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Chocolate Stout Layer Cake with Bailey’s Irish Buttercream and Chocolate Ganache Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 100 reviews

This rich and decadent Chocolate Stout Layer Cake combines the deep flavors of Guinness stout and dark cocoa powder for an indulgent dessert. Layers of moist chocolate cake are filled and frosted with a smooth Bailey’s Irish Cream buttercream, finished with a luscious chocolate ganache drip and topped with crunchy crushed pretzels for a perfect balance of sweet and salty.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup Dutch dark cocoa powder
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon espresso powder
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup Guinness stout beer, dark
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Decoration

  • 1 cup roughly crushed pretzels

Bailey’s Irish Buttercream

  • 2 cups (4 sticks) butter, softened to room temperature
  • 6 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup Bailey’s Irish Cream

Chocolate Ganache

  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line three 8×2-inch cake pans with parchment paper and coat the entire pans with baking spray to ensure cakes release easily.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, kosher salt, and espresso powder until well combined.
  3. Add Wet Ingredients: Add eggs, vegetable oil, Guinness stout beer, buttermilk, and vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Stir thoroughly to incorporate all ingredients into a smooth batter.
  4. Divide Batter and Bake: Evenly pour the batter into the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  5. Cool Cakes: Let cakes cool in pans for 15-20 minutes before inverting onto a wire rack. Allow cakes to cool completely. Wrap and refrigerate or freeze if making ahead.
  6. Make Bailey’s Irish Buttercream: Using a stand mixer with paddle attachment or handheld mixer, beat softened butter on medium speed for 5-6 minutes until light and fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar one cup at a time on low speed. Then increase speed and blend in vanilla extract and Bailey’s Irish Cream. Continue beating for 6-7 minutes until creamy and airy.
  7. Prepare Chocolate Ganache: Set up a double boiler by placing a heatproof bowl over a saucepan with simmering water, ensuring the bowl does not touch the water. Add chocolate chips to the bowl and stir until melted. Pour in heavy cream and vanilla extract, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat.
  8. Assemble Cake: Level cakes if needed. Spread buttercream between layers, then crumb coat the top and sides of the cake. Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to set.
  9. Final Frosting and Ganache: Apply the remaining buttercream smoothly over the entire cake. For ganache drip, use a plastic squeeze bottle to gently squeeze ganache around the edges, allowing it to drip down the sides. Fill the center of the cake with remaining ganache and smooth.
  10. Decorate and Serve: Top the cake with roughly crushed pretzels for texture and extra flavor. Refrigerate again for 15 minutes to set ganache before serving.

Notes

  • Ensure cake layers are completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting buttercream.
  • Using espresso powder enhances the chocolate flavor without adding a strong coffee taste.
  • You can substitute Guinness stout with any dry stout beer for a similar flavor profile.
  • If Bailey’s Irish Cream is unavailable, use Irish whiskey or omit for a non-alcoholic option.
  • Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Allow refrigerated cake to come to room temperature before serving for best texture and flavor.

Keywords: chocolate stout cake, Guinness cake, Irish cream buttercream, chocolate ganache drip, layered chocolate cake, stout beer cake

Find it online: https://tastygenius.com/chocolate-stout-layer-cake-with-baileys-irish-buttercream-and-chocolate-ganache-recipe/