How to Make a Decadent Chocolate Stout Cake with Baileys Glaze

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Introduction

If you love rich, indulgent desserts with a touch of sophistication, this Decadent Chocolate Stout Cake with Baileys Glaze is the perfect treat. This cake combines the deep, bold flavors of dark chocolate and stout beer, creating a moist and tender crumb. The finishing touch is a smooth and creamy Baileys glaze, adding a hint of Irish cream liqueur that perfectly complements the chocolate.

Whether youโ€™re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a luxurious dessert, this recipe is both easy to follow and incredibly satisfying. Letโ€™s dive into the steps to create this unforgettable chocolate stout cake.

Ingredients Youโ€™ll Need

Preparation Details

Prep TimeCook TimeTotal TimeServingsYield
20 minutes40 minutes1 hour10-121 cake

Ingredients for Chocolate Stout Cake

  • 1 cup (240ml) stout beer (such as Guinness)
  • 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter
  • 3/4 cup (75g) dark cocoa powder
  • 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2/3 cup (160g) sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Ingredients for Baileys Glaze

  • 1 cup (120g) confectionersโ€™ sugar
  • 3 tablespoons Baileys Irish Cream
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream

Optional Additions

  • 1/2 cup (85g) chocolate chips (for extra richness)
  • 1 teaspoon espresso powder (to enhance the chocolate flavor)
  • 1/4 cup (30g) chopped nuts (for a crunchy texture)

Key Features

FeatureDetails
Rich FlavorDeep chocolate taste with a hint of stout beer.
Moist TextureSoft and tender crumb with a smooth glaze.
Easy to MakeSimple ingredients with step-by-step guidance.
Perfect for Any OccasionGreat for birthdays, holidays, and special gatherings.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving โ€“ Approximate Values)

NutrientAmount
Calories350 kcal
Carbohydrates48g
Protein5g
Fat15g
Saturated Fat9g
Cholesterol60mg
Sodium180mg
Sugar32g

Ingredients Youโ€™ll Needโ€

Creating this Decadent Chocolate Stout Cake with Baileys Glaze requires simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each component plays a key role in achieving a rich, moist cake with a smooth and creamy glaze.

For the Chocolate Stout Cake:
  • Dark chocolate โ€“ Provides a deep, intense chocolate flavor.
  • Cocoa powder โ€“ Enhances the richness of the cake.
  • Stout beer โ€“ Adds moisture and a subtle malty depth (Guinness works well).
  • All-purpose flour โ€“ Creates the perfect cake structure.
  • Granulated sugar โ€“ Balances the bitterness of the chocolate and beer.
  • Unsalted butter โ€“ Adds richness and moisture.
  • Eggs โ€“ Helps bind the ingredients for a soft, fluffy texture.
  • Vanilla extract โ€“ Complements the chocolate and beer flavors.
  • Baking soda & baking powder โ€“ Ensure proper rise and a light texture.
  • Salt โ€“ Enhances the overall flavor balance.
For the Baileys Glaze:
  • Baileys Irish Cream โ€“ Adds a smooth, creamy, and slightly boozy flavor.
  • Heavy cream โ€“ Creates a rich, silky glaze consistency.
  • Confectionersโ€™ sugar โ€“ Sweetens and thickens the glaze for the perfect drizzle.
Optional Additions:
  • Extra chocolate chips โ€“ For added texture and bursts of chocolate.
  • Espresso powder โ€“ Intensifies the chocolate flavor without overpowering.
  • Chopped nuts โ€“ Adds a crunchy contrast to the soft cake.

With these ingredients, youโ€™ll have everything you need to make a luxurious, bakery-quality dessert right at home. Letโ€™s move on to the step-by-step process of making this irresistible cake.


Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chocolate Stout Cake

This Decadent Chocolate Stout Cake with Baileys Glaze is easy to prepare with the right steps. Follow this detailed guide to achieve a rich, moist cake with a smooth and creamy glaze.

1. Preparing the Batter

A great cake starts with a well-mixed batter. Follow these steps for the perfect consistency:

  1. Melt the Butter and Stout Beer โ€“ In a saucepan over medium heat, combine stout beer and butter. Stir until melted, then remove from heat and whisk in the cocoa powder until smooth. Let it cool slightly.
  2. Mix the Dry Ingredients โ€“ In a large bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution.
  3. Combine the Wet Ingredients โ€“ In another bowl, whisk sugar, eggs, sour cream, and vanilla extract until fully blended. Slowly add the cooled chocolate-stout mixture, stirring continuously.
  4. Incorporate the Dry Ingredients โ€“ Gradually fold in the dry mixture, stirring gently until no lumps remain. Take care not to mix too much, as it may impact the texture.

2. Baking the Cake

To achieve a perfectly moist and fluffy cake, follow these baking tips:

  1. Preheat the Oven โ€“ Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) and lightly grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
  2. Pour the Batter โ€“ Evenly transfer the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
  3. Bake to Perfection โ€“ Place the cake in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  4. Check for Doneness โ€“ Avoid overbaking by testing the cake at the 35-minute mark. If the toothpick has wet batter, bake for an additional 2-5 minutes.

3. Cooling and Layering

Proper cooling ensures the cake sets well and absorbs the glaze evenly.

  1. Cool in the Pan โ€“ Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
  2. Cool Completely โ€“ Let the cake rest for at least 1 hour before adding the glaze. This prevents the glaze from melting too quickly.
  3. Slice for Layering (Optional) โ€“ If making a layered cake, use a serrated knife to slice the cake into two even layers.

Once the cake is cooled and ready, itโ€™s time to drizzle on the Baileys glaze for the ultimate finishing touch!


Making the Perfect Baileys Glaze

A smooth, creamy Baileys glaze is the perfect finishing touch for this Decadent Chocolate Stout Cake. Follow these steps to create a rich, velvety drizzle that enhances every bite.


1. Mixing the Ingredients

For a simple yet flavorful glaze, youโ€™ll need:

  • 1 cup (120g) confectionersโ€™ sugar
  • 3 tablespoons Baileys Irish Cream
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream

Steps to Prepare:

  1. Whisk the Ingredients โ€“ In a mixing bowl, combine confectionersโ€™ sugar, Baileys Irish Cream, and heavy cream.
  2. Blend Until Smooth โ€“ Use a whisk or hand mixer to blend until the mixture is lump-free and glossy.
  3. Taste and Adjust โ€“ Add more Baileys for a stronger flavor or more sugar for a thicker consistency.

2. Achieving the Right Consistency

The glaze should be pourable yet thick enough to coat the cake without running off completely.

  • For a thicker glaze: Add more confectionersโ€™ sugar, one tablespoon at a time.
  • For a thinner glaze: Mix in a small amount of heavy cream until the desired consistency is reached.
  • For extra flavor: A pinch of salt or a splash of vanilla extract can balance the sweetness.

3. Glazing the Cake

To get a professional look, follow these steps:

  1. Place the Cake on a Wire Rack โ€“ Set a tray underneath to catch any drips.
  2. Slowly Pour the Glaze โ€“ Start in the center and let it naturally spread outward.
  3. Use a Spatula if Needed โ€“ Gently guide the glaze for even coverage.
  4. Let It Set โ€“ Allow the glaze to firm up for 10-15 minutes before slicing.

Now, your cake is ready to serve with a smooth, boozy glaze that perfectly complements the deep chocolate flavors!


Tips, Variations, and Storage

1. Tips for Best Results

  • Use a Quality Stout Beer โ€“ Guinness is a great choice for its deep, roasted flavor.
  • Select High-Quality Chocolate โ€“ A dark chocolate bar with at least 70% cocoa works best.
  • Avoid Overmixing the Batter โ€“ This keeps the cake light and prevents it from becoming dense.

2. Variations

Want to customize the cake? Here are some great ideas:

  • Alcohol-Free Version: Replace stout beer with brewed coffee or milk and Baileys with heavy cream and a dash of vanilla extract.
  • Extra Chocolate Intensity: Add a chocolate ganache layer between cake layers before glazing.
  • Nutty Crunch: Fold in chopped hazelnuts or pecans for added texture.

3. Storage and Serving

Proper storage keeps your cake fresh and delicious.

Storage MethodHow to StoreShelf Life
Room TemperatureKeep in an airtight container.Up to 2 days
RefrigeratorStore in the fridge for longer freshness.Up to 5 days
FreezerWrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil.Up to 3 months

Reheating Instructions:

  • Allow the chilled cake to rest at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
  • For a warm slice, microwave for 10-15 seconds.

Why Youโ€™ll Love This Chocolate Stout Cake

This Decadent Chocolate Stout Cake with Baileys Glaze is more than just a dessertโ€”itโ€™s an indulgence that brings out deep, bold flavors in every bite. Hereโ€™s why this cake stands out:


1. Rich, Moist, and Flavorful Texture

The secret to this cakeโ€™s deep, chocolatey flavor and ultra-moist crumb lies in the addition of stout beer.

  • Stout Beer Adds Depth โ€“ The roasted malt in stout beer enhances the bittersweet cocoa notes, creating a cake thatโ€™s rich and full-bodied.
  • Moist and Fudgy โ€“ Unlike dry chocolate cakes, the liquid content from the beer and sour cream keeps this cake perfectly moist.
  • Enhanced with Dark Chocolate โ€“ Using real melted chocolate alongside cocoa powder results in a decadent texture thatโ€™s smooth yet slightly dense.

2. Boozy Yet Balanced Flavor

If you love desserts with a hint of boozy sophistication, this cake delivers just the right balance of flavors.

  • Guinness Stout Adds a Malty Richness โ€“ The beerโ€™s subtle bitterness contrasts beautifully with the cakeโ€™s natural sweetness.
  • Baileys Irish Cream Brings a Creamy Finish โ€“ The glaze is smooth, slightly sweet, and infused with Baileysโ€™ signature whiskey and vanilla notes.
  • Not Overpowering โ€“ The alcohol in the stout bakes off, leaving behind only its complex, toasty undertones, making it family-friendly while still feeling indulgent.

3. Perfect for Celebrations

This cake isnโ€™t just a treatโ€”itโ€™s a showstopper for any occasion!

  • Holidays & Gatherings โ€“ The combination of chocolate, stout, and Baileys makes it perfect for Christmas, St. Patrickโ€™s Day, and dinner parties.
  • Birthdays & Special Occasions โ€“ Surprise chocolate lovers with a cake thatโ€™s decadent, elegant, and unique.
  • Pairs Well with Coffee or Whiskey โ€“ Enjoy a slice with a cup of espresso or a glass of Irish whiskey for an extra indulgent experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this cake without alcohol?

Yes! You can substitute the stout beer with strong brewed coffee or buttermilk for a rich flavor. For the Baileys glaze, replace Baileys with heavy cream and a splash of vanilla extract.

2. What is the best stout beer for this cake?

Guinness is a popular choice due to its smooth, roasted malt flavors. However, you can also use other dark stouts like Murphyโ€™s or Youngโ€™s Double Chocolate Stout for an extra chocolatey kick.

3. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! Bake the cake a day in advance, wrap it in plastic wrap, and store it at room temperature. Add the Baileys glaze just before serving for the best texture.

4. How do I store leftovers?

  • Room Temperature: Up to 2 days in an airtight container.
  • Refrigerator: Up to 5 days, covered tightly.
  • Freezer: Wrap slices in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months.

5. Can I use a different glaze?

Yes! If you prefer a non-alcoholic option, try a chocolate ganache or a coffee-infused glaze for a delicious alternative.


Youโ€™ll Also Love

If you enjoyed this Decadent Chocolate Stout Cake with Baileys Glaze, here are a few more indulgent desserts to try:

  • Baileys Chocolate Mousse โ€“ A creamy, rich chocolate mousse infused with Baileys Irish Cream.
  • Guinness Chocolate Brownies โ€“ Fudgy brownies with a hint of stout beer for extra depth.
  • Irish Cream Cheesecake โ€“ A silky cheesecake with a Baileys-infused filling and chocolate crust.
  • Chocolate Lava Cake โ€“ A warm, gooey-centered chocolate cake for the ultimate indulgence.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this Decadent Chocolate Stout Cake with Baileys Glaze is the perfect indulgence for any occasion. With its rich chocolate flavor, moist texture, and boozy yet balanced glaze, itโ€™s a dessert thatโ€™s sure to impress friends and family alike. Whether youโ€™re celebrating a special event or just craving something indulgent, this cake hits all the right notes.

Donโ€™t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different variationsโ€”try adding espresso powder, chopped nuts, or even a different stout beer to make it uniquely yours.

Weโ€™d love to see how you make this recipe your own! Share your creations on social media using #BeesRecipes, and join our community of dessert lovers. We canโ€™t wait to see your decadent chocolate stout cake come to life!