Bake
The Snake Bite
Popular on Food52
110 Reviews
Erica G.
March 17, 2022
This cake has become a St. Patty's Day tradition in our house (3 years running!). We don't even make the frosting bc we eat half of it right from the pan with spoons while it's still hot :)
Alyson C.
October 17, 2020
I want to make this but don’t have pear coder. Could I use the Guinness and apple cider instead? Let me know your thoughts
Amanda T.
January 10, 2021
Considering how little cider is actually in the frosting -- and the fact that apple & pear complement each other -- I would say you could def use apple cider to replace the pear. In fact, I think I would prefer the more traditional apple cider to the "perry" (as the English call it).
Nicholas
January 28, 2023
Agreed. Pear cider . . . Seriously, where does one find that in Manhattan?
Marianne
June 12, 2020
I have been searching for a chocolate cake recipe I can say I love, and this is it. As I wanted my children to be able to eat it too, I used a chocolate cream cheese frosting instead. This recipe will be on my repeat list. Thank you Arielle!
Michelle G.
January 19, 2020
Am thinking I might try a luscious chocolate or peanut butter stout?! May intensify the cocoa cake!
plevee
September 22, 2019
I've made this cake 5 times now. It is the easiest and most accurate recipe I have and has everyone licking up the crumbs from their plates and asking for more every time. The only change I make is Meyer's rum in the frosting instead of pear.
Stina
February 7, 2019
Love the moistness and rich mellow flavor of this not-overly-sweet cake. It is delicious frosted or not. I've made it at least five times, using really good cocoa. It is a new family favorite. So now, Guinness is added to the list of must-have-on-hand kitchen staples, also not a bad thing! Thank you.
plevee
March 18, 2018
This was the best cake I've made in 2 years. Not too sweet, perfect dense soft texture. I used Cacao Barry cocoa powder and it was densely chocolatey and moist.
Bevi
February 23, 2018
This cake is awesome. I made 2 cakes and cut them into a heart shape. One batch of icing covered the cake. The taste is so deep and layered with flavor. This is gong into my regular cake repertoire from now on! Thanks Arielle! This is a winner!
Stina
February 15, 2018
This cake was so moist and rich, but also fine-textured. I used really good cocoa. I was in a rush so didn't really meet the room temperature guideline, so batter didn't blend entirely smoothly, and I had to make one substitution - I had no sour cream, so used kefir. But seemed to turn out perfect regardless. Next time (there will definitely be a next time) I'll experiment with icing flavors, since to me, the pear didn't stand out, I like another commenter's orange zest idea. Also could simply dust with cocoa for a simpler presentation, since the cake is so moist and flavorful that icing is unnecessary. How about just some raspberries?! Bottom line - an easy rich tender chocolate cake to dress up or not.
Lisa
November 5, 2017
This cake is so moist and delicious. I multiplied the recipe by 1.5 and bake it in a 9x13 pan. I decreased the sugar by half and the cake was still decadent. I also used oil instead of butter and used Left Hand Milk Stout for the beer. I made my own cream cheese frosting and added orange zest to it. I will definitely make this again!
Chris R.
March 29, 2017
Wonderful recipe! It's very easy; both the cake and icing is very good. It's a keeper for me, thank you!
Jeannie I.
March 12, 2016
Our family St. Pat's dinner is this Sunday and I am so excited to make the Snake Bite cake again! One change I've made is to substitute Bailey's for the pear cider, which I didn't have when I first made it 2 years ago. It's SO good. Thanks for the recipe and for this forum!
Ash K.
November 18, 2014
Cake was a hit! Rich, moist and delicious and the icing was perfect. I garnished the cake with some poached pears and it was divine. Thanks for sharing the recipe.
Synky
January 26, 2014
Really great cake! What I did was double the cake recipe to create two layers (more goodness) and kept the frosting amount the same (was definitely plenty). The cake was moist and just the right amount of sweet (not very) and the frosting was veeeery tasty! Thank you for sharing the recipe!
pascale721
January 10, 2014
Can't wait to try this recipe! Thank you for sharing arielleclementine!!!
neighome
November 4, 2013
I make this for a party last night, and it was a hit. The cake was very moist and chocolatey. As written, the frosting is perfect for quick, top of the cake only, hint of cider loveliness. But it was rather loose for the layer cake I had in mind. I doubled the cake recipe, made a simple chocolate ganache to fill the layers, and added quite a bit more powdered sugar to the frosting to stiffen it up. It worked perfectly. I did love the cider flavor, but i wished it were a little more pronounced. Just adding more cider would make the frosting too loose. Next time I will try to boil down a larger volume of cider to see if I am able to get a more concentrated flavor.
bebe L.
September 21, 2013
made this last night. variations: red IPA instead of guinness & grated nutmeg in the batter and my frosting was whipped cream cheese with creme fraiche, rum, lime zest and maple syrup.
Janelle
September 18, 2013
I made this cake a few days ago for my boyfriend.
First off, the actual cake was delicious. Especially if you're washing it down with the rest of the Guinness.
The frosting..not so much. I'm sorry but, a whole stick of butter? It made the entire thing just taste like butter. I couldn't even taste the cream cheese. I even triple checked that I was making it correctly. It just did not deliver as a frosting and I actually threw it out because it made me gag. Yikes.
The cake was wonderful. I will be making it again, I may just have to modify the frosting a bit.
First off, the actual cake was delicious. Especially if you're washing it down with the rest of the Guinness.
The frosting..not so much. I'm sorry but, a whole stick of butter? It made the entire thing just taste like butter. I couldn't even taste the cream cheese. I even triple checked that I was making it correctly. It just did not deliver as a frosting and I actually threw it out because it made me gag. Yikes.
The cake was wonderful. I will be making it again, I may just have to modify the frosting a bit.
aargersi
September 19, 2013
Not sure "it made me gag" is necessary. In fact it is unkind. Perhaps "it wasn't to my liking, I will cut back on the butter next time". Think about if this was your recipe.
klloch
September 28, 2012
I cannot get Aces or any brand of pear cider for the frosting...suggestions for substitutions?
arielleclementine
September 28, 2012
thanks for making my cake! the pear cider flavor is nice, but pretty subtle so you could easily substitute hard apple cider, or you could switch it up and use any pale ale (like bass) and call it a black-and-tan cake. happy baking!
Boofimus
April 11, 2012
First off, I really REALLY like the cake. It's very moist, and very fudgy, without feeling like it's under done. It had a lovely even top (dodgy electric oven in a student house means that this is a serious serious rarity for me!)
The fall down for me was the icing. Round one: horrible gooey mess that wouldn't set. Left it in the fridge for over an hour before I gave up and tried to pour some on anyway, only to find it had (apparently) split. Disaster. Made the whole thing look like cat vomit :(
So cake number 1 got mashed up to make cake pops, because there was really no disguising the icky nearly frosting.
But I loved the cake, and I'd promised it to work colleagues. So I ran out to Tesco ten minutes before closing and started again. No time to cook a whole 9 inch cake before bed (and I couldn't bear washing up my tin twice!) so this time I used the same recipe to do 12 cup cakes. 22 minutes ish - perfect. I had been planning to just make up some basic cream cheese frosting. And then I thought I'd try your recipe again sans cider (because I'd foolishly drunk the rest of the cider and didn't want to waste another can!).
Same icky lumpy mess. Now at this point I should specify that as an impoverished student I don't have a fancy mixer: I beat by hand. And I finally realised that the mix wasn't splitting: it was tiny tiny lumps of cream cheese that I just couldn't beat out. So off I went (and it's 23:00 BST here in the UK!) to borrow a mixer. And after beating the hell out of my lumpy bowl of sugary cream cheese.... ta da! Frosting! Kind of wish I'd opened the perry now but never mind, there's always a next time.
This will be a staple chocolate cake now I think... But maybe I'll leave the frosting until I own a mixer!
The fall down for me was the icing. Round one: horrible gooey mess that wouldn't set. Left it in the fridge for over an hour before I gave up and tried to pour some on anyway, only to find it had (apparently) split. Disaster. Made the whole thing look like cat vomit :(
So cake number 1 got mashed up to make cake pops, because there was really no disguising the icky nearly frosting.
But I loved the cake, and I'd promised it to work colleagues. So I ran out to Tesco ten minutes before closing and started again. No time to cook a whole 9 inch cake before bed (and I couldn't bear washing up my tin twice!) so this time I used the same recipe to do 12 cup cakes. 22 minutes ish - perfect. I had been planning to just make up some basic cream cheese frosting. And then I thought I'd try your recipe again sans cider (because I'd foolishly drunk the rest of the cider and didn't want to waste another can!).
Same icky lumpy mess. Now at this point I should specify that as an impoverished student I don't have a fancy mixer: I beat by hand. And I finally realised that the mix wasn't splitting: it was tiny tiny lumps of cream cheese that I just couldn't beat out. So off I went (and it's 23:00 BST here in the UK!) to borrow a mixer. And after beating the hell out of my lumpy bowl of sugary cream cheese.... ta da! Frosting! Kind of wish I'd opened the perry now but never mind, there's always a next time.
This will be a staple chocolate cake now I think... But maybe I'll leave the frosting until I own a mixer!
Melissa B.
February 4, 2018
Can you buy pre-whipped cream cheese (here, it’s in tubs) at the market? This could help, although it’s a bit more expensive. It’s pre-fluffed and lump free. A good compromise for a bit more money if you don’t have or don’t want to drag out a mixer.
Shalini
March 17, 2012
This cake recipe really reminds me of Nigella Lawson's Chocolate Guiness cake, which is one of our family's favourites (http://www.nigella.com/recipes/view/chocolate-guinness-cake-3086) However I like your idea for a pear cider frosting, delicious!
arielleclementine
March 17, 2012
I agree that the cakes look similar, but my chocolate cake is actually an adaptation of this recipe: http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Chocolate-Stout-Cake-107105. I streamlined it and played with the ratios of beer and chocolate to make it a more boozy cake. I did not know about Nigella's cake when I wrote this recipe. I frosted it in the easiest way possible (top only) because I wanted an easy weeknight cake, without having to do any fussy decorating, or worrying about crumbs getting into the frosting. I think if you compare any chocolate stout cake to any other, you're likely to see a pretty similar ingredient list.
Saccharine
January 3, 2012
Just made one with leftover cream cheese frosting and Lager beer from new year, it's delicious! Had a big piece and I think I have to postpone my diet plan till tommorow:P
Thanks for the recipe!
Thanks for the recipe!
Andy
January 2, 2012
I live in Iowa City; the home of the University of Iowa. Go Hawks! The team colors are black and gold. I made this cake for a fall football tailgate party and it was delicious. Super moist. Let's post more black and gold food, folks!
cookinbklyn
January 2, 2012
Question, is it 1 egg or 2? The ingredient list says 1, but in the directions below it it is plural (eggs).
GoodFoodie
January 1, 2012
Wowee! Awesome chocolate cake. Didn't have pear cider but it was fab anyway. And Dunkelweizen works just as well as stout.
melomel
December 30, 2011
I'm looking forward to converting this recipe into cupcakes!
JORJ
January 5, 2012
will you let us know how that goes? I'm going to try the same tomorrow night and would love some guidance. I figure I will just be super-vigilant at the oven.
Boofimus
April 11, 2012
I just did this successfully. 12 large cupcakes (using a standard 12-hole muffin / yorkshire pudding tin), kept the temp the same, pulled them out at about 22 minutes.
aargersi
December 29, 2011
HURRAH I am so happy this got a wild card - I make this cake a LOT and seriously, someone steals half of it wherever I take it so they can have it all to themselves (and not the same someone every time - it's just that good!!)
gingerroot
December 29, 2011
Congratulations, arielleclementine!! This is going to the top of my list of things to make in 2012! Cheers!
cookinginvictoria
December 29, 2011
Wow, this looks just incredible. I don't know how I missed it before. Congratulations, arielleclementine, on your wildcard win. I think that I have just found what dessert I will be making for New Year's Eve dinner!!
Allison C.
December 28, 2011
Hooray!!! So glad, because I've known for a while... this cake is amazing. Congrats.
arielleclementine
December 28, 2011
oh wow!!! what a hugely thrilling surprise!! thank you all so so very much- i can't believe it!
AntoniaJames
November 18, 2011
Making this for my sons when they come home from college . . . They will love it. ;o)
Waverly
November 18, 2011
Loved seeing this on Antonia's thread asking readers about favorite Food52 recipes. It lead me here as I must have missed it before. Wow. I have saved it and can't wait to give it a try. I hope you are well!!
arielleclementine
November 19, 2011
thanks so much Waverly! it's a very simple cake- i do hope you like it! let us know if you have a hankering to come to austin for a meet up- we'd love to see you again!
Waverly
November 18, 2011
Loved seeing this on Antonia's thread asking readers about favorite Food52 recipes. It lead me here as I must have missed it before. Wow. I have saved it and can't wait to give it a try. I hope you are well!!
Waverly
November 18, 2011
Loved seeing this on Antonia's thread asking readers about favorite Food52 recipes. It lead me here as I must have missed it before. Wow. I have saved it and can't wait to give it a try. I hope you are well!!
Hark
April 3, 2011
Sooooooooooooo good. Super moist, not too rich like other Guinness cakes. Ended up using apple cider for the icing and it was still fantastic.
Timnaustin
November 15, 2010
As aargersi said...Best cake ever. I was in on that feeding frenzy and I can attest to how tasty it was.
aargersi
November 14, 2010
best. cake. ever. Made it yesterday, and between 4 of us we ate about 2/3 of it last night. The rest met it's maker today. This is a cake I will make again and again!!
arielleclementine
November 21, 2010
friend! thanks for making it and for your kind comments! i'm so happy you liked it :)
mrslarkin
November 9, 2010
OH BABY, the snakebite is BACK! Love me some booze in my cake.
arielleclementine
November 21, 2010
haha! you're adorable :) huge congrats on your wildcard win- those scones are off-the-charts incredible!
aargersi
November 9, 2010
How funny - this is ON THE MENU for a birthday dinner I am cooking Saturday! I am finally making it after admiring it for many many months. Just emailed Sasha for wine paiting tips!!!
monkeymom
November 9, 2010
Oh, I'm so happy to be reminded of this one! This would be great for Thanksgiving - it ROCKS! The boozy cream cheese frosting is amazing. This cake is strangely light considering it is chocolate. By the way congrats on your big news arielleclementine! So exciting!
arielleclementine
November 9, 2010
huzzah! thank you so much! maybe i will enter it into this weeks contest!
Sagegreen
November 9, 2010
This sounds great for anytime!
arielleclementine
November 9, 2010
hey thanks! i would eat practically anything if it was covered in cream cheese icing, but i do think the combo works well :)
Allison C.
February 4, 2010
Congrats on the Editors' Pick designation. Well deserved.
arielleclementine
February 4, 2010
thank you :) your cake sounds absolutely incredible, and i will be making it as soon as i get my hands on some grappa!
Miss K.
January 30, 2010
Well, I feel absolutely in-the-loop because I was fortunate enough to get a taste of this finely crafted cake and I have to say it was totally dee-lish and a wonderful surprise to my taste buds. Sh-h-h don't tell anyone, but I'm making this for my sweetheart for Valentine's Day! (from Facebook)
Allison C.
January 29, 2010
Love the "swooning" cider-cream cheese frosting! Pears and chocolate, yum. The idea of a "snake bite" cake is great, too--fun concept.
arielleclementine
January 29, 2010
thank you! i thought i'd doctor up my intro with my best danielle steel impression in honor of this valentine's day contest :)
Helenthenanny
January 29, 2010
Arielle. I'm in your house. I'm eating your cake. AND IT IS DELICIOUS. I didn't ask and I don't even feel bad. Because it is so good!!!!!! Wow. Well done again sister. It really is the kiss of pear cider in the icing that compliments your perfect chocolate cake so well. And it's a moist chocolate cake too!! My comment writing keeps getting interrupted by fistfuls of cake and both of the dogs are silently judging me from across the room, but I don't care. It is that good : )
arielleclementine
January 29, 2010
hahaha! i am creeped out and flattered at the same time! i'm happy you like the cake! it's quite boozy, aye?
Helenthenanny
January 29, 2010
Not any more. Ditto to your leftover broccoli-custard quiche. I guess I was hungry.
erinmonge
January 29, 2010
I just had the pleasure of trying this scrumptious cake (oh the perks of working with arielle!) and it tastes as good as it looks! It is SOOO yummy! The pear icing and the stout in the cake are such a wonderful combination! Yay Arielle!
mrslarkin
January 29, 2010
Oh. My. Goodness. That thing is beautiful. How did you get the lighting just right? Pear and chocolate - one of my favorite combinations. I'm afraid I'd eat all the frosting before getting any on the cake!
arielleclementine
January 29, 2010
thank you! i have a light from IKEA near my piano that has positionable lights- i just aimed all of them at the center of the cake, and was quite lucky that it worked out ok :) the frosting is pretty fun, and joy of joys, this recipe makes enough extra frosting to allow for pre-frosting samples!
Jennifer A.
January 28, 2010
Pear and chocolate - so nice. Another great recipe, Arielleclementine!
arielleclementine
January 28, 2010
hey, thanks! i'm so happy to be part of such a kind community of cooks :)
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