Beer Cake Recipe

This delightful beer cake is a harmonious blend of rich flavors with a slight hint of aromatic spices, perfect for both casual gatherings and special occasions. The cake achieves its moist texture from a combination of rye and wheat flours, infused with the deep notes of dark beer. Honey adds a gentle sweetness, complementing the cocoa and spice blend, resulting in a robust and flavorful treat. The creamy beer frosting, enriched with melted dark chocolate, offers a unique twist that elevates the cake to a gourmet level. This dessert showcases a beautiful interplay of textures, with a soft sponge juxtaposed against a luscious, smooth topping. Perfectly balanced, the beer cake is a testament to the innovation found within traditional baking methods. The garnishing of refreshing mint leaves and sugar sprinkles adds an elegant finish. Enjoy this cake with a warm cup of coffee or your favorite tea for a truly memorable indulgence. Whether you are baking for friends or family, this cake will surely impress with its intricate layers of flavor.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 70 g rye flour (140 ml)
• 60 g wheat flour (125 ml)
• 100 ml oil
• 100 ml dark beer
• 100 g honey (~3 tbsp)
• 2 eggs
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 3 tbsp cocoa
• 1/2 tsp baking soda

Spices:

• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp ginger

Beer Cream:

• 150 ml dark beer
• 1 egg
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 2 tbsp flour
• 50 g dark chocolate
• 80 g butter

Garnish:

• Mint leaves
• Sugar sprinkles

Preparation Time

Total Time: Approximately 60 minutes including both preparation and baking.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Sponge: Start by whisking the eggs and brown sugar until the mixture becomes creamy and smooth.
2. Add Flavors: Incorporate cinnamon, ginger, cocoa, and honey, blending until well combined.
3. Mix in Oil and Flour: Gradually pour in the oil, stirring consistently. Add the wheat flour, and whip until you achieve a uniform batter.
4. Activate the Baking Soda: In a separate large glass, mix baking soda with the dark beer, allowing it to foam. Pour this into the batter, then add the rye flour. Whisk thoroughly for the final time.
5. Bake the Sponge: Transfer the batter into a greased baking form. Bake in an oven preheated to 180°C (356°F) for about 35 minutes. Check doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean.
6. Cool Down: Once baked, let the sponge cool completely to room temperature.
7. Prepare the Beer Cream: Heat the dark beer in a saucepan, adding chopped dark chocolate. Stir until fully melted.
8. Thicken the Cream: In a bowl, mix an egg with sugar and flour until smooth. Gradually incorporate the hot chocolate beer mixture while whisking gently.
9. Cook the Cream: Heat the mixture on low, stirring constantly, until it thickens.
10. Chill and Whip: Allow the cream to cool. Whip the butter until soft, then gradually blend in the cooled cream until smooth and fluffy.
11. Layer the Cake: Split the cooled sponge horizontally. Spread half of the beer cream evenly over the bottom layer.
12. Assemble: Place the top sponge layer over the cream and cover it with the remaining beer cream.
13. Decorate: Garnish with mint leaves and sugar sprinkles as desired.
14. Chill: Refrigerate the cake to let it set and flavors blend together, preferably for several hours.
15. Serve: For the best experience, enjoy this cake slightly chilled.

Tips

• For a lighter flavor, use lager beer instead of dark beer.
• Vegan option: Use flax seeds in place of eggs, and coconut oil instead of butter.

Variations

• Swap rye flour with almond or gluten-free flour for a nuttier texture and gluten-free option.
• Experiment with different beer styles, such as a chocolate stout for a more intense cocoa flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• This cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
• Enjoy alongside a cup of rich espresso or a frothy cappuccino.

Best Places

1. The Cake Bar - Known for its exquisite array of unique flavored cakes. Location: 921 Sample Street, Austin, USA.
2. Sweet Dream Café - A cozy café famous for its beer-infused desserts. Location: 46 Bakery Lane, Dublin, Ireland.
3. The Frosted Mug - Offers a delightful fusion of cakes and beer pairings. Location: 134 Hops Lane, Munich, Germany.
4. Brewed Delights - Celebrated for its innovative use of brews in baking. Location: 23 Artisan Alley, Brussels, Belgium.
5. Pastry & Pints - Combines local brews with artisanal cake recipes. Location: 182 Brew Corner, Melbourne, Australia.
6. Cakery & Alehouse - Specializes in alcohol-infused pastries. Location: 59 Tasting Terrace, Toronto, Canada.
7. Dessert Loft - Features a rotating selection of beer cakes. Location: 15 Sweetwater Avenue, Cape Town, South Africa.
8. The Confectionery Pub - Offers classic treats with a modern twist. Location: 88 Frost Street, London, UK.
9. Ale & Crumb - A delightful spot for cake lovers and beer enthusiasts. Location: 72 Local Lane, Wellington, New Zealand.
10. Barley & Butter - Known for its cozy atmosphere and inventive cakes. Location: 51 Gourmand Road, Paris, France.