1-First Step: Reduce the Stout Beer Simmer two 11.2 12 ounce bottles of stout beer in a large saucepan over medium heat until about 3/4 cup remains, which takes around 30 minutes. This step concentrates the flavor and removes the alcohol, leaving a rich liquid that enhances the chocolate Guinness cake’s taste.

2-Second Step: Preheat and Prepare the Pans Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper to ensure the cake releases easily and bakes evenly.

3-Third Step: Mix the Dry Ingredients In a large bowl, whisk together 1 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup unsweetened natural cocoa powder, 1 and 3/4 cups granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons baking soda, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and 2 teaspoons espresso powder if you’re using it. This creates a solid base for your Irish stout chocolate cake.

4-Fourth Step: Combine the Wet Ingredients In another bowl, whisk 1/2 cup vegetable oil, 3/4 cup full-fat sour cream at room temperature, 2 large eggs at room temperature, and 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract until smooth. Then, add 1/2 cup buttermilk at room temperature and mix well to blend everything together.

5-Fifth Step: Bring It All Together Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ones, stirring until just combined. Pour in 1/2 cup of the hot reduced stout and mix until the batter is smooth and glossy, which helps bloom the cocoa for that intense chocolate flavor.

6-Sixth Step: Bake the Cake Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 25 to 28 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely in the pans on a wire rack before moving on.

7-Seventh Step: Make the Frosting For the frosting, beat 8 ounces softened full-fat cream cheese and 1/2 cup unsalted butter until smooth. Add 2 and 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar, 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 3 tablespoons cooled reduced stout, and a pinch of salt, then beat until creamy. Adjust as needed with more sugar or stout for the perfect consistency on your chocolate cake with cream cheese frosting.

8-Final Step: Assemble and Serve Level the cake layers if they’re domed, place one on a plate, spread frosting on top, add the second layer, and frost the top and sides. Chill for 30 to 60 minutes before serving to set the flavors. The total time is about 5 hours, including chilling, making it ideal for busy schedules. For more ideas on complementary desserts, check out our easy no-churn ice cream recipe to pair with this one.