Delicious Irish Chocolate Cake Recipe for Indulgent Treats
Attention all chocolate lovers! Get ready to indulge in a luscious chocolate cake that packs an Irish punch. This recipe is for the ultimate treat that will make your taste buds dance with joy, and it’s none other than the legendary Irish Chocolate Cake.
This cake is a unique blend of two iconic Irish ingredients: Guinness stout and mashed potatoes, creating magic on your palate. The dense texture of mashed potato, combined with the malty flavor of Guinness stout, results in a moist and delicious chocolate cake recipe like no other.
And as if that wasn’t enough to tempt you, the icing on top is an irresistible concoction of rich buttercream made with Irish cream liqueur, iced with mouth-watering dark chocolate ganache that will leave you begging for more.
Whether it’s for St. Patrick’s Day or any special occasion, this indulgent chocolate guinness cake recipe is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while also providing a little kick. So grab some ingredients, fire up your oven and get ready to bake one of the yummiest chocolate cakes you’ll ever taste – this Irish Chocolate Cake is not to be missed!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you in the mood for a rich and decadent chocolate cake that will transport your taste buds straight to Ireland? Then look no further than this Irish Chocolate Cake recipe! Not only does it boast a delectable combination of dark chocolate and Irish cream, but it also features a surprising ingredient: mashed potatoes!
Now I know what you’re thinking – mashed potatoes in a cake? But trust me, this unexpected addition lends the cake an irresistibly moist texture that perfectly complements its deep and complex flavors. Plus, who doesn’t love a good culinary surprise?
But that’s not all – this cake is also infused with the deliciously malty flavor of Guinness stout, giving it a uniquely Irish twist that’s perfect for celebrating holidays like St. Patrick’s Day or any other occasion where you want to add a touch of the Emerald Isle to your menu.
So if you’re ready to indulge in a cake recipe that’s both classic and creative, look no further than this unforgettable Irish Chocolate Cake. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Ingredient List
To create the perfect Irish Chocolate Cake, you’ll need to gather a variety of high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for the cake recipe:
Dry Ingredients
- Self-raising flour (2 cups)
- Cocoa powder, unsweetened (1 cup)
- Baking soda (2 teaspoons)
- Powdered sugar or icing sugar (3/4 cup)
Wet Ingredients
- Mashed potatoes, plain and unseasoned (1 1/2 cups)
- Eggs, large and beaten (2 pieces)
- Unsalted butter, melted (2/3 cup)
- Dark chocolate, chopped into small pieces (1 and 1/4 cups)
- Guinness Irish Stout beer or your choice of stout beer (1 and 1/4 cups)
Irish Cream Frosting
- Salted butter, softened at room temperature (3/4 cup)
–Irish cream liquor such as Baileys Irish Cream or any other brand of your choice(3 tablespoons) - Powdered sugar or icing sugar(2 cups)
Gather all these ingredients before starting with the recipe. This will ensure that you have everything needed for the cake. Always use high-quality ingredients to guarantee a delicious outcome.
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Make the Chocolate Guinness Cake
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Butter and line a 9-inch cake tin. Set aside.
In this recipe, we will be using mashed potatoes that can help make the cake moist and spongy
- Prepare the mashed potatoes by boiling 2 medium-sized potatoes, peel off skin and start mashing until it’s completely smooth. Let it cool down.
- In a large bowl, mix together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking soda, and 1 teaspoon of baking powder. Sieve in 1 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder.
- Add in the cooled mashed potato mixture into the dry ingredients.
- In another bowl, lightly beat two eggs then add in one bottle/can of Guinness stout beer (330ml). Whisk together.
- Mix in the beer-and-egg mixture into the bowl with dry ingredients and mashed potatoes.
- Add in ¾ cup of unsalted butter, melted, and mix thoroughly.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin and bake for about an hour or until cooked through. Insert a toothpick in the center to check — if it comes out clean, your cake is done!
Step 2: Prepare Irish Buttercream Icing
- In a medium-sized bowl, use an electric whisk or mixer to cream 1 and a ¾ cups of powdered sugar with ¾ cup of softened unsalted butter until fluffy.
- Add-in half a cup of Irish Cream liqueur (such as Baileys). Mix well.
- Continue beating while adding more powdered sugar until all have been added and you reach a thick, creamy frosting.
Step 3: Frost Your Cake
- Once your cake has fully cooled, slice it horizontally in half to create two layers.
- Spread a generous amount of Irish buttercream icing on top of one layer and then add the second layer on top.
- Spread more frosting on top and around the sides of the cake.
Step 4: Enjoy!
Serve your delicious Irish Chocolate Cake with a cup of coffee or tea, or enjoy on its own. Sláinte!
Substitutions and Variations
Welcome to the Substitutions and Variations section of the Irish Chocolate Cake recipe article. Here, I will provide some suggestions for ingredient substitutions and variations to help you customize this cake according to your taste preferences.
Firstly, if you’re not a fan of dark chocolate, you can substitute it with milk chocolate or a mix of both. However, keep in mind that using milk chocolate will yield a sweeter cake, and may require some adjustments on the amount of sugar in the recipe.
Another option is to use Baileys Irish Cream instead of Guinness stout for a different twist on the classic chocolate Guinness cake. This substitution will result in a softer, more tender crumb with a subtle note of cream liqueur. If you choose this option, I recommend reducing the amount of sugar called for in the recipe to balance out the sweetness from the cream.
For those who enjoy a bit of crunch in their cakes, consider adding some chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the batter. Alternatively, incorporate mashed potatoes into the cake batter for added moistness and texture.
Furthermore, if you prefer an even richer and denser cake with a pronounced chocolate flavor, replace all-purpose flour with self-raising flour and increase the amount of cocoa powder by 1/4 cup.
Finally, you can experiment with different frosting options such as Irish buttercream or Bailey’s chocolate mousse frosting instead of traditional cream cheese or ganache frosting. Or try incorporating espresso or coffee-flavored elements like an Irish coffee glaze to give it an extra kick.
I hope these suggestions have inspired you to put your own spin on this classic Irish Chocolate Cake recipe!
Serving and Pairing
When it comes to serving and pairing this decadent and rich Irish Chocolate Cake, the options are endless. The best way to enjoy this scrumptious treat is to first let it cool completely to room temperature. Once cooled, feel free to either cover the entire cake in a generous layer of Irish buttercream frosting or slice the cake first and add a dollop of frosting on each individual piece.
To make the buttercream frosting, simply combine 2 cups of unsalted butter at room temperature, 4 cups of icing sugar, ¼ cup of Irish cream, and beat it thoroughly until light and fluffy. Spread or pipe the frosting over the cake slices for an extra creamy and rich indulgence.
This delightful cake has an intense and robust flavor due to the addition of dark chocolate and Guinness beer. That’s why it pairs perfectly with a freshly brewed hot cup of coffee, cold glass of milk, or even a warming cup of Bailey’s Irish Cream.
For those that prefer wine over coffee, you can’t go wrong with a full-bodied Red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. The tannins present in red wine help balance out the flavors of this rich chocolate cake without overwhelming it.
Additionally, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can try pairing this dessert with whiskey-based cocktails such as an Irish Coffee or Whiskey Sour. The hint of whiskey in these delightful beverages helps cut through the richness of the cake while accentuating its chocolate flavors.
No matter what your preferences may be, serving and pairing this exquisite Irish Chocolate Cake will definitely leave your taste buds singing happy tunes!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
As with most cakes, this Irish Chocolate Cake can be made ahead of time and stored for later use. However, it is important to store it properly to ensure its freshness and quality.
To make-ahead the cake, bake it according to the recipe instructions and allow it to cool completely before storing. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
If you want to store the cake for a longer period, then you should consider freezing it. When frozen, this cake can be stored for up to two months without losing its flavor or texture.
To freeze, wrap the individual slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe container. Do not forget to label the container with the date of freezing so that you can keep track of how long it has been stored.
When reheating the cake, simply remove the individual slice(s) from the freezer and thaw them at room temperature for about 30 minutes or microwave them on low power for 1-2 minutes. However, keep in mind that reheating may cause some loss of texture and flavor, so plan accordingly.
Whether you decide to make-ahead or freeze this heavenly dessert, there is one thing that will never change – each bite will transport you straight to Ireland on St. Patrick’s Day with its rich chocolate flavor and authentic Irish cream taste.
Tips for Perfect Results
To achieve a perfect Irish Chocolate Cake, you need to pay attention to the ingredients and follow some crucial steps. Here are some tips to ensure you get that moist, rich cake with a smooth and creamy Irish buttercream frosting.
Firstly, use the highest quality chocolate and cocoa powder you can find. I recommend using dark chocolate for a more intense flavor, as it complements the sweetness in the cake. Also, don’t forget to sift your cocoa powder and flour before adding them to your batter; this will keep your cake crumb free from lumps.
Secondly, when making the cake batter, ensure you don’t overmix the ingredients. Overmixing can make your cake dense instead of light and fluffy. It’s best to mix your wet ingredients only until combined and then add your dry ingredients slowly while mixing gently until just incorporated.
Next, let’s talk about the frosting. Make sure you use softened unsalted butter only if you want to achieve a smooth buttercream texture. This also applies when mixing in the powdered sugar; add it gradually in small amounts to prevent graininess.
Now for a little something extra: adding a shot of Baileys Irish cream into your buttercream gives it an extra boost of flavor – perfect for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations! However, remember not to add too much liquid to your frosting as it may affect its consistency.
Lastly, allow your cake to cool down completely before cutting or decorating. Otherwise, the heat can cause it to crumble or melt any frosting on top.
By following these tips and tricks carefully, you’ll create a recipe that will have everybody wanting seconds of this delicious Irish Chocolate Cake with smooth Irish buttercream.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Irish Chocolate Cake Recipe is the perfect dessert for any occasion. With its rich, chocolatey flavor and creamy Irish buttercream frosting, it’s sure to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth. This recipe offers plenty of options for variations and substitutions to suit your taste preferences, while still featuring the traditional Irish ingredients like Guinness stout and Bailey’s Irish cream.
Whether you are celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or simply looking for a delicious chocolate cake recipe, this one is definitely worth trying. With a little bit of patience and attention to detail, you can create a show-stopping dessert that will leave everyone wanting more. So why not give it a try? Trust me, your taste buds won’t regret it!
Irish Chocolate Cake Recipe
Ingredients
Sponge Cake
- 6 ounces self-raising flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 ounces dark chocolate
- 4 ounces butter
- 6 ounces powdered sugar
- 3 ounces cooked mashed potatoes
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 4 tablespoons milk
Filling
- 4 ounces dark chocolate
- 4 fluid ounces double cream
- 2 ounces icing sugar
- 3 tablespoons irish cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (gas mark 5), and grease and line two 8" cake pans.
- Sift flour and salt into a mixing bowl.
- Melt chocolate in a bowl placed over a saucepan of hot water.
- In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar together until fluffy, then beat in the chocolate and mashed potato.
- Gradually beat in the eggs, adding a little flour with each addition.
- Fold in the rest of the flour and stir in the milk.
- Divide mixture evenly between the cake pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until top is firm but springy to the touch.
- Remove from oven and after a few minutes, turn out on a cooling rack.
- While the cake is cooling, melt the chocolate for the filling as before.
- Stir in the other ingredients and mix well.
- Use the filling to sandwich the sponge layers together and coat the top and sides of the cake.
Nutrition
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Brian is a British chef cum food blogger who has been in the kitchen since he was a young lad. Growing up in Manchester, he developed a passion for cooking and a keen eye for the perfect dish. He now runs his own blog and YouTube channel, which is dedicated to sharing his passion for food with the world.