finding time for cooking

for the time-starved or curious culinary adventurer

  • Recipes By Type
    • Appetizers, Dips, & Snacks
    • Bread Recipes
    • Breakfast Goodies
    • Desserts
    • Main Dishes
    • Side Dishes & Veggies
    • Sauces, Spices, & Other Basics
    • Snacks
    • Full Recipe Index
  • Drinks: Cocktails & More
    • Best Cocktail Gifts: For the At-Home Bartender or Mixologist
    • A Gift Guide for Coffee Lovers
  • Whatcha Need??
    • Foods I’m Obsessed With
    • 30 Minutes or Less…for the Time-Challenged Cook
    • What Bread To Make (Based on Your Time)
    • Gluten-Free Recipes
    • Pasta Recipes
    • Super Healthy
    • Cooking for One
    • Soup
    • Unleavened Bread Recipes
  • About Me & More
    • Get In Touch!
    • How-Tos
    • Kitchen Tools I’m Obsessed With
    • Food and Travel—Two of My Favorite Things
    • Bunion Surgery Recovery Tips
    • Tips for Liver Detox / Gut Health Protocol

Chocolate Stout Cake with Ganache…Birthday Celebration Part 2!

September 28, 2014

Let me start by saying that this cake is way easier than it sounds. There’s something about “ganache” that sounds so fancy and unattainable.

Chocolate Stout Cake with Chocolate Ganache | finding time for cooking

This was the birthday cake I picked out this year, something kind of fancy but also quite simple—just good chocolate and good beer. (Although I’m sensing a theme of chocolate + alcohol birthday cakes…).

This is a Smitten Kitchen recipe and it’s basically perfect. The cake itself has a dense richness, a little bittersweet from the combination of the stout and the darker Dutch-process cocoa.

I also went a little scant on the sugar so the sweetness wasn’t overwhelming. I went ahead and frosted mine right away, which made the inside moist and fudgy, which is how I prefer my cake.

Chocolate Stout Cake finished

I’d never made a ganache before and thought it was going to be complicated and temperamental, but it was really quite simple and very fast. You want to use good quality chocolate to get the smoothest, creamiest texture and rich flavor.  (I now have a more detailed post on how to make ganache, including two different easy methods.)

Overall, I would make this cake again in a heartbeat!

chocolate stout cake jamie bottle

And then there was this gloriousness. That’s right, my co-worker wrapped my birthday wine bottles with the one and only James Alexander Malcolm Mackenzie Fraser. They get me. They really get me.

*sigh*

Chocolate Stout Cake w Chocolate Ganache

Okay, back to this chocolate stout cake…

chocolate stout cake chocolate stout beer

chocolate stout cake cocoa

Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter or spray your pan well, and use parchment paper if that’s what you usually do.

Bring the stout and butter to a simmer in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the cocoa powder until the mixture is smooth. Cool slightly.

In your electric mixer, beat the eggs and sour cream together. Add the slightly-cooled chocolate mixture to the mixer and beat just enough to combine. Whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt in large bowl. Add the flour mixture and beat briefly on slow speed in pulses until it’s combined.

chocolate stout cake batter pan

Pour the batter into the prepared pan.

chocolate stout cake baked

Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. That should be about 50-60 minutes for the springform pan, though more like 35 for a bundt cake pan.

chocolate stout cake cooking

Let the cake cool for about 15 minutes, then you can go ahead and flip it out onto your tray or cake stand and immediately drizzle the ganache over it. Or you can cool it all the way. If you used a bundt cake, definitely cool it entirely before flipping out of the pan or you’ll probably have lots of sticking problems.

chocolate stout cake chocolate chips cream

chocolate stout cake ganache

To make the ganache, heat water in a double boiler. I don’t have one, so I heated water in a saucepan and then put a metal mixing bowl on top—you want it to fit snugly.

Melt the chocolate, heavy cream, and coffee in the top of the double boiler over simmering water until it’s smooth and warm, whisking constantly. It will only take a couple minutes.

Chocolate Stout Cake with Chocolate Ganache | finding time for cooking blog

Immediately drizzle the ganache over the top of the cooled cake and spread, then let it set for a few hours if you have the time.

Chocolate Stout Cake with Chocolate Ganache | finding time for cooking blog

Om nom nom!

Other birthday cake successes:

  • Lemon Elderflower Cake with Strawberry Jam
  • Vanilla Almond Cupcakes with Peach Jam Filling
  • Smitten Kitchen’s Whole Lemon Tart
  • Chocolate Red Wine Cake
  • Dark Chocolate Stout Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting
  • Vanilla Spice Coke Cake with Salted Peanut Frosting
  • Coffee Cardamom Cake with Bulletproof Frosting

Chocolate Stout Cake with Ganache

This recipe was halved from one that makes a layer cake of 3 8-inch rounds. This is intended for a bundt cake pan, but I used a 9-inch springform.

  • 1 cup of stout (such as Guinness)
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) of unsalted butter
  • 3/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder (preferably Dutch-process)
  • 2 cups of all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups of sugar (I went a little short on this, cut almost 1/4 cup)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking soda
  • 3/4 teaspoon of salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2/3 cup of sour cream
  • 6 ounces of good semisweet chocolate chips
  • 6 tablespoons of heavy cream
  • 3/4 teaspoon of instant coffee granules or instant espresso

Cake prep:
Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter or spray your pan well, and use parchment paper if that’s what you usually do. Bring the stout and butter to a simmer in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the cocoa powder until the mixture is smooth. Cool slightly. Whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt in large bowl. In your electric mixer, beat the eggs and sour cream together. Add the slightly-cooled chocolate mixture to the mixer and beat just enough to combine. Add the flour mixture and beat briefly on slow speed in pulses until it’s combined. Pour batter into your prepared pan.

Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 50-60 minutes (more like 35 for a bundt cake pan). Let it cool for about 15 minutes, then you can go ahead and flip it out onto your tray or cake stand and immediately drizzle the ganache over it. If you used a bundt cake, cool entirely before flipping out of the pan.

Ganache:
For the ganache, melt the chocolate, heavy cream, and coffee in the top of a double boiler over simmering water until smooth and warm, whisking constantly. Immediately drizzle over the top of the cooled cake and spread, then let set.

Original recipe from Smitten Kitchen

1 Comment CATEGORIES // Desserts, Family Secret Recipes, Foods I'm Obsessed With

« Heirloom Tomato & Mozzarella Salad
Smitten Kitchen’s Whole Lemon Tart…Birthday Celebration Part 1 »

Trackbacks

  1. Gluten-Free Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Ganache – finding time for cooking says:
    October 26, 2014 at 7:14 pm

    […] month ago I was crowing about the glorious chocolate stout cake with chocolate ganache I made for my birthday. It was fudgy and rich but not too sweet, with a depth from the stout. […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

About Me

Welcome to my little corner of the internet! I created this blog for people who love cooking & baking but are challenged to find the time and energy to do it. Recipes run the gamut from super healthy to indulgent, but the focus is on using REAL food no matter what.

Affiliate Disclosure

Many posts contain affiliate links (including Amazon affiliate). I may earn a small commission from any qualifying purchases through clicks on these links (which I greatly appreciate, and at no extra cost to you). All opinions are, as always, completely my own. Learn more in my Disclosure Policy.

Follow Along!

  • Bloglovin
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

Recent IG Adventures!

**Gift guide alert!!** ☕ As a major coffee obses **Gift guide alert!!** ☕ As a major coffee obsessive, I'm always trying out new gadgets, methods of brewing, and ways to have delicious coffee even when on the go...maybe you have someone similar in your life?? If so, here are some of the best gift ideas for all types of coffee lovers!

To see the gift guide, tap on the link in my IG bio & choose this photo, or here's the full URL!
https://findingtimeforcooking.com/food-related-miscellany/best-gifts-for-coffee-lovers/

#giftideas2023 #coffeelovers #coffeegifts #holidaygiftguide
These sweet & spicy chicken thighs earned a spot i These sweet & spicy chicken thighs earned a spot in my weekly meal rotation on their first time out...they're super easy, healthy, & absolutely PACKED with flavor. No marinating, no special prep time--just a 15-20 minute meal!

To get the recipe, click the link in my bio & choose this photo!

https://findingtimeforcooking.com/main-dishes/spicy-honey-glazed-chicken-thighs/
#chickenrecipes #chickendinner #healthydinner #chickenthighs
These salted honey Parker House rolls are the ulti These salted honey Parker House rolls are the ultimate rolls for Thanksgiving or other holiday meals. They are the G.O.A.T. Soft, squishy, sweet & salty goodness. I know it's a bit last minute, but you need to find a way to have these at your Thanksgiving...you can thank me later!

To get the recipe, click on the link in my bio & tap this photo --> @findingtimeforcooking

#thanksgivingdinner #dinnerrolls #breadbaking #parkerhouserolls
Ever wonder how to get perfectly smooth, round din Ever wonder how to get perfectly smooth, round dinner rolls?? Watch this easy technique! Perfect for your Thanksgiving or holiday baking.

#thanksgivingbaking #holidaybaking #breadbaking #dinnerrolls #breadmaking #breadtips #bakingtip #bakingfromscratch #bakingclass #bakingtechniques #parkerhouserolls
I've been in LOVE with 𝘱𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘪𝘴 𝘥𝘦 𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘢 since my first trip to Lisbon almost a decade ago, so for my birthday this year I decided to try making them for myself!  And wow, these are pretty darn authentic...the result is a flaky, butter, creamy, sweet, slightly-scorched treat that's dreamy with a cup of coffee & some quiet time 😍⁣
⁣
To get my super detailed (but not difficult!) recipe & instructions, tap the link in my IG bio & choose this photo --> @findingtimeforcooking
It's that time of year! With Thanksgiving around It's that time of year!  With Thanksgiving around the corner, I wanted to provide some tips for first-time hosts to help things feel simpler & more manageable. ⁣
⁣
This isn't about being an Insta-perfect hostess, but rather about how you can prepare and simplify to work smarter, not harder and avoid being stressed out!
Bringing you this spiced cranberry whiskey sour ju Bringing you this spiced cranberry whiskey sour just in time for the weekend! It’s the perfect blend of tart & cozy, & just may be your new favorite festive cocktail. 

The key to this delicious drink is making a cinnamon cranberry simple syrup (so easy!) vs using weak, watery cranberry juice.

Get the recipe by clicking on the link in my IG bio & choosing this photo!
#whiskeysour #festivecocktails #cranberries #falldrinks
This easy, delicious spiced cranberry simple syrup This easy, delicious spiced cranberry simple syrup is the base for an awesome cinnamon cranberry whiskey sour recipe (coming soon!), but I've also been loving it in a unique fall-themed iced latte. It only takes a few minutes, and is totally worth the effort!

Tap the link in my IG bio & choose this photo to get the (fast, easy) recipe!
#cranberry #falldrinks #simplesyrup #wintercocktails
My sister's chicken salsa nachos are the perfect f My sister's chicken salsa nachos are the perfect fast, easy, delicious, fairly-healthy, kind-of-messy weeknight dinner that's perfect for meal prep and makes awesome leftovers...

To get the recipe, click the link in my IG bio & choose this photo!
#weeknightdinner #makeahead #ChickenNachos #easydinner
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Popular Posts

Healthy Eating in 2015…Back to Basics

Mom’s Super Healthy Breakfast Bars (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)

Amuse Bouche: Grilled Cheese with Truffle Cheese & Rosemary Bread

Dynamite Grilled Chicken

Creamy Sweet Potato Pasta with Crispy Kale

Recent Posts

  • Spiced Roasted Chickpeas with Lemon-y Whipped Feta
  • A Gift Guide for Coffee Lovers
  • Spicy Honey-Glazed Chicken Thighs

Categories

  • Appetizers, Dips, & Snacks
  • Bread Recipes
  • Breakfast Goodies
  • Cooking for One
  • Desserts
  • Drinks: Cocktails & More
  • Eating Out
  • Family Secret Recipes
  • Food-Related Miscellany
  • Foods I'm Obsessed With
  • Gluten-Free Recipes
  • Go-To Recipes
  • How-Tos
  • Kitchen Gear
  • Main Dishes
  • Pasta Recipes
  • Recipe Experimentation
  • Sauces, Spices, & Other Basics
  • Side Dishes & Veggies
  • Snacks
  • Soup
  • Super Healthy
  • Travel and Food
  • Uncategorized

Privacy Policy & Disclosures

Copyright & Terms of Use

Copyright 2023 Finding Time For Cooking

10 shares