Chocolate guinness cake mary berry
Chocolate guinness cake mary berry
I. Introduction
Mary Berry is a famous name in British cooking, known for her friendly style and great cooking skills. She has made home cooking in the UK easier and more fun for everyone. One of her well-loved recipes is the Chocolate Guinness Cake, which mixes rich chocolate taste with the special flavor of Guinness. This cake is adored for its comforting qualities and is perfect for any celebration.
In this guide, we will explore the historical context of the Chocolate Guinness Cake, provide nutritional information, and even include a vegan adaptation to cater to diverse dietary needs.
II. Mary Berry’s Unique Approach & Historical Context
Mary Berry highlights the importance of using good ingredients in her recipes. She makes sure that every part adds to the taste and texture. The Chocolate Guinness Cake comes from a long-standing tradition of using stout in baking. This practice started in the 18th century when Irish bakers began adding stout to cakes and desserts.
Over the years, this dish has changed, with different versions appearing all over the world. Mary Berry’s recipe respects this tradition while adding her unique touch—she mixes the bitter taste of Guinness with sweetness, creating a moist and rich cake. Books like “The History of Cake” by Anne Byrn give interesting details about how cakes with alcohol have developed.
III. Notices on Ingredients & Equipment
Ingredients:
- 250 ml Guinness (stout, room temperature)
- 250 g unsalted butter (high-quality)
- 75 g cocoa powder (unsweetened)
- 400 g sugar (granulated)
- 2 large eggs (free-range)
- 200 g plain flour (all-purpose)
- 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 250 ml sour cream
Kitchen Equipment:
- 9-inch round cake pan
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wire rack for cooling
IV. Recipe Instruction
Prepare the Oven and Pan: First of all, Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line the base of a 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.
Melt the Butter and Guinness: In a saucepan, combine the butter and Guinness over medium heat until the butter is melted. Take it off the heat and stir in the cocoa powder until it’s smooth.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: After this, In an anthore bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Combine Wet Ingredients: Whisk sugar and eggs together in a separate bowl until they’re light and fluffy. Add the sour cream and the Guinness mixture, mixing until combined.
Combine All Ingredients: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a rubber spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the pan you prepared. Bake it for approximately 45 to 50 minutes, or until a skewer inserted in the middle comes out clean.
Cool and Serve: Let the cake sit in the pan for approximately 10 minutes, and Then move it to a wire rack to cool all the way.
V. Flavor Profile & Nutritional Information
The Chocolate Guinness Cake features a rich chocolate flavor complemented by the subtle bitterness of Guinness, resulting in a moist and dense texture. Each slice offers a balance of sweetness and depth, making it a perfect treat for chocolate lovers.
Nutritional Information (per serving, based on approximately 12 servings):
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 18g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Sugars: 30g
(For detailed nutritional breakdowns, sources like the USDA Food Data Central can be referenced.)
VI. Tips for a Perfect Chocolate Guinness Cake
- Troubleshooting Common Issues: If your sauce turns out watery, ensure you’re using the right consistency of sour cream. If the cake tastes bland, consider adjusting the sugar and adding a pinch of salt to enhance flavors.
- Enhancing Flavor and Texture: Using aged cheddar in savory dishes can enhance depth. Consider adding a breadcrumb topping for a crunchy contrast.
- Variations: Experiment with different types of chocolate or add spices like cinnamon for a unique twist.
VII. Alternative Recipes (Vegan and Non-Vegan)
Vegan Chocolate Guinness Cake:
- Ingredients:
- 250 ml Guinness (stout)
- 250 g coconut oil (melted)
- 75 g cocoa powder
- 400 g sugar
- Two flax eggs (two tablespoons ground flaxseed mixed with six tablespoons water)
- 200 g plain flour
- 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 250 ml almond milk (or any non-dairy milk)
Instructions:
- Follow the same steps as above, substituting ingredients as listed.
- Bake as directed above.
VIII. Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions
For a twist, consider adding a layer of cream cheese frosting or serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Pair it with fresh berries for a refreshing contrast.
IX. Storage & Reheating Instructions
Keep the cake in a sealed container at room temperature for up to approximately 3 days. If you need to store it longer, put it in the fridge for up to a week. When you’re ready to serve, heat slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
X. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I substitute the Guinness? Yes, you can use a non-alcoholic stout or a similar dark beer.
- Can I freeze the cake? Yes, First, cover it with plastic wrap. Then, put aluminum foil over the plastic wrap. After that, it’s ready to go in the freezer.Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
XI. Conclusion & Call to Action
The Chocolate Guinness Cake is not only delicious but also versatile, making it a perfect addition to any dessert table. We hope you love this recipe! Let us know what you think after you give it a go.
For more delightful recipes, check out Mary Berry’s cookbooks and culinary tips on her official website: Mary Berry Cookbooks.
XII. Additional Resources
- For further reading on the history of cakes, visit reputable sources like Culinary Hill.