Detroit-Style Stout Chocolate Bundt Cake

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Moist and dense chocolate bundt cake infused with rich stout beer, inspired by Detroit’s love for bold, hearty desserts. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 80 minutes layers all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda 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 360 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 60 min Serves 12 American cuisine 360 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 10-cup bundt pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
  2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, sift together 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp baking powder, and 1 tsp salt. Set aside.
  3. Step 3: In a large bowl, beat 1 cup softened unsalted butter and 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar on medium speed for 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy. Add 3 large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in 2 tsp vanilla extract.
  4. Step 4: Alternately add the dry ingredients and 1 cup stout beer mixed with 1/2 cup buttermilk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix each addition just until combined; do not overmix.
  5. Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Detroit-Style Stout Chocolate Bundt Cake take to make?

Total time is about 80 minutes (20 min prep + 60 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 Detroit-Style Stout Chocolate Bundt Cake?

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 Detroit-Style Stout Chocolate Bundt Cake?

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 Detroit-Style Stout Chocolate Bundt Cake 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 Detroit-Style Stout Chocolate Bundt Cake?

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.

Equipment for this recipe

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