The deep richness of this Chocolate Stout Loaf Cake is something that will keep you coming back for just one more slice. The stout adds depth and moisture to the chocolatey crumb, while the Baileys glaze adds a creamy boozy kiss that’s equal parts elegance and indulgence.
Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day festivities or any day when your soul craves chocolate, this cake is a one-bowl wonder that’s easy to whip up and lasts for days. Dense, moist, and full of bold flavor, it’s a true celebration of Irish flair and baking simplicity.
Full Recipe:
For the Cake:
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Nonstick cooking spray
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1 1/4 cups (250g) granulated sugar
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2 large eggs, at room temperature
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3/4 cup stout beer
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1/2 cup vegetable oil
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1/4 teaspoon instant coffee granules
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1 1/2 cups (180g) all-purpose flour
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1/3 cup (28g) unsweetened cocoa powder
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1 teaspoon baking powder
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/2 cup boiling water
For the Glaze & Topping:
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1 1/2 cups (170g) powdered sugar
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2 tablespoons Baileys Irish Cream or heavy cream
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Pinch of salt
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Shaved dark chocolate (optional)
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Spray a 9×5-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray and line with parchment paper, leaving a 2-inch overhang on two sides.
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In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, eggs, stout, oil, vanilla, and instant coffee until smooth, about 2 minutes.
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Sift in flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk until just combined.
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Add boiling water to the batter and whisk until smooth. Batter will be thin.
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Pour into the prepared loaf pan.
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Bake for about 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.
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Let cool in pan on a wire rack for about 1 hour.
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For the glaze, whisk powdered sugar, Baileys or cream, and salt until smooth and molasses-like in consistency. Adjust with more sugar or cream as needed.
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Lift cake from the pan using the parchment sling and place on serving platter. Pour glaze over top and spread gently.
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Garnish with shaved chocolate, if desired. Let sit 10–15 minutes before slicing.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 55 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Kcal: 373 kcal per serving | Servings: 10
A Decadent Fusion of Chocolate and Irish Charm
The Chocolate Stout Loaf Cake is more than just a dessert—it’s a celebration of deep flavor, smooth texture, and a subtle boozy kick that makes each bite unforgettable. This cake brings together the bold bitterness of stout beer and the rich sweetness of dark chocolate in a way that feels luxurious but remains accessible. Whether you’re making it for St. Patrick’s Day or just want to treat yourself to something indulgent, this loaf cake checks all the boxes.
Why Stout in Cake? A Rich History of Bold Flavor
The idea of adding stout—especially Irish stout—to chocolate cake isn’t new, but it remains brilliant. Stout beer, particularly varieties like Guinness or chocolate-infused brews, is known for its deep, roasted coffee and cocoa notes. When folded into a cake batter, these flavors enrich the chocolate, enhancing its complexity and adding moisture without overwhelming sweetness.
Baking with stout became more popular in modern kitchens as home bakers looked for ways to reinvent traditional cakes with more adult sophistication. The carbonation in stout also helps leaven the cake slightly, leading to a tender crumb. Paired with high-quality cocoa powder, the result is a rich, flavorful loaf that tastes like it came from a high-end bakery.
Baileys Glaze: The Perfect Creamy Crown
While the cake on its own is moist and flavorful, the Baileys Irish Cream glaze is what transforms it into something truly special. Baileys brings creamy vanilla and whiskey notes, which marry beautifully with the bittersweet richness of the cake. The glaze not only adds visual appeal but also infuses the top layer of the cake with a luscious, melt-in-your-mouth texture as it slowly soaks in.
If you’re not a fan of strong alcohol flavors, the Baileys can be swapped out for heavy cream or even coffee-flavored creamers for a family-friendly version that still complements the flavor profile. But for those who enjoy the gentle warmth of Irish cream liqueur, the glaze creates a standout finish.
One-Bowl Simplicity with Bakery-Level Results
One of the most delightful aspects of this recipe is its simplicity. Despite the deep, complex flavors, the preparation is minimal—no stand mixer needed, no complicated techniques. It’s all made in a single bowl, which makes it perfect for both beginner bakers and busy pros alike.
This approach doesn’t compromise on quality. In fact, the ease of preparation only makes this cake more appealing. It’s the kind of recipe you can whip up in under 15 minutes of prep time, making it ideal for last-minute dinner guests, holidays, or when you simply need a little chocolate therapy.
Make-Ahead Friendly and Even Better the Next Day
Like a good stew or chili, this cake somehow gets better after resting. The rich, moist texture holds up beautifully over several days. In fact, by day two, the flavors seem to deepen and mellow together. The glaze slowly soaks in, enhancing the fudgy quality of the loaf. For best results, bake the cake a day ahead, wrap it tightly, and glaze it the day you plan to serve.
It also travels well. Tightly wrapped, this loaf cake can be transported for gatherings, picnics, or shared as a gift. It’s an excellent dessert option for potlucks and dinner parties, where people will be delighted by its aroma and beautiful presentation.
Elevated Presentation, Minimal Effort
Loaf cakes tend to get overlooked when compared to tiered cakes or frosted layer cakes, but this one proves they can be just as elegant. With its silky glaze dripping delicately down the sides and a topping of shaved dark chocolate or cocoa nibs, the Chocolate Stout Loaf Cake easily becomes a showstopper. The contrast between the dark glaze and rich cake creates visual drama, making it a photogenic star for social media or blog features.
Serve it on a wooden board for a rustic look, or a white ceramic platter for a more minimalist presentation. Add fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream on the side if you’re looking to dress it up for plated desserts.
Customizations and Variations
This recipe is forgiving and versatile. If you’re looking to put your own spin on it, here are a few ideas:
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Add chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate to the batter for extra bursts of richness.
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Mix in orange zest or a splash of orange liqueur to introduce a citrus twist.
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Use a flavored stout, like chocolate cherry or coffee stout, to alter the profile slightly.
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Swap Baileys for Kahlúa if you prefer a coffee-infused glaze.
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Add chopped nuts, like hazelnuts or pecans, to the top of the glaze for a crunch contrast.
These tweaks allow you to tailor the cake to seasonal flavors, personal preference, or whatever you have on hand.
The Ideal Dessert for Celebrations and Casual Days Alike
Because it straddles the line between a casual loaf and an elegant dessert, this cake is truly versatile. It can be served with a scoop of ice cream for a romantic dessert, sliced with coffee for an afternoon treat, or plated with berries for brunch. Its unique flavor profile makes it feel elevated, yet its method and ingredients keep it wonderfully grounded.
During the holiday season, it fits perfectly among the sweets spread, and during the cooler months, it satisfies every craving for cozy, spiced flavors. Yet, there’s nothing stopping you from enjoying this cake year-round—it has that rare “anytime dessert” quality.
Storage Tips
Store the unglazed cake tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer shelf life. If you glaze the cake, it’s best to eat it within 2-3 days, as the glaze softens the top over time. The cake can also be frozen (without glaze) for up to 2 months. Simply thaw and glaze before serving.
Pairing Suggestions
Want to really impress? Try pairing a slice of this cake with:
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A small glass of Irish whiskey or Baileys on the rocks
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Dark roast coffee or espresso
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A scoop of vanilla bean or salted caramel ice cream
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Fresh raspberries or macerated strawberries
These pairings balance the richness of the cake and enhance the experience of each bite.
Conclusion: A Cake Worth Repeating
The Chocolate Stout Loaf Cake with Baileys Glaze is a perfect example of what happens when simple ingredients come together with intention and creativity. It offers a rich, deep flavor profile without complicated steps. Whether you’re baking for St. Patrick’s Day, a birthday, or a quiet evening at home, this recipe delivers a satisfying and elevated dessert that feels comforting and gourmet all at once.
Its elegance lies in its simplicity, and its charm is in its decadence. If you’re looking to add a standout treat to your baking repertoire—one that impresses but doesn’t overwhelm—this is the one to try. It will quickly earn a permanent place in your dessert rotation, delighting chocolate lovers and Irish-cream fans alike.