Name: Nigella Guiness Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Ingredients: 250 ml Guinness stout; 250g unsalted butter; 75g unsweetened cocoa powder; 400g caster sugar; 150 ml sour cream; 2 large eggs; 2 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract; 275g all-purpose flour; 2 ½ teaspoons bicarbonate of soda; 300g cream cheese; 150g icing sugar; 2 teaspoons cornflour; 125 ml double cream (or whipping cream)

This decadent Nigella Guinness Cake is made with rich Guinness stout, dark cocoa powder, sour cream, and unsalted butter. The result is an incredibly moist, dark, and velvety chocolate cake with a deep, malty flavor. Topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting, this stunning dessert is perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or any special occasion, yielding about 12 generous slices.

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Nigella Guinness Cake Ingredients

For the Cake:

250 ml Guinness stout
250g unsalted butter
75g unsweetened cocoa powder
400g caster sugar (superfine sugar)
150 ml sour cream
2 large eggs
2 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
275g all-purpose flour
2 ½ teaspoons bicarbonate of soda (baking soda)

For the Topping:

300g full-fat cream cheese, at room temperature
150g icing sugar (confectioners’ sugar)
2 teaspoons cornflour (cornstarch)
125 ml double cream or heavy whipping cream, cold

How To Make Nigella Guinness Cake

Preheat and prep the pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C / 160°C Fan). Grease a 9-inch (23cm) springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
Melt the base ingredients: Pour the Guinness into a large saucepan and add the butter. Place over medium heat and warm until the butter is fully melted. Remove from the heat.
Whisk in sugar and cocoa: Whisk the cocoa powder and caster sugar into the warm Guinness mixture until smooth.
Add the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the sour cream with the eggs and vanilla extract. Pour this mixture into the saucepan with the Guinness base and whisk to combine.
Finish the batter: Add the all-purpose flour and bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) to the saucepan. Whisk gently until the batter is smooth and well-combined.
Bake the cake: Pour the cake batter into your prepared springform pan. Bake for 45 to 60 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool completely: Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This is a very moist cake, so it needs to be fully cool to become firm enough to handle.
Make the topping: In a bowl, lightly whip the cream cheese until smooth and free of lumps. Sift in the icing sugar and cornflour, then beat until combined.
Finish the frosting: Add the cold double cream (or heavy whipping cream) and beat until the frosting is thick and has a spreadable consistency.
Frost the cake: Once the cake is completely cold, remove it from the springform pan and place it on a cake stand. Spread the cream cheese frosting over the top, creating a smooth layer that looks like the frothy head on a pint of Guinness.

Recipe Tips

Cool Completely Before Frosting: This cake is incredibly moist and delicate when warm. You must let it cool completely in the pan before attempting to remove it or frost it, otherwise it may fall apart and the frosting will melt.
Use a Springform Pan: A springform pan is highly recommended. Its removable sides make it easy to release the tender cake without needing to flip it upside down, which could cause it to break.
Room Temperature Cream Cheese: For the smoothest, lump-free frosting, ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature. Cold cream cheese is difficult to whip and can result in a clumpy topping.
Don’t Over-beat the Frosting: Mix the frosting ingredients just until they are smooth and spreadable. Over-whipping, especially with double cream, can cause it to become grainy or too thin.

What To Serve Guinness Cake

This Nigella Guinness Cake is rich and satisfying all on its own. It needs very little accompaniment. It pairs perfectly with a strong cup of black coffee or an espresso, which complements the deep chocolate flavors. For a truly authentic experience, serve a slice with a small glass of Guinness stout. A simple dollop of unsweetened whipped cream can also be a nice alternative for those who prefer a less tangy topping.

How To Store Guinness Cake Leftovers

Refrigerate: Due to the cream cheese frosting, the cake must be stored in the refrigerator. Place it in an airtight container or cover it loosely with plastic wrap. It will stay fresh and moist for up to 4 days.
Freeze: The cake itself freezes beautifully without the frosting. Allow the cake layer to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in two layers of plastic wrap and a layer of aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it at room temperature before making the frosting and icing the cake.

Nigella Guinness Cake Nutrition Facts

Calories: 580 kcal
Total Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 22g
Cholesterol: 125mg
Sodium: 350mg
Total Carbohydrate: 58g
Sugars: 42g
Protein: 7g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you taste the alcohol in the cake? No, you cannot taste the alcohol. The Guinness lends a deep, malty, and slightly bitter flavor that enhances the richness of the chocolate. The alcohol content cooks off during the baking process, leaving only the complex flavor behind.
What can I use instead of Guinness? If you prefer not to use Guinness, you can substitute it with another dark stout or porter. For a non-alcoholic version, you can use a non-alcoholic stout or an equal amount of strong, cooled black coffee, though this will change the final flavor profile slightly.
What is caster sugar? Can I use regular granulated sugar?Caster sugar is a type of sugar that has a finer grain than standard granulated sugar. This allows it to dissolve more quickly. If you don’t have it, you can use regular granulated sugar as a direct substitute in this recipe.

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