Imagine a cake so rich, so moist, and so incredibly delicious that it transforms an ordinary dessert into an extraordinary culinary experience. This Chocolate Guinness and Walnut Cake is not just a recipe—it's a flavor adventure that combines the deep, complex notes of Guinness stout with luxurious chocolate and crunchy walnuts. Perfect for those who crave a dessert that's both sophisticated and comforting, this cake will become your new obsession, guaranteed to impress at any gathering or satisfy your most intense sweet tooth.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 50 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: Irish
Serves: 10 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup Guinness stout
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper, ensuring the sides are well-greased.
- In a medium saucepan, pour the Guinness stout and add the unsweetened cocoa powder. Whisk together over medium heat until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition and scraping down the sides of the bowl.
- Sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl.
- Gradually add the Guinness-cocoa mixture to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Fold in the sifted dry ingredients carefully, ensuring no lumps remain. Mix until the batter is smooth.
- Gently fold in the chopped walnuts, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, you can optionally dust with powdered sugar or frost with a cream cheese frosting before serving.
Tips
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all ingredients, especially butter and eggs, are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better cake texture.
- Don't Overmix: When adding dry ingredients, mix just until combined to prevent a tough cake. Overmixing can develop gluten and make the cake dense.
- Cocoa and Guinness Trick: Whisking cocoa powder with Guinness helps bloom the chocolate flavor, creating a deeper, more intense taste profile.
- Pan Preparation: Properly greasing and lining your pan with parchment paper ensures easy cake removal and prevents sticking.
- Toothpick Test: Always check cake doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your cake is perfect.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to prevent soggy bottoms and ensure even cooling.
- Optional Enhancements: Consider a cream cheese frosting or a light dusting of powdered sugar to elevate the cake's presentation and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 85mg
