This decadent chocolate stout cake with fluffy vanilla bean buttercream is a chocolate-lover’s (and beer-lover’s) dream!
Remember a few months ago when I told you I’d gotten over my fear of a serial killer breaking into my house and serial killing me?
Well it turns out my fear has not totally subsided.
My nephew, Moe the Airedale, has been staying with me again this week (and Cookie almost doesn’t mind!). Moe is the world’s noisiest sleeper, which I didn’t realize until last week.
I woke up in the middle of Thursday night to the sound of human sobbing coming from my bathroom. Naturally my first reaction was OH NO! There’s a serial killer in my bathroom and he’s crying because he feels guilty because he’s about to murder me!
Uh-huh.
Then I woke up a little more and remembered Moe was sleeping in there. So I got up and peeked in on him and he was running in his sleep and making very unnatural-for-a-dog noises. He truly sounded like a sobbing human.
Needless to say, even though it was Moe and not Ted Bundy making those noises, my heart was pounding way too hard for me to fall back asleep.
Also needless to say: I was in the mood for some chocolate cake after my (sort of) near-death experience.
So I went to the kitchen and made this chocolate stout cake that I’d been thinking about for awhile—I was just waiting until closer to St. Patrick’s Day to make it.
But not being murdered is cause for celebration too! And celebrate I did, with a fat slice of glorious, rich chocolate cake covered in a vanilla bean buttercream so fluffy you’ll just want to eat it with a spoon.
And there’s a bonus to making frosting with vanilla beans: if you get chocolate cake crumbs in the frosting they’ll just look like little flecks of vanilla. Therefore, if you’re in a hurry to eat your cake (story of my life), you can be a little sloppy when you frost it and no one will know the difference.
Not that they’d care when they’re eating such a perfectly delicious cake. . .Have a fabulous week, everyone!
A chocolate cake made with stout beer and topped with creamy vanilla bean buttercream. It's delicious to the extreme!
- 1 1/2 cups stout beer
- 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter cut into several chunks
- 1 1/2 cups dark Dutch-process cocoa powder
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 cup full-fat sour cream
- 3 large eggs at room temperature
- 1 cup unsalted butter at room temperature
- 6 to 7 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup heavy cream or whole milk
- seeds scraped from 1 vanilla bean pod
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract optional, for additional vanilla flavor
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray 2 9-inch round cake pans with cooking spray. Line the bottoms of the pans with parchment, then spray the parchment with cooking spray. Lightly dust with flour and set pans aside.
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Combine the stout and butter in a medium saucepan set over medium heat and bring to a simmer. Remove pan from the heat and whisk in the cocoa powder until mixture is smooth. Set aside to cool for 5 minutes.
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Whisk the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt together in a large mixing bowl. In a separate large bowl, whisk the sour cream and eggs together.
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Stir the stout mixture into the sour cream mixture and whisk until combined. Fold the flour mixture into the stout mixture with a rubber spatula until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.
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Divide batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake 35 to 40 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. Cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
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Place the butter in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment and beat until very creamy. Add 3 cups of the sugar and 1/4 cup of the heavy cream and mix on low until combined. Turn the mixer to medium-high speed and beat until very creamy, about 1 minute more. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl.
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With mixer on low, beat in the remaining sugar 1 cup at a time until the frosting is thick but still spreadable; if you add too much sugar just add more heavy cream. Once frosting is your desired consistency, add the vanilla bean seeds, vanilla extract, and salt. Turn mixer to high speed and beat until frosting is very light and fluffy, about 3 or 4 minutes.
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Place one of the cooled cake layers on a cake stand or cardboard cake circle and spread a thick layer of frosting over the top. Cover with the remaining cake layer and frost with a very thin layer of frosting. Refrigerate the cake to set the frosting (this will prevent cake crumbs from accumulating in your final coat of frosting). Frost with remaining frosting and decorate as desired.
Adapted from Ovenly
Amy (Savory Moments) says
January 22, 2018 at 6:04 amOh my goodness!! This cake looks seriously amazing! Love using chocolate stout in baked good. So yummy!
Kelsie says
January 22, 2018 at 9:30 amThank you, Amy!
David @ Spiced says
January 22, 2018 at 6:24 amHey, I like cake. And I like beer. And I also like not being murdered. So that pretty much is a trifecta that guarantees my love for this cake! 🙂 I totally know what you mean about Moe’s dreams. Ethel was actually dreaming last night as I was trying to fall asleep, and I just started laughing at her. She was growling and barking at something, and she sounded vicious…until you remember that she weighs all of 9 pounds. Hah! I’m glad you didn’t get murdered, Kelsie! And I’m glad you made this cake. Feel free to bring leftovers to the Super Bowl party!
Kelsie says
January 22, 2018 at 9:31 amHahaha! They’re three of my favorite things too :). Thank you, David! Aren’t dogs funny when they dream? Have a great week, my friend!
annie@ciaochowbambina says
January 22, 2018 at 6:28 amYep – this beauty of a cake would help me forget about the almost-serial-killer in my bathroom too! YUM!!
Kelsie says
January 22, 2018 at 9:31 amThank you, Annie!
Mary Ann @ thebeachhousekitchen says
January 22, 2018 at 7:02 amYou’re hilarious Kelsie! This post really made me laugh! Made me hungry too! This cake looks amazing. Such a great dessert for St. Patrick’s Day. You know how I love to plan ahead. Thanks for sharing and hope you have a great week!
Kelsie says
January 22, 2018 at 9:32 amAwww thank you, Mary Ann! I hope you have a great week, too!
Kim | The Baking ChocolaTess says
January 22, 2018 at 7:10 amOMG! Just give me the cake already! It looks heavenly, all velvety and chocolatey! That frosting is to die for! Gorgeous cake Kelsie!! 🙂
Kelsie says
January 22, 2018 at 9:32 amI’ll send it right over! Thank you, Kim!
Milena Perrine says
January 22, 2018 at 9:20 amI also hear all kinds of noises at night, lol. But have never been compelled to bake a cake:) This one is just amazing. Chocolate stout is meant for cakes and that buttercream smothered all over is decadent. Pinned, because as you point out, St.Patrick’s day is around the corner!
Kelsie says
January 22, 2018 at 9:32 amHaha! Thank you, Milena!
marcie@flavorthemoments says
January 22, 2018 at 9:33 amI LOVE St. Patrick’s Day and I’m not even Irish. I’ve been thinking about it already too so I’m happy to see this gorgeous cake! Chocolate and stout were meant to be together — I love the flavor that stout adds to desserts. I would love a giant slice of this!
Kelsie says
January 26, 2018 at 7:47 pmHooray for stout desserts! Thank you, Marcie!
lynne hoareau says
January 22, 2018 at 9:43 amSorry for your thoughts of an almost near death experience…Moe sounds like such a character ! One of my babies makes the most horrendous sleeping noises, it really is just too cute, must be dreams or nightmares or something. I think I can relate to Moe’s sounds of sobbing….I have heard mine do the same, it really is quite scary at first.
Thankfully, on your celebration of life, this gorgeous cake was made ! Kelsie, it sounds divine. I have quite a spate of birthday’s coming up with friends and family…guaranteed this is one cake that will be made ! Thank You.
Kelsie says
January 26, 2018 at 7:48 pmHahaha! Thank you, Lynne! What do people without dogs do for entertainment? Have a great weekend, my dear!
Dawn @ Girl Heart Food says
January 22, 2018 at 9:56 amI would have fainted away right then and there, lol!!! Seriously. How relieved were you?!! Anywho…this cake is awesome, Kelsie! And beer right in there? Stout to boot? Um – two slices please…not even gonna ask for one cause I know I’d want a second asap…hehe. Have a wonderful week!
Kelsie says
January 26, 2018 at 7:48 pmHaha! So relieved! Two slices coming right up!
Laura says
January 22, 2018 at 12:03 pmKelsie – this is about the most gorgeous chocolate cake I’ve ever seen – that texture looks dreamy! I’m so glad your fear is subsiding – I admit I have the same fear. I’ve met two people who knew Ted Bundy, believe it or not, so that just feeds my imagination. Anyway, my dog has some awesome sounding dreams, too – I think he’s chasing something. But I’ll let thoughts of this cake decrease my fears!
Kelsie says
January 26, 2018 at 7:49 pmWHAT? That’s crazy! Cake is a great way to dispel fears :). Thank you, Laura!
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says
January 22, 2018 at 1:54 pmYou are seriously too funny! And I feel like we could possibly be related because my dog will make noises upstairs in the movie room (which is right above my office) and it freaks me out every single time. Guess we are both scared-e-cats! And don’t even get me started on being alone in the dark – hates it!!! Anyways, this cake is beyond delicious and just packed with ALL the yum!! Brilliant, my dear!! Cheers!
Kelsie says
January 26, 2018 at 7:49 pmI think we just might be, based on our love for burrata alone! Thank you, Chey! Hope you had a great week, girlie!
evolvewithmary says
January 22, 2018 at 4:05 pmI do not remember you telling us you go over your fear of serial killer breaking into your house, I have that same fear. I’m crazy nice to everyone so I figure over the years I’ve ran into a serial killer at least once and I bet I was overly nice. 🙁 OMG Moe sleeping would have freaked me out too. Ok Ok Ok enough with the serial killer talk, lets talk about how yummy this Chocolate Stout Cake looks, I want two pieces right now.
Kelsie says
January 26, 2018 at 7:50 pmHaha! I bet the serial killers wouldn’t kill you since you were nice :). I’ll send two pieces your way, my dear!
Ben|Havocinthekitchen says
January 22, 2018 at 6:06 pmOh, you and your serial killers, Kelsie! Or is it better say “You, your killers, and you cakes!”:) Although I don’t like beer, I think I can handle it in a shape of a delicious cake. This seriously looks phenomenal!
Kelsie says
January 26, 2018 at 7:50 pmHaha! Thank you, Ben!
Carlee says
January 22, 2018 at 8:26 pmHa! Now that is too funny. I too am glad that you didn’t die. I will have that whole giant piece of cake in celebration! <3
Kelsie says
January 26, 2018 at 7:51 pmThank you, Carlee! Have a great weekend!
Kelly @ Kelly Lynns Sweets and Treats says
January 22, 2018 at 9:58 pmHahahaha your stories always leave me laughing 🙂 I’m definitely glad you weren’t killed by a serial killer! Now this cake! Wow. It looks like it has such a dense richness to it. Which is my kind of cake!! Xoxo
Kelsie says
January 26, 2018 at 7:51 pmHahaha! Thank you, Kelly! Have a great weekend 🙂
Maria Doss says
January 22, 2018 at 10:33 pmYou are way to funny girl. I’ve been dreaming of this cake ever since I saw in IG. The texture is pure perfection Kelsie, its so rich and the complex flavors from stout…it would be a major hit on the game day.
Kelsie says
January 26, 2018 at 7:52 pmThank you, Maria! I didn’t even think about it for game day but you’re totally right!
Katherine | Love In My Oven says
January 22, 2018 at 11:01 pmA serial killer sobbing in the bathroom – haha – Kelsie!!! This reminds me of when I was a kid and I woke up to what sounded like a vampire drinking blood (we had just watched Buffy) and turns out it was our cat, cleaning himself. Serial killers or vampires, this cake would make it all ok. I mostly just want to eat that vanilla bean buttercream with a giant spoon!!!
Kelsie says
January 26, 2018 at 7:52 pmHahaha! I totally would have thought the same :). Have a great weekend, Katherine!
cakespy says
January 23, 2018 at 5:45 amYay for not being murdered! Also, YAY for this cake! What a beauty! I Love baking with beer like this, it has such a great malty-caramelly flavor.
Kelsie says
January 26, 2018 at 7:53 pmThank you, Jessie! Totally agree about baking with beer!
Velva-Tomatoes on the Vine says
January 23, 2018 at 7:31 amSo glad you are protected from serial killers (laugh). And shut the front door! Your chocolate stout cake rocks!. Wow! Thanks for sharing.
Velva-Tomatoes on the Vine
Kelsie says
January 26, 2018 at 7:53 pmHaha! Thank you, Velva!
Deepika|TheLoveOfCakes says
January 23, 2018 at 9:12 amI remember the last time you mentioned about your fear for serial killers! I thought you would grow up in 2018 :P. Jokes apart, this cake looks amazing! I have never baked with stout before, but the amazing texture and rich flavor is calling out to me! Bookmarking this recipe 🙂
Kelsie says
January 26, 2018 at 7:53 pmHahaha! I will not grow up any time soon :). Thank you, Deepika!
Marissa (@pinchandswirl) says
January 23, 2018 at 3:21 pmYou’re right, not being murdered is cause for celebration! lol! Let’s have some cake…The texture of this looks incredible and that hint of beer? Count me in for a big slice.
Kelsie says
January 26, 2018 at 7:54 pmThank you, Marissa! I’ll save the biggest slice for you!
Ruby_&_Cake says
January 23, 2018 at 7:21 pmOh man you poor thing haha I shouldn’t laugh but I have had simillar experiences before haha i know how tricky our minds can be late at night and I am a big sleep walker/talker.
I have never used stout before in cake but always wanted to it looks like it gives the cake and incredible colour and depth of flavour. Looks so good Kelsie 🙂
Kelsie says
January 26, 2018 at 7:55 pmThank you, Ruby! Stout works so well in baked goods; you should definitely try it soon! PS, I’m loving all your travel pics on insta lately 🙂
Leanne | Crumb Top Baking says
January 24, 2018 at 5:40 amYou are too funny Kelsie! Glad it turned out well! You weren’t harmed and you made a killer chocolate cake! Love the stout beer in this cake. Looks so rich and fudgy. Definitely a must for Paddy’s Day! Have a safe week! 😉
Kelsie says
January 26, 2018 at 7:55 pmThank you, Leanne! Have a great weekend!
gardeningfoodie says
January 24, 2018 at 9:51 amHaha….have you been watching scary movies past your bedtime Kelsie 😁….but I am glad that it was just Moe, he sounds like such a cutie pie. And you have Cookie to protect you, I am sure that she will bark any serial killers ear off.
This cake looks amazing, perfect for chasing your serial killer fears away right
Hope you are having a great week🙂
Kelsie says
January 26, 2018 at 7:55 pmI’m absolutely guilty of watching scary movies late at night :). Thank you, Ashika!
kitchenriffs says
January 24, 2018 at 9:57 amStout and chocolate is a fabulous combo! And speaking of fabulous, this cake is. Great recipe — thanks.
Kelsie says
January 26, 2018 at 7:55 pmThank you, John!
kitchenwits says
January 24, 2018 at 8:00 pmYum this cake looks awesome! I bet the beer gives an interesting flavor profile there!
As far as your poor pup, wonder if he sleeps at home the same way or if the little guy was just homesick lol!
Kelsie says
January 26, 2018 at 7:56 pmHaha! I should ask my brother! Thank you!
evolvewithmary says
January 24, 2018 at 9:04 pmI love buttercream frosting! It makes me feel so happy, it reminds me of my childhood but this is not my childhood cake, nope this is a beerlovers dream and I’m a beer lover :)I wish I could be your taster!! Everything you make looks amaze-balls.
Kelsie says
January 26, 2018 at 7:56 pmI wish you could be my taste tester, too! Thank you, Mary! Have a great weekend!
Miriam @londonkitchendiaries says
January 25, 2018 at 1:29 amChocolate always helps after near death experiences 🙂 So glad you were not killed by a crying serial killer and that you found a fantastic way to celebrate. The cake looks delicious!
Thao @ In Good Flavor says
January 25, 2018 at 2:12 pmYou’re too funny, Kelsie! Narrowly escaping death is always a good reason to celebrate!! And a cake that look this incredible, I would celebrate hard! 😃
Emma says
January 25, 2018 at 5:01 pmI used to get really jumpy when I was in the house alone, especially at night everything is so loud!!! But i can totally see why this cake would sooth your nerves it looks so good 😀
Christina says
January 26, 2018 at 10:22 amReal talk – when I was a kid I was convinced a monster lived in our house. Turns out, it was just my father snoring in the next room. His snores were obnoxiously monster sounding so I 100% know your pain!
More real talk- I’m glad you weren’t almost murdered! Because then you wouldn’t have dropped this delicious looking/sounding cake on us. I mean, CHOCOLATE STOUT CAKE?
The realest talk – I’m legit going to pin this recipe. I’m off refined sugar for awhile but the moment I have a cheat day I’m allllll up in this cake!!!
Abbe@This is How I Cook says
January 26, 2018 at 12:53 pmPoor Moe. I bet he was just dreaming of that slice of cake you wouldn’t share with him. Cause I know I wouldn’t!
grace says
January 28, 2018 at 2:02 pmi’m someone who has no use for beer except in battering fried foods or using in cakes and breads! love this dense, tasty treat!
Agness of Run Agness Run says
January 29, 2018 at 10:27 amThis cake seems like a perfect birthday dessert, Kelsie! You’ve turned a scary experience into a fun adventure. 🙂
Teesh Osita says
February 2, 2018 at 6:57 amMy dog just likes to fart in her sleep. Long loud farts which wakes the both of us up. I think she might be a serial killer who’s been trying to kill me with bad odor. Haha! This cake sounds so good!