Makes: 8 to 10 servings
Time: About 1 hour
Creamy, malty stout is the base of this dark, serious cake. The beer contributes tangy undertones and rich moisture, while a touch of espresso highlights the dark chocolate that’s laced throughout. Double up on the chocolate flavor by using a chocolate stout and serve with a dusting of confectioners’ sugar, lightly sweetened Whipped Cream, or Vanilla Ice Cream.
1. Heat the oven to 350°F. Grease an 8- or 9-inch tube pan and dust it with cocoa powder.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt; set aside. Combine the butter and stout in a small bowl and heat it over a double boiler until the butter is melted. Add the sugar and cocoa powder to the butter mixture and stir to combine.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs, espresso powder, and vanilla. Stir in the sour cream, then add the mixture to the butter mixture. Fold in the flour mixture until just combined, then gently stir in the chocolate chunks.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out with a few moist crumbs, 40 to 45 minutes. You will also see a few oozy chocolate spots. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely. Run a knife between the cake and the pan and then invert the cake onto a rack. Store at room temperature, covered with plastic wrap, for up to a week or wrap in plastic wrap and foil and store in the freezer for up to a few months.
CHOCOLATE-GINGER STOUT CAKE Spicy ginger and molasses play perfectly off the stout base: Omit the espresso powder. Substitute ¾ cup packed dark brown sugar for the granulated sugar. Add ½ cup molasses to the butter mixture. Whisk 1 tablespoon ginger, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon ground cloves into the flour mixture. If you like, fold ⅓ cup chopped Candied Ginger into the batter. For extra oomph, top with Ginger Buttercream.
CHOCOLATE-CHILE STOUT CAKE A little heat goes a long way in this cake: Omit the espresso powder. Whisk 2½ tablespoons ground chile into the flour mixture.
CARAMEL-PECAN CHOCOLATE STOUT CAKE Stir 2/3 cup chopped pecans into the batter. Top the cake with Caramel Glaze.
MINT-CHOCOLATE STOUT CAKE St. Patrick’s Day approved: Substitute peppermint extract for the vanilla. For a topping, add 1 teaspoon peppermint extract to Chocolate Ganache or Vanilla Glaze.