With a dark, rich body and a light, pearly topping, this chocolate Guinness cake is a decadent representation of everyone's favorite Irish beer. For such a hearty beer, the Guinness stout in the batter makes this chocolate dessert incredibly light and soft. It goes well with the tangy, boozy Baileys glaze. Serve this cake up for a St. Patrick's Day dessert and enjoy a "spirited" celebration!

What is Guinness cake made of?

One of the main ingredients in this Guinness cake is, well, Guinness stout beer. The slightly bitter, malty flavor pairs up nicely with dark chocolate. Don't worry about the bitterness coming through in the final cake, there is enough sugar to balance it all out. A chocolate cake that does not actually taste like chocolate is oh so sad. This recipe uses semisweet chocolate bars and cocoa powder for decadent flavor. Sour cream and butter gives this cake structure while still contributing to a tender crumb. This may feel like a lot more baking soda than usual, but do not reach for the baking powder. Beer and baking soda make a great "uplifting" team!

Is there alcohol in Guinness cake?

While the alcohol does bake out of the cake itself, the icing does have a little bit of liquor; 2 tablespoons of heavy cream or milk can be used in place of Irish cream liqueur. Alternatively, Coca-Cola cake is an excellent treat for those who want a cake with a carbonated lift without the alcohol.

What is the best type of Bundt pan to use?

This recipe calls for a 10- or 12-cup Bundt pan, preferably a light-colored one with a nonstick coating. Do not skip the baking spray, or be sure to butter the pan and dust it with cocoa powder. Armed with the right tools, baking up Bundt cakes for friends and family is easy and fun!