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–+ servings
Chocolate Cake with Irish Buttercream

Irresistibly Moist Chocolate Cake with Irish Buttercream Delight

Discover the ultimate crowd-pleaser with this moist Guinness Chocolate Cake with Irish Buttercream, perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Cooling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: Irish
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Chocolate Cake Ingredients
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour use whole wheat flour for healthier option
  • 2 cups granulated sugar brown sugar can add richer flavor
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder Dutch-process enhances richness
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda ensure it’s fresh for activation
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder check freshness for proper bubbling
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt table salt is suitable alternative
  • 1 cup sour cream or plain yogurt Greek yogurt works well
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil can substitute with coconut oil or applesauce
  • 2 large eggs room temperature yields better volume
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract use pure vanilla for best results
  • 1 cup Guinness beer replace with strong coffee for non-alcoholic version
Irish Buttercream Ingredients
  • 1 cup unsalted butter at cool room temperature for easy blending
  • 4 cups powdered sugar sifting helps avoid lumps
  • 1/4 cup Irish cream liqueur (e.g., Bailey’s) replace with heavy cream for kid-friendly option
Ganache Ingredients
  • 8 ounces semisweet or bittersweet chocolate dark chocolate can deepen flavor
  • 1 cup heavy cream light cream can be used but may affect texture
Decoration Ingredients
  • sprinkles or chocolate curls optional decoration to elevate your cake

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Mixing bowls
  • whisk
  • Spatula
  • 8-inch round cake pans

Method
 

Baking Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 8-inch round cake pans with butter or cooking spray. Line the bottoms with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and fine sea salt.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sour cream, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and Guinness until fully blended.
  4. Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients and gently fold together until just combined.
  5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and bake for 35-40 minutes, testing for doneness with a toothpick.
  6. While the cakes cool, prepare the Irish buttercream by beating the unsalted butter until fluffy, then gradually adding powdered sugar and Irish cream liqueur.
  7. Once cooled, place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a layer of buttercream on top, then add the second layer.
  8. Apply a thin layer of Irish buttercream around the cake to set the crumb coat and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  9. Generously frost the top and sides of the cake with remaining buttercream and pour chocolate ganache over the top.
  10. Decorate with sprinkles or chocolate curls and let set before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 5gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 3gSugar: 35gVitamin A: 500IUCalcium: 25mgIron: 2mg

Notes

This cake embodies celebration and indulgence—perfect for your next gathering! Consider infusing espresso powder for added flavor depth.

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