How to Make a Beer Cake

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Beer making has made people come up with creative ways to incorporate beer into their baking. One of the most popular beer-infused desserts is the beer cake. Therefore, every brewer wants to understand how to make a beer cake to add it to their list of creative culinary creations.

How to Make a Beer Cake

To make a cake beer, gather 12 cans of your favorite beer. If you want to get creative, use different flavors of beer to make a variety of beer cakes. For example, use 6 cans of chocolate stout and 6 cans of IPA. Next, get a ribbon to tie around the cans. Ensure the ribbon is long enough to go around all 12 cans and tie in a bow.

An image of beer cake

After the cans are wrapped, get a round base cake pan. The cake pan should be big enough to fit all 12 cans. Place the cans in the cake pan, open side up. You can start with 6 cans at the base, then place another base on top of the cans and place 4 more cans around it. The last 2 cans will go on top of the cake to create a pyramid shape.

Next, tie the ribbon in a bow around the cake to keep the cans in place. If you want to get creative, you can use different colors of ribbon to add some decoration to the cake. That’s the simpler version of a beer cake that I’ve heard. However, you can bake an actual cake, infuse it with your favorite beer, and enjoy your unique twist on a dessert.

How to Bake a Beer Cake

Baking your beer cake is fun and easy, and the results are delicious! However, you need to clearly understand the process before getting started. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you make a beer cake like a pro:

Step 1: Gather the Supplies

You need to have all the required ingredients and supplies before you start baking the cake. This will make the process much smoother and quicker. For this recipe, you will need:

  • A cup of your favorite beer: This will be the main flavor in your cake, so choose a beer you love.
  • A bowl: This is where you mix the beer, and the butter will be melted. Ensure it is heat-resistant.
  • A whisk: This is for mixing the beer and butter. Have a whisk that can fit in the bowl comfortably.
  • A measuring cup: This is for measuring the beer. Any standard measuring cup will do.
  • A sifter: This is for sifting the dry ingredients. It should be big enough to fit all the dry ingredients.
  • A second bowl: This is for whisking the eggs and sugar. It should be large enough to fit all the ingredients.
  • A rubber spatula: This is for folding in the beer mixture and dry ingredients. Choose one that is heat-resistant.
  • A cake pan: This is for baking the cake. Choose any size and shape you want. Just ensure it is greased and floured.
  • A toothpick or cake tester: This is for testing if the cake is done baking.
  • A wire rack: This is for cooling the cake.

Step 2: Melt the Butter and Beer

Start by adding a cup of your favorite beer to the bowl. Then, add the butter. You can cut it into small pieces to make it melt faster. Heat in the microwave on high until the beer is warm and the butter has melted. Whisk together until well blended and set aside to cool.

Step 3: Sift the Dry Ingredients

While the beer mixture cools, sift the dry ingredients. This includes flour, baking powder, and salt. Sifting them will make the cake lighter and fluffier. You can whisk them together in a separate bowl if you don’t have a sifter.

Some brewers prefer adding a little baking soda to their beer cakes. This is because it helps the cake rise and gives it a nice flavor. If you want to try this, add 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda to the dry ingredients.

An image of a spatula for mixing ingredients

Step 4: Whisk the Eggs and Sugar

Whisk together the eggs and sugar in the second bowl until well blended. You can use an electric mixer or do it by hand. Just make sure the mixture is light and airy. You don’t want to have any lumps.

At times, people like to add vanilla extract or other flavorings to their cake batter. If you want to try this, add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract (or any other flavoring) to the egg mixture. This will give the cake a nice flavor.

Step 5: Preheat Oven And Prepare Cake Pan

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While it preheats, prepare the cake pan. Grease it with butter and then flour it. This will prevent the cake from sticking to the pan and ensure it comes out easily.

Step 6: Add the Dry Ingredients to the Beer Mixture

It is now time to add the dry ingredients to the beer mixture. Slowly add the sifted flour, baking powder, and salt (and baking soda if used) to the beer. Whisk together until well blended. Ensure there are no lumps in the batter.

If the batter is too thick, you can add more beer to thin it out. Just be careful not to make it too runny. Also, don’t add too much flour, which will make the cake dense and dry.

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Now that the batter is ready, it’s time to bake the cake. Pour it into the prepared cake pan and bake in the oven for about 30-40 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, it’s done baking.

Once the cake is made, take it out of the oven and let it cool on a wire rack. Allow it to cool completely, as this will make it easier to frost.

Step 8: Decorate With Beer Frosting (Optional)

The cake is now ready to be enjoyed. You can eat it as is or decorate it with beer frosting. This is a simple frosting made with beer, butter, and powdered sugar.

To make the frosting, start by adding a cup of beer to a saucepan. Then, add the butter and heat on low until melted. Once melted, whisk in the powdered sugar until well blended. Pour the frosting over the cooled cake and enjoy!

An image of spatula and dry ingredients mix in a bowl

Different Flavors of Beer Cake

Now that you know how to make a beer cake, you can experiment with different flavors. The type of beer you use will change the flavor of the cake. The following are some ideas to get you started:

  • Use a chocolate stout beer for a chocolate cake.
  • Use an IPA for a citrusy cake.
  • Use a wheat beer for a banana cake.
  • Use a brown ale for a nutty cake.
  • Use a porter for a coffee cake.
  • Use a stout for a Guinness cake.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Make a Cake Out of Beer?

Yes, you can make a cake out of beer. The beer adds a unique flavor to the cake and makes it moist. It’s important to use the right type of beer, as some beers are too bitter. The best types of beer to use are stouts, brown ales, and porters.

What’s the Best Way to Store a Beer Cake?

The best way to store a beer cake is in an airtight container. You can store it at room temperature or in the fridge. If you plan on storing it for more than a few days, it’s best to keep it in the fridge. This way, it will stay fresh and moist.

Conclusion

Beer cakes are becoming more popular as people realize how good they are. If you’ve never had one, now is the time to try it! They are easy to make and can be made with any beer. You will have to enjoy your beer at a whole new level!