This Prairie Beer Cake is a rustic, from-scratch cake recipe inspired by old-school farmhouse baking — the kind of dessert you’d find cooling on a back porch in the middle of grain country.

Made with beer (of course), warm spices, and a touch of brown sugar, it’s simple, moist, and endlessly versatile.

Serve it plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or topped with whipped cream or beer glaze for the full effect.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¾ cup beer (amber ale, cream ale, or light lager)
• Optional: ½ cup chopped nuts, raisins, or dried cranberries

Beer Tip: Use a smooth, malty beer like a cream ale, amber lager, or even a wheat beer for mild sweetness. Avoid hoppy or dark beers unless you want bold bitterness.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

Grease and flour a 9×9-inch pan, 8-inch round, or bundt pan.

Step 2: Mix the Dry

In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter & Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy — about 2–3 minutes.

Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla.

Step 4: Add Beer & Flour

Add the dry ingredients in thirds, alternating with the beer.

Start and end with flour, mixing until just combined. Fold in any optional add-ins.

Step 5: Bake

• Pour batter into prepared pan.
• Bake for 30–40 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
• Cool before serving.

Optional Glaze or Toppings

🍺 Beer Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 tbsp beer
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Whisk together and drizzle over cooled cake.

🧁 Other Ideas

• Whipped cream and fresh fruit
• Cream cheese frosting
• Powdered sugar + citrus zest
• Toasted pecans + maple drizzle

Serving Suggestions

• Serve With:
  • Hot coffee or chai
  • Vanilla ice cream
  • A pint of the same beer used in the batter

Beer Pairing

• In the cake:
  • Cream ale
  • Blonde ale
  • Vienna lager
  • Wheat beer
• In the glass:
  • Same beer, or
  • Mild brown ale for depth
  • Fruity saison for contrast

Final Thoughts

Prairie Beer Cake is the kind of humble, hearty dessert that hits all the right notes — soft, spiced, and just sweet enough, with a little beer backbone to make it interesting.

It’s easy to bake, easy to love, and just rustic enough to serve at a potluck or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a beer at sunset.

Cheers to old-school flavor with a modern pint! 🍺🍰🌾

Explore Our Top Cooking-with-Beer Recipes 🍺 🍺

From crispy beer-battered classics to bold mains, cheesy dips, breads, and even desserts — these roundups bring together the best of beer-infused cooking. Whether you’re hosting a game day, planning a backyard BBQ, or just experimenting in the kitchen, there’s a beer recipe collection for every craving.

• 🍽️ Cooking with Beer (Main Hub) – Your ultimate guide to cooking with beer, from mains to apps and desserts.
• 🥨 Beer-Battered Appetizers and Sides – – Crispy onion rings, fried pickles, mushrooms, zucchini, & more pub-style favorites with a golden beer crunch.
• 🍞 Beer Bread Recipes – From 2-ingredient quick breads to jalapeño cheese loaves.
• 🧀 Beer Cheese & Dips – Beer cheese soup, queso, nachos, ranch dip & more.
• 🍖 Beer Can Chicken & Grilled Mains – Bold, juicy recipes straight from the grill.
• 🌶️ Beer Infused Chili’s – Hearty, bold, and slow-simmered beer-infused chili.
• 🍻 Beer Mac & Cheese – Creamy, quick& easy, made to impress.
• 🍰 Beer-Infused Desserts & Sweets – Sweet treats made better with beer.
• 🎉 Oktoberfest & Seasonal Ideas – Perfect pairings for parties, fall feasts, and festive gatherings.