If you love deeply indulgent desserts, this Rich Guinness Chocolate Cake with Ganache is a must-bake. From the very first bite, you’ll notice its dark color, moist crumb, and bold chocolate flavor that feels bakery-worthy yet totally doable at home. While the original inspiration uses stout to enhance cocoa, this version keeps things 100% family-friendly by using rich, alcohol-free substitutes that deliver the same depth and intensity.
This cake is dense, fudgy, and luxurious—perfect for birthdays, holidays, or anytime chocolate cravings strike.
Why You’ll Love This Rich Guinness Chocolate Cake with Ganache
This cake stands out because it focuses on chocolate first. The warm liquid used in the batter blooms the cocoa powder, intensifying flavor without making the cake bitter.
Here’s why it works so well:
- Ultra-moist texture that stays soft for days
- Deep chocolate flavor without being overly sweet
- Smooth ganache topping that feels elegant but simple
- One-bowl friendly with easy steps
It’s the kind of dessert that looks impressive but doesn’t require fancy techniques.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chocolate Cake
- 2 large eggs
- All-purpose flour
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Granulated sugar
- Baking soda
- Fine sea salt
- Pure vanilla extract
- Butter or neutral oil
Guinness-Style Flavor (Alcohol-Free)
Choose one of the following:
- Alcohol-free stout or malt beverage
- Strong brewed coffee
- Milk mixed with 1 tablespoon molasses
For the Chocolate Ganache
- Dark or semi-sweet chocolate
- Heavy cream
These ingredients come together to create a cake that’s rich without being heavy.
How to Make Rich Guinness Chocolate Cake with Ganache
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven and line or grease a round cake pan. This cake is moist, so proper prep ensures clean release.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk eggs, sugar, vanilla, and melted butter or oil until smooth.
Step 4: Bloom the Cocoa
Warm your chosen stout-style liquid (coffee or alcohol-free malt works beautifully). Slowly mix it into the batter—this step deepens the chocolate flavor.
Step 5: Bake
Pour the batter into the pan and bake until set but still slightly fudgy in the center. Let cool completely.
Step 6: Make the Ganache
Heat cream until steaming, then pour over chopped chocolate. Let sit, then stir until silky.
Step 7: Finish
Spread or drizzle ganache over the cooled cake and let it set before slicing.
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Rich Chocolate Cake with Ganache (Easy & Decadent)
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 10 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Deep, dark, and incredibly moist, this rich chocolate cake has a dense, fudgy crumb and a bold cocoa flavor. Instead of alcoholic stout, this family-friendly version uses strong coffee (or alcohol-free malt) to intensify the chocolate taste. Finished with silky chocolate ganache, it’s a showstopping dessert for birthdays, holidays, or any chocolate lover.
Ingredients
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 cups granulated sugar
2 1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp fine sea salt
2 large eggs
1 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice)
1/2 cup neutral oil (canola/vegetable)
4 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 cup hot strong brewed coffee (or alcohol-free stout/malt drink, warmed)
Ganache
8 oz (225g) semi-sweet or dark chocolate, chopped
1 cup heavy cream
1 tbsp butter (optional, extra shine)
Pinch of salt (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch round cake pan with parchment.
2. Whisk flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl until evenly combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla until smooth.
4. Pour wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Slowly stir in the hot coffee (or warmed alcohol-free malt drink) until the batter is smooth and glossy.
6. Pour batter into the prepared pan and tap the pan once to release bubbles.
7. Bake 32–38 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter).
8. Cool in the pan 15 minutes, then turn out onto a rack and cool completely.
9. To make ganache: heat cream until steaming (not boiling). Pour over chopped chocolate; rest 2 minutes.
10. Stir until smooth. Mix in butter and a pinch of salt if using.
11. Pour or spread ganache over the cooled cake. Let set 20–30 minutes before slicing.
Notes
No-alcohol swap: Use hot coffee for the deepest chocolate flavor, or use an alcohol-free stout/malt beverage.
No buttermilk? Mix 1 cup milk with 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar; rest 5 minutes.
For extra fudgy texture, don’t overbake—pull the cake when the center is just set.
Storage: Cover and keep at room temp 2 days or refrigerate up to 5 days.
Freeze: Wrap slices tightly and freeze up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American (Irish-inspired)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Tips & Variations
- Use Dutch-processed cocoa for extra smoothness
- Add a pinch of espresso powder for deeper chocolate notes
- Turn it into a layer cake with whipped chocolate frosting
- Make cupcakes—reduce baking time slightly
- Chill the cake for cleaner slices
Serving Ideas & Storage
Serve this cake slightly warm or at room temperature with:
- Fresh berries
- A glass of cold milk
- Lightly sweetened whipped cream
Storage:
Cover and store at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate up to 5 days. The ganache firms up beautifully when chilled.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approximate)
| Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 420 | 6g | 48g | 24g | 4g | 320mg |
Final Thoughts
This Rich Guinness Chocolate Cake with Ganache proves that you don’t need alcohol to achieve bold, bakery-style chocolate flavor. With its fudgy texture, glossy ganache, and deep cocoa richness, it’s a dessert that feels special every time you serve it. Whether you’re celebrating or simply baking for joy, this cake delivers comfort and elegance in every slice.