Spent Grain Coffee Stout Coffee Cake: Malty, Spiced, and Baked With Bold Grain & Brew Flavor

ByKarl S

Spent Grain Coffee Stout Coffee Cake is a bold, cozy bake that blends the roasted edge of coffee stout with the hearty chew of spent grain and a buttery streusel topping.

It’s the kind of cake that lands somewhere between brunch and dessert, with a tender crumb, cinnamon warmth, and just enough beer in the background to keep it interesting. Serve it with a mug or a pint — it holds its own with either.

Ingredients (Makes one 9-inch round or 8×8 square cake)

Dry Mix

  • 1½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup spent grain (wet, well-drained, finely chopped)
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional)

Wet Mix

  • ½ cup butter, softened
  • ¾ cup brown sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • ¼ cup coffee stout (or dark beer of choice — smooth, roasty, not bitter)

Streusel Topping

  • ⅓ cup flour
  • ⅓ cup brown sugar
  • ½ tsp cinnamon
  • 3 tbsp butter, cold and cubed
  • Optional: ¼ cup chopped nuts or oats

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Cake

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round or 8×8-inch pan.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, spent grain, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices.

Step 2: Make the Batter

  1. In another bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until fluffy.
  2. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla, sour cream, and stout.
  3. Add dry ingredients and stir just until combined. Batter will be thick.

Step 3: Make the Streusel

  1. Combine flour, sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl.
  2. Cut in cold butter until crumbly. Stir in nuts or oats if using.

Step 4: Assemble & Bake

  1. Spread half the batter into the pan. Sprinkle half the streusel over it.
  2. Add remaining batter and top with remaining streusel.
  3. Bake 35–45 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean from the center.
  4. Cool at least 15 minutes before slicing.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve warm with coffee, stout, or chai
  • Top with vanilla glaze or drizzle with stout caramel
  • Slice thick and toast it lightly for a next-day treat
  • Pair with soft cheeses, nuts, or fruit on a brunch board

Storage

  • Keeps 3–4 days airtight at room temp
  • Freezes well in slices (toast or reheat to serve)

Beer Pairing

In the Cake

  • Coffee stout, milk stout, or oatmeal porter
  • Avoid bitter imperial stouts or highly carbonated styles

In Your Glass

  • Same stout used in the batter
  • Cream ale or brown ale for balance
  • Vanilla porter for dessert pairing
  • Hazy IPA or saison for contrast with spice and richness

Final Thoughts

Spent Grain Coffee Stout Coffee Cake is cozy, crumbly, and craft-inspired — the kind of cake that turns leftover mash and a splash of stout into something bakery-worthy.

It’s ideal for slow mornings, afternoon snacks, or dessert that leans savory, and it holds up to coffee, beer, or a second slice just because.

Cheers to roast, grain, and beer in every bite! ☕🍺🔥

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