Go Back

Secret Ingredient Chocolate Cake with Luscious Cocoa-French Buttercream

Who says Guinness is just for St. Patrick's Day? This moist and flavorful chocolate cake makes use of Guinness to add a distinct flavor and delicate crumb. Combined with cocoa-flavored French buttercream, this cake is perfect for year round occasions!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Servings: 12
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American, French, Irish
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

For the Chocolate Cake:
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder I use Valrhona
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 eggs room temperature
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 3/4 cup buttermilk room temperature
  • 1 1/4 cups Guinness extra stout room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 Recipe Cocoa French Buttercream- below

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and butter and flour/ or parchment a 9x13 inch rectangular cake pan.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugars, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, vegetable oil, buttermilk, Guinness, and vanilla. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients gently and just until combined. Do not over-stir.
  3. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 35 to 40 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool for 30 minutes before turning out onto serving dish. Allow the cake to cool completely before topping with buttercream.