Most people who visit Ireland come away with an appreciation for Guinness, which is the most popular drink in the country, but did you know that you can make a Chocolate Guinness Cake ?
Pubs vie for having the best method of drawing it from the tap, which involves filling the glass part way, letting it rest, and then topping it off. Guinness is available around the world, but I see it most prominently in the San Francisco Bay Area around St. Patrick’s Day, which makes sense. That’s when I buy a six-pack and drink some and cook with the rest. You might like to also read about the Do’s and Don’ts when visiting Ireland.
My favorite recipe is a delicious chocolate cake, made particularly moist by the brew and topped with a frosting that is reminiscent of the foam that tops a pint glass. Actually, the recipe only calls for 8 ounces, so the cook can drink the leftovers while finishing up the cake.
If you like this recipe, do visit the Guinness Storehouse when you’re in Dublin and pick up some more interesting recipes. Also, if you can, plan your trip to coincide with Arthur’s Day, the birthday of Sir Arthur Guinness which is celebrated on September 26. Most pubs do something special. I had the good fortune once to be at Ashford Castle in the West, which Arthur once owned, and there in the Prince of Wales Cocktail Bar they passed around glasses of Guinness to raise for a toast.
Chocolate Guinness Cake Recipe
1 cup Guinness stout or draught
10 Tbl. butter
Put in large saucepan and heat over medium-low until butter melts. Turn off heat.
6 Tbl. unsweetened cocoa
2 cups granulated sugar
Whisk in.
6 Tbl. yogurt (or sour cream)
2 large eggs
1 Tbl. vanilla extract
Combine in a separate bowl, then whisk into mix.
2 cups flour
2 ½ tsp. baking soda
Whisk in. Pour batter into 9-inch spring-form pan buttered with what is left on butter wrapper.
350 degrees, 45 minutes, or until toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool on wire rack. Remove from pan. Frost.
Cream Cheese Frosting for Chocolate Guinness Cake
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
Beat until smooth.
1 ¼ cups powdered sugar
Add, beating at low speed until just blended. If neded, add milk 1 Tbl. at a time to thin.
Well, who knew that Guinness was such a versatile beer, but I bet when you make the Chocolate Guinness Cake you will be convinced.
