Description: A decadent Irish twist on the classic Italian dessert. Moist sponge cake is soaked with rich Guinness stout, layered with silky mascarpone cream, and topped with luxurious chocolate shavings — the perfect fusion of deep, malty flavors and creamy indulgence.
Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes (for baking sponge, if making from scratch)
Serving Size: Serves 8–10
Ingredients:
For the Sponge:
- 1 cup (240 ml) Guinness stout
- 1 cup (200 g) sugar
- ½ cup (115 g) butter
- 1 ⅓ cups (170 g) all-purpose flour
- ¾ tsp baking soda
- ¼ cup (25 g) cocoa powder
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup (120 ml) sour cream
(Or use store-bought chocolate sponge cake for quicker prep.)
For the Mascarpone Layer:
- 16 oz (450 g) mascarpone cheese
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Assembling:
- ½ cup (120 ml) cooled brewed coffee (optional for extra depth)
- ½ cup (120 ml) Guinness (extra for soaking)
- Cocoa powder, for dusting
- Dark chocolate shavings, for topping
Instructions:
1.Make the Sponge (if baking from scratch):
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a baking tin.
- In a saucepan, heat Guinness and butter until melted. Remove from heat and whisk in sugar and cocoa powder.
- In a separate bowl, mix flour and baking soda.
- Beat the egg and sour cream together, then slowly mix into the Guinness mixture.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients. Pour into prepared tin and bake for about 25–30 minutes. Let cool completely.
2.Prepare the Mascarpone Cream:
- In a large bowl, beat mascarpone, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until thick and fluffy. Don’t overmix.
3.Assemble the Trifle:
- Cut the sponge into cubes.
- In a large trifle bowl or individual glasses, layer sponge pieces.
- Drizzle sponge generously with a mix of Guinness and coffee (if using).
- Spread a thick layer of mascarpone cream over the sponge.
- Repeat layers until you reach the top.
- Dust with cocoa powder and garnish with dark chocolate shavings.
4.Chill:
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld beautifully.