1 cup Guinness stout
10 tablespoons (1 stick plus 2 tablespoons) unsalted butter (see Tip)
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa
2 cups superfine sugar
¾ cup sour cream
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
2½ teaspoons baking soda
For the Topping
1¼ cups confectioners’ sugar
8 ounces cream cheese at room temperature
½ cup heavy cream
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Butter a 9-inch springform pan* and line with parchment paper. In a large saucepan, combine Guinness and butter. Place over medium-low heat until butter melts, then remove from heat. Add cocoa and superfine sugar, and whisk to blend.
In a small bowl, combine sour cream, eggs and vanilla; mix well. Add to Guinness mixture. Add flour and baking soda, and whisk again until smooth. Pour into buttered pan, and bake until risen and firm, 45 minutes to 1 hour. Place pan on a wire rack and cool completely in pan.
Make the topping: Using a food processor or by hand, mix confectioners’ sugar to break up lumps. Add cream cheese and blend until smooth. Add heavy cream, and mix until smooth and spreadable.
Remove cake from pan and place on a platter or cake stand. Ice top of cake only, so that it resembles a frothy pint of Guinness.
Notes:
* You can use two standard 8″ or 9″ cake pans instead. Bake for about 45 minutes.
Or make 18-24 cup cakes, and bake for about 25 minutes.
** You can make this cake one day in advance. Release the spring form after about an hour in the cooling process so the sides don’t stick the next day. Prepare the frosting the day you plan to serve.