Guinness Chocolate Velvet Cake

This modern Irish cake has appeal on so many levels. The magical combination of chocolate and stout creates an unmistakably rich and smooth new flavour – especially enticing for chocoholics who love a pint.

Ingredients

•   400 millilitres Guinness Irish stout

•   100 grams natural cocoa powder

•   150 grams cooking chocolate (minimum 60 per cent cocoa solids), grated finely

•   230 grams plain flour

•   1 teaspoon baking soda

•   1/2 teaspoon baking powder

•   220 grams unsalted butter

•   350 grams granulated sugar

•   4 eggs

 

Method

1.   Pour the Guinness into a large bowl and then add the cocoa. Mix well. Add the grated chocolate and set aside.

2.   In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder.

3.   Soften the butter by leaving out or microwave on a defrost heat for a minute. In yet another large bowl, whisk together the butter with the sugar until creamy. Beat the eggs into the butter mixture one at a time.

4.   Gradually add the flour mixture to the egg mixture until well incorporated. Gradually add the Guinness mixture and blend well.

5.   Scoop the batter into a 12-inch springform baking tin and bake at 180 degrees Celsius for 60 to 70 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the centre of the cake comes out clean.

6.   Remove from the oven and release the springform-tin sides to aid cooling. Serve with ice cream or whipped cream.