2 beaten eggs.
How much vanilla extract is needed?
You will need 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract.
What amount of flour is used?
The recipe requires 2 cups of sifted all-purpose flour.
How much baking soda is necessary?
You need 2 1/2 teaspoons of baking soda.
How much cream cheese is in the icing?
The icing uses 8 ounces of softened cream cheese.
What is the purpose of the heavy cream in the icing?
It is incorporated gradually to help the icing reach a spreadable consistency.
Is this cake suitable for special occasions?
Yes, its rich flavor and impressive appearance make it perfect for special events or as a comforting treat.