Don't let the name dark beer cake fool you into thinking it will make you tipsy, because the alcohol bakes off completely, leaving only the delicious flavour and aroma of beer. If you have a favourite dark beer, go ahead and use it. Dark beers with fruity notes also work wonderfully, giving the cake a hint of fruitiness. This recipe guarantees a soft, moist crumb: eaten straight away, it is wonderfully moist, and after chilling for a while it becomes pleasantly dense and chewy. This recipe is a little different from the usual ones, because dark chocolate and dark beer are also mixed into the cream cheese frosting. It tastes rich and "dark", just like its name, and is decorated with a few strawberries and walnuts for crunch and sweetness to complement the dark beer.
How to Make Dark Beer Cake
The steps are not difficult, and there's no fuss separating yolks from whites, making it ideal for beginner cake bakers. You don't need much equipment either; a hand whisk is enough.
- Melt the butter with the dark beer and bring the mixture to the boil until well combined.
- Add both types of sugar along with the cocoa powder and stir to combine. (If the heat is high, turn it down, otherwise the mixture may boil over.)
- When everything is combined, let it cool.
- While it cools, whisk the sour cream and eggs together.
- Gradually add the melted mixture to the mixing bowl and stir to combine.
- Sift the flour into the bowl and stir again until smooth.
- Pour into a tin and bake until the cake is cooked through.
Making the Frosting
While the cake bakes, you can make the topping. Beat the butter and cream cheese together; it is best to let both soften at room temperature first. Once combined, gradually add the icing sugar and keep beating until smooth. Then slowly add the melted chocolate and dark beer and beat again until well combined. Chill in the fridge until the cake is baked and has cooled, then assemble. And that's it: a delicious dark beer cake.
Remember, wait until the cake has cooled before frosting it. Otherwise the cream will melt and the top will look messy and disappointing. We hope you will give this easy dark beer cake recipe a try.
