We’ve always been huge fans of the Irish Car Bomb cocktail with its bold mix of Guinness Irish cream and whiskey so we decided to transform it into a decadent cake. This treat brings the spirited flavors of Ireland right to your kitchen perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or any festive gathering.
It’s a showstopper that combines moist chocolate layers with creamy frosting for an irresistible twist. Join us as we guide you through this easy recipe that’s sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients
In our Irish Car Bomb Cake recipe, we blend the iconic flavors of Guinness, Irish cream, and whiskey into a moist, decadent chocolate cake that’s perfect for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. Below, we list the ingredients in the order they’re used—starting with the cake batter, followed by the frosting—to ensure smooth preparation.
For the Cake Batter
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Sifted for even mixing.
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar: To provide sweetness and structure.
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder: For that rich, chocolatey depth inspired by the cocktail’s base.
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda: To help the cake rise perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon salt: For balancing flavors.
- 1 cup Guinness beer: At room temperature, to infuse the batter with its signature malty notes.
- ½ cup vegetable oil: For moisture and a tender crumb.
- 2 large eggs: Beaten lightly before adding.
- ¾ cup sour cream: Full-fat for extra creaminess.
For the Irish Cream Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter: Softened to room temperature for easy whipping.
- 4 cups powdered sugar: Sifted to avoid lumps.
- ¼ cup Irish cream liqueur (such as Baileys): For a smooth, creamy flavor that echoes the cocktail.
- 2 tablespoons Irish whiskey: To add a bold, warming kick—use a high-quality brand for best results.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Pure, for enhanced aroma.
This selection of ingredients ensures our Irish Car Bomb Cake delivers authentic, irresistible tastes while remaining straightforward to assemble. Always measure precisely for consistent results.
Required Tools and Equipment
To bring our Irish Car Bomb Cake together seamlessly after preparing the ingredients, we need a selection of reliable tools and equipment. These essentials ensure precision in measuring, mixing, and baking, helping us achieve that perfect moist chocolate cake with rich Guinness-infused layers and creamy Irish cream frosting.
Essential Baking Tools
We’ll organize our tools into categories for clarity. Here’s a detailed list of what you’ll need:
- Mixing Bowls: Two to three medium-sized stainless steel or glass bowls for combining dry ingredients, wet ingredients, and frosting. Opt for ones with non-slip bases to prevent slips during vigorous mixing.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: A set of dry measuring cups (1 cup, ½ cup, ⅓ cup, ¼ cup) and liquid measuring cup (at least 2 cups) for accurate measurements of flour, sugar, Guinness, and other liquids. Also, include a set of measuring spoons (1 tablespoon, 1 teaspoon, etc.) to ensure our batter turns out flawlessly every time.
- Electric Mixer or Hand Whisk: A stand mixer or handheld electric mixer with beaters for creaming butter and blending the cake batter smoothly. If using a hand whisk, choose a sturdy one for manual effort on smaller batches.
- Baking Pans: Two 9-inch round cake pans for creating the classic layered structure of our Irish Car Bomb Cake. Grease them well to avoid sticking and ensure even baking.
- Spatula and Wooden Spoon: A silicone spatula for folding ingredients gently and a wooden spoon for stirring thicker mixtures, both crucial for maintaining the cake’s airy texture.
- Cooling Rack: A wire rack to let the baked cake layers cool evenly, preventing sogginess before we add the frosting.
Specialized Equipment for Frosting and Finishing
For assembling and decorating:
- Offset Spatula: Ideal for spreading the Irish cream frosting evenly between layers and over the top, giving our cake a professional finish.
- Piping Bag (Optional): If we want to get creative with designs, a reusable piping bag with tips can add flair to the whiskey-infused frosting.
In cases where specific sizes or quantities matter, such as pan dimensions, we’ve compiled the details below for quick reference:
| Tool/Item | Recommended Size/Detail | Purpose in Our Recipe |
|---|---|---|
| Baking Pans | 9-inch round | For baking two cake layers to the ideal depth and evenness |
| Measuring Cups | 1-cup to 4-cup sets | Ensures precise volume for liquids like Guinness and oils |
| Electric Mixer | 4-6 speed settings | Provides the power needed for thorough mixing of batter and frosting |
With these tools at hand, we’re set to move forward confidently and create a showstopping Irish Car Bomb Cake that captures authentic flavors with ease.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our ingredients and tools, we guide you through creating the decadent Irish Car Bomb Cake step by step. Let’s achieve that perfect balance of rich chocolate flavors infused with Guinness, Irish cream, and whiskey for an unforgettable treat.
Prep Work
Before we start baking, prepare your workspace to ensure smooth execution. First, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round baking pans with butter or non-stick spray then line them with parchment paper for easy release. Measure out 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 cups of granulated sugar, ¾ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1½ teaspoons of baking soda, and ¾ teaspoon of salt into a large mixing bowl. In another bowl, whisk together 1 cup of Guinness beer, ½ cup of vegetable oil, 2 large eggs, and ¾ cup of sour cream until well combined—the mixture should look smooth and slightly frothy with the malty aroma of Guinness wafting up.
Baking the Cake
With our prep complete, let’s mix and bake the cake batter for that moist, tender crumb. Combine the dry ingredients in the large bowl with the wet mixture and beat using an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes until the batter is thick and glossy—the deep chocolate scent will begin to emerge. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, remove the pans from the oven and let them cool on a rack for 10 minutes before transferring the cakes to the rack to cool completely—the cakes will release a warm, intoxicating blend of chocolate and Guinness aromas as they rest.
Preparing the Frosting
Now we create the creamy Irish cream frosting that ties everything together with its luxurious texture. In a mixing bowl, beat 1 cup of softened unsalted butter with an electric mixer on high speed for 2 minutes until light and fluffy. Gradually add 4 cups of powdered sugar 1 cup at a time while mixing on low speed then increase to medium and beat in ¼ cup of Irish cream liqueur, 2 tablespoons of Irish whiskey, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth and creamy—the frosting should have a velvety consistency with hints of sweet, nutty flavors from the Irish cream.
Assembling the Cake
Finally, let’s assemble our Irish Car Bomb Cake for a stunning presentation. Place one cooled cake layer on a serving plate and spread half of the frosting evenly over the top using an offset spatula. Stack the second cake layer on top and cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting, smoothing the sides for a polished finish—if desired, use a piping bag for decorative edges. Chill the assembled cake in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to set the frosting, allowing the flavors of chocolate, Guinness, Irish cream, and whiskey to meld into a harmonious, indulgent masterpiece.
Make-Ahead and Storage
We understand that life gets busy so we often prepare our Irish Car Bomb Cake in advance to ensure it remains moist and flavorful for special occasions like St. Patrick’s Day. This approach lets the chocolate layers absorb the rich Guinness essence while the Irish cream frosting sets perfectly.
Make-Ahead Tips
To simplify baking day we recommend preparing components ahead without compromising taste or texture:
- Cake Layers: Bake the layers up to 2 days in advance. Once cooled let them rest on a wire rack for 10 minutes then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature or in the refrigerator to preserve their tender crumb and deep chocolate notes.
- Frosting: Whip up the Irish cream frosting 1 day ahead. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate to enhance its creamy smoothness and whiskey undertones – just bring it to room temperature and re-whip briefly before use.
- Full Cake: Assemble the entire cake up to 1 day before serving. This allows the flavors to meld creating a more indulgent blend of Guinness stout and Irish cream that tantalizes the palate with every bite.
Storage Guidelines
- Short-Term Storage: For a frosted cake store it in an airtight cake container or cover loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. The cake’s moisture locks in ensuring the decadent chocolate layers stay soft and the frosting retains its velvety allure.
- Room Temperature: If serving within 24 hours keep the assembled cake at room temperature in a cool dry spot away from direct sunlight to maintain its fluffy texture and aromatic whiskey hints.
- Freezing for Longer Storage: Freeze unfrosted cake layers by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap then aluminum foil and placing in a freezer-safe bag. They hold up well for up to 2 months – thaw overnight in the refrigerator to restore the cake’s original rich fudgy consistency before frosting.
| Component | Storage Method | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Unfrosted Layers | Room Temperature or Fridge | Up to 2 Days |
| Frosted Cake | Refrigerated | 3-4 Days |
| Frozen Layers | Freezer (in airtight wrap) | Up to 2 Months |
Conclusion
We’ve loved sharing this Irish Car Bomb Cake recipe and know it’ll bring joy to your kitchen. It’s a fun way to celebrate with rich flavors that impress every time.
Give it a try for your next gathering and watch it become our go-to treat—it’s sure to delight family and friends alike. We’re confident you’ll savor every bite and make it a tradition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Irish Car Bomb cake?
An Irish Car Bomb cake is a decadent dessert inspired by the famous cocktail, featuring moist chocolate layers infused with Guinness beer, along with rich Irish cream and whiskey flavors. It’s perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or any celebration, offering an easy-to-make treat that combines authentic tastes for a crowd-pleasing finish.
What ingredients are needed for Irish Car Bomb cake?
For the cake batter, you’ll need all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, Guinness beer, vegetable oil, eggs, and sour cream. The Irish cream frosting requires unsalted butter, powdered sugar, Irish cream liqueur, Irish whiskey, and vanilla extract. Precise measuring ensures great results and authentic flavors.
What tools are required to make Irish Car Bomb cake?
Essential tools include mixing bowls, measuring cups and spoons, an electric mixer or hand whisk, baking pans, a spatula, and a cooling rack. For frosting, use an offset spatula and optionally a piping bag for decoration. These basics help achieve precise mixing, baking, and assembly for a professional look.
How do I make Irish Car Bomb cake?
Start by preheating your oven and preparing pans. Mix the batter ingredients until smooth, bake the layers, then prepare the frosting by beating butter, sugar, and liqueurs together. Assemble by layering the cooled cakes with frosting, chill to set, and enjoy a moist, flavorful result in under an hour of active time.
Can I make Irish Car Bomb cake ahead of time?
Yes, bake the cake layers up to two days in advance and store them wrapped in the fridge. Prepare frosting a day ahead to let flavors develop. Assemble the full cake a day before serving for enhanced taste. This makes it easy to plan for parties or holidays without last-minute stress.
How should I store Irish Car Bomb cake?
Store a frosted cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or at room temperature for up to 24 hours. Unfrosted layers can be frozen for up to two months; thaw in the fridge before use. This keeps the cake moist and fresh for enjoying over time.