Chocolate-Stout Layered Cake with Espresso Ganache
A moist chocolate cake enriched with stout beer layers, finished with a smooth espresso-infused ganache. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 60 minutes layers (240g) all-purpose flour, (75g) unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 12, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup (75g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup (113g), softened unsalted butter
- 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml), room temperature stout beer
- 1 cup (240ml), room temperature buttermilk
- 2 tsp instant espresso powder
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 8 oz (225g), chopped bittersweet chocolate
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. In a large bowl, sift together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1 1/2 tsp baking soda, and 1 tsp salt.
- Step 2: In a separate large bowl, beat 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter and 2 cups granulated sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add 2 large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in 2 tsp vanilla extract.
- Step 3: Alternately add the dry ingredients and 1 cup buttermilk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with dry ingredients, mixing on low speed. Stir in 1 cup stout beer gently until just combined.
- Step 4: Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
- Step 5: For the ganache, heat 1 cup heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Remove from heat and pour over 8 oz chopped bittersweet chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Let sit 3 minutes, then whisk until smooth. Stir in 2 tsp instant espresso powder until dissolved.
- Step 6: Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread half of the ganache evenly on top. Top with the second cake layer and cover the entire cake with remaining ganache. Chill for 1 hour before serving to set ganache.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Chocolate-Stout Layered Cake with Espresso Ganache take to make?
Total time is about 60 minutes (25 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Chocolate-Stout Layered Cake with Espresso Ganache?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Chocolate-Stout Layered Cake with Espresso Ganache?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Chocolate-Stout Layered Cake with Espresso Ganache for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Chocolate-Stout Layered Cake with Espresso Ganache?
American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
