Irish Car Bomb Cake is an indulgent, festive dessert that perfectly captures the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day and Irish celebrations all year round.
This luscious cake brings together the rich flavors of a classic Irish Car Bomb cocktail—stout beer, Irish whiskey, and Irish cream liqueur—into a moist, decadent chocolate cake layered with creamy frosting.
It’s a showstopper that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat, impressing guests with every bite.
If you love boozy desserts and chocolate, this recipe will quickly become a favorite. The combination of Guinness stout and Baileys Irish Cream creates a moist crumb and a smooth, flavorful frosting that is simply irresistible.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving a unique treat, Irish Car Bomb Cake is an excellent way to bring a bit of Irish charm to your table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Irish Car Bomb Cake recipe is a crowd-pleaser for many reasons. First, the cake itself is incredibly moist thanks to the addition of stout beer, which adds depth and subtle bitterness that balances the sweetness.
Second, the frosting is a creamy, dreamy blend of cream cheese and Irish cream liqueur, lending an authentic boozy kick without overpowering the palate.
Plus, this cake is surprisingly simple to make, with straightforward steps and ingredients you can find at most grocery stores. It’s perfect for beginners who want to impress or seasoned bakers looking for a delicious twist on chocolate cake.
And yes, the flavor truly does evoke the iconic cocktail in cake form!
Ready for a festive, rich cake that’s perfect for parties or cozy nights in? Let’s dive into the recipe!
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup Guinness stout beer (or other stout)
- ½ cup buttermilk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup Irish whiskey
- For the Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup Baileys Irish Cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Equipment
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Cooling rack
- Knife or cake leveler
- Offset spatula or butter knife (for frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your 9×13 inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray. Lightly flour the pan for easy cake release.
- In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients well to combine.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the Guinness stout, buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and Irish whiskey. Make sure the eggs are beaten until combined and the liquids are well mixed.
- Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender. The batter will be slightly thin due to the stout.
- Pour the batter evenly into your prepared baking pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Check at 35 minutes to avoid overbaking.
- Remove the cake from the oven and place it on a cooling rack. Let it cool completely in the pan before frosting.
- While the cake cools, prepare the frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy using an electric mixer.
- Add the powdered sugar gradually, beating at low speed until incorporated. Then add the Baileys Irish Cream and vanilla extract. Increase mixer speed and beat until fluffy and smooth.
- Once the cake is completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top with an offset spatula. For a fancier look, you can pipe the frosting using a piping bag and tip.
- Slice the cake into squares and serve. Enjoy the rich, moist cake with the creamy Irish cream frosting!
Tips & Variations
Tip: If you don’t have Guinness stout, any bittersweet stout beer will work well to add depth to the chocolate flavor.
Variation: For an extra boozy kick, you can drizzle a tablespoon of Irish whiskey over each slice before serving.
Tip: To make the frosting less sweet, reduce powdered sugar by ¼ cup and add a splash more Baileys to maintain consistency.
Variation: Substitute the cream cheese frosting with a rich chocolate ganache infused with Irish cream for a decadent finish.
Tip: Always allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and sliding of frosting.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving (1 slice) |
---|---|
Calories | 420 |
Total Fat | 20g |
Saturated Fat | 9g |
Cholesterol | 55mg |
Sodium | 320mg |
Total Carbohydrates | 55g |
Dietary Fiber | 3g |
Sugars | 38g |
Protein | 5g |
Serving Suggestions
This Irish Car Bomb Cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream for extra indulgence. For a festive touch, garnish with chocolate shavings, green sprinkles, or a dusting of cocoa powder.
Serve with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of Irish stout to echo the flavors in the cake. It also makes a fantastic dessert centerpiece for St.
Patrick’s Day gatherings or any celebration where you want to impress guests with a boozy, chocolate treat.
For a lighter option, cut the cake into smaller pieces and serve alongside fresh berries or a fruit salad to balance the richness.
Conclusion
Irish Car Bomb Cake is a delightful fusion of classic Irish flavors and rich chocolate, making it a perfect dessert for festive occasions or when you want to indulge in a boozy treat. Its moist crumb, infused with stout and whiskey, combined with the creamy Irish cream frosting, creates a decadent experience that’s hard to resist.
Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner looking to try something new, this recipe is straightforward and yields impressive results. Plus, it’s a fun way to bring a little Irish cheer into your kitchen any time of year.
If you loved this recipe, don’t miss other delicious ideas like Chinese Vegetarian Nasi Lemak Recipe Made Easy and Delicious, Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious, and Backpacking Dehydrated Vegan Meal Recipes for Easy Camping.
Enjoy baking and Sláinte!
📖 Recipe Card: Irish Car Bomb Cake
Description: A decadent chocolate cake infused with Guinness stout and Baileys Irish Cream, topped with a creamy whiskey frosting. This dessert captures the flavors of the classic Irish Car Bomb drink in cake form.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT35M
Total Time: PT55M
Servings: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup Guinness stout
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup sour cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup Baileys Irish Cream
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons Irish whiskey
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
- Heat Guinness and butter in a saucepan until melted, remove from heat and whisk in cocoa powder.
- In a large bowl, mix sugar, sour cream, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
- Add the Guinness mixture to the sugar mixture and stir to combine.
- Sift together flour, baking soda, and salt; fold into wet ingredients.
- Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes.
- Cool cakes completely before frosting.
- For frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until creamy, then add powdered sugar gradually.
- Mix in Baileys Irish Cream and Irish whiskey until smooth.
- Frost the cooled cakes and assemble layers.
Nutrition: Calories: 450 | Protein: 5g | Fat: 22g | Carbs: 58g
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