Introduction
St. Patrick’s Day is one of those holidays that invites indulgence, and for me, it’s all about rich flavors, deep traditions, and a little touch of Irish luck. While many people reach for classic Irish soda bread or corned beef and cabbage, I celebrate with a dessert that perfectly blends the boldness of stout beer with the decadence of chocolate—a Chocolate Stout Loaf Cake with Baileys Glaze.
This one-bowl, mix-by-hand recipe has been a staple in my kitchen for years. It’s incredibly moist, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make. The combination of stout beer and chocolate creates an intensely rich, slightly bitter-sweet cake, while the Baileys glaze adds silky smooth sweetness with just a hint of Irish cream liqueur.
If you love a dense, fudgy chocolate cake with a depth of flavor that lingers long after each bite, this cake is for you. It’s not just for St. Patrick’s Day either—this show-stopping yet simple dessert is perfect for any celebration, holiday, or just because you’re craving something truly special.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Stout Loaf Cake
- Easy to Make – A simple, one-bowl recipe that requires no fancy equipment.
- Deep, Rich Flavor – The stout beer enhances the chocolate’s natural bitterness, making it ultra decadent.
- Moist and Tender – The oil and beer keep the cake incredibly soft and fudgy.
- Boozy Glaze – The Baileys-infused glaze adds a luscious finish (but can be swapped for a non-alcoholic option!).
- Perfect for Celebrations – This cake is great for St. Patrick’s Day, birthdays, and holiday parties.
Ingredients for Chocolate Stout Loaf Cake
For the Cake:
- 1 1/4 cups (250g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 3/4 cup stout beer (like Guinness)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon instant coffee granules
- 1 1/2 cups (180g) all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup (28g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup boiling water
For the Baileys Glaze and Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups (170g) powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons Baileys Irish Cream (or heavy cream for a non-alcoholic version)
- 1 pinch salt
- Shaved dark chocolate (optional, for garnish)
How to Make Chocolate Stout Loaf Cake
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spray a 9×5-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray.
- Line the pan with parchment paper, leaving a 2-inch overhang on the sides for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, stout beer, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and instant coffee granules until smooth (about 2 minutes).
Step 3: Sift and Combine Dry Ingredients
- Set a fine-mesh strainer or sifter over the bowl and sift in the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Whisk the batter until just combined—avoid overmixing.
Step 4: Add the Boiling Water
- Slowly pour in the boiling water, whisking continuously until the batter becomes thin and smooth.
- This step enhances the chocolate’s richness and creates a soft, moist crumb.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake for 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Let the cake cool completely in the pan for about 1 hour.
Step 6: Make the Baileys Glaze
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, Baileys Irish Cream, and salt until smooth.
- If the glaze is too thick, add a little more Baileys or cream (1 teaspoon at a time).
- If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar (1 tablespoon at a time).
Step 7: Glaze and Garnish
- Use the parchment sling to lift the cooled cake out of the pan.
- Pour the glaze over the top, letting it drip down the sides.
- Sprinkle with shaved dark chocolate for a finishing touch.
Step 8: Slice and Serve
- Let the glaze set for 10–15 minutes before slicing.
- Enjoy immediately, or store for up to 3 days—it actually tastes better the next day!
Pro Tips for the Best Chocolate Stout Cake
1. Choose the Right Stout
- Use a classic Irish stout like Guinness for a traditional flavor.
- Try a chocolate stout or coffee stout for extra depth.
- If you want a non-alcoholic version, use strong brewed coffee instead.
2. Don’t Overmix the Batter
- Overmixing can make the cake dense and tough. Mix until just combined.
3. Make It Extra Chocolaty
- Add 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips to the batter for extra indulgence.
- Drizzle with melted chocolate instead of glaze for a double-chocolate effect.
Creative Ways to Serve This Cake
1. Paired with Irish Coffee
- Serve slices with a steaming cup of Irish coffee for the ultimate St. Patrick’s Day treat.
2. Turn It into a Layered Dessert
- Cut into cubes and layer with whipped cream and berries in a trifle.
3. Warm with Ice Cream
- Heat a slice in the microwave for 10 seconds and serve with vanilla ice cream.
4. Make Stout Cake French Toast
- Leftover slices make amazing French toast—just dip in an egg mixture and pan-fry!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make This Cake Ahead of Time?
Yes! Bake the cake 1 day in advance and store it tightly wrapped. Glaze just before serving.
Can I Freeze This Cake?
Absolutely! Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
Can I Make This Cake Alcohol-Free?
Yes! Swap the stout beer for strong brewed coffee and the Baileys for heavy cream.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Stout Loaf Cake with Baileys Glaze is the ultimate St. Patrick’s Day dessert, but it’s delicious enough to enjoy year-round. The rich, chocolaty flavor, the moist texture, and the boozy glaze make it a standout treat for any occasion.
Beyond its incredible flavor, this cake also has a unique ability to develop deeper, more complex flavors over time. The stout beer intensifies as it sits, making each bite even richer the next day. Whether you’re enjoying a slice with your morning coffee or pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert, this cake is a truly versatile indulgence.
If you’re feeling extra festive, consider serving it alongside a glass of Irish whiskey or using it as the base for a fun, St. Patrick’s Day-inspired trifle. It also makes an excellent gift for friends and family—wrap up a loaf with a decorative ribbon and share the joy of this decadent treat.
Try this recipe and make it your new St. Patrick’s Day tradition. Whether you’re Irish by blood or just at heart, this cake is sure to bring a little luck and a lot of indulgence to your celebration. So raise a fork, pour a pint, and enjoy every chocolaty bite.