Hey, Welcome to the Portillo’s Chocolate Cake Recipe. Portillo’s Chocolate Cake is a rich, ultra-moist, and decadent dessert made with simple ingredients but loaded with deep chocolate flavor.
If you’ve ever had a slice from the famous Portillo’s in Chicago, you already know how incredibly soft and creamy it is.
I wanted to recreate that at home, and guess what? I nailed it! Today, I’m sharing the easiest way to make this heavenly recipe right in your kitchen.
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 10
Cuisine: American
Category: Dessert
History and Origin
Portillo’s Chocolate Cake originated in Chicago’s iconic Portillo’s restaurant, famous for its hot dogs and Italian beef. By the way, you can also try the Portillo’s Sweet Peppers Recipe.
Their chocolate cake gained cult status due to its super moist texture, which comes from an unusual but clever secret: mayonnaise. This twist made the cake unforgettable and a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
Ingredients
You will need the following ingredients to start making the Best Portillo’s Chocolate Cake Recipe:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chocolate cake mix | 1 box (15.25 oz) |
| Large eggs | 3 |
| Water | 1 cup |
| Mayonnaise | 1 cup |
| Vegetable oil | ½ cup |
| Chocolate frosting (store-bought or homemade) | 1 tub or as needed |
Equipment Needed
Also, gather the following equipment, as they are necessary to craft your Homemade Portillo’s Chocolate Cake Recipe:
- Mixing bowl
- Hand or stand mixer
- 2 round cake pans (9-inch)
- Spatula
- Wire rack
- Oven
How to Make Portillo’s Chocolate Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Coat two 9-inch round cake pans with grease and flour, or line them with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, eggs, water, vegetable oil, and mayonnaise. Beat on medium speed for about 2 minutes until smooth.
Step 3: Bake the Cakes
Distribute the batter evenly between the two prepared pans. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Step 4: Cool the Cakes
Allow the cakes to rest in their pans for 10 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 5: Frost the Cake
Once fully cooled, spread chocolate frosting generously over the top of one cake layer. Place the second layer on top and apply frosting to the top and sides.
Recipe Card
Portillo’s Chocolate Cake Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Coat two 9-inch round cake pans with grease and flour, or line them with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, eggs, water, vegetable oil, and mayonnaise. Beat on medium speed for about 2 minutes until smooth.
- Distribute the batter evenly between the two prepared pans. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to rest in their pans for 10 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once fully cooled, spread chocolate frosting generously over the top of one cake layer. Place the second layer on top and apply frosting to the top and sides.
Notes
Nutritional Information
Below, I have listed the nutritional information for the Portillo’s Chocolate Cake Recipe Easy:
| Nutrient | Amount (per slice) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 |
| Carbohydrates | 58g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Fat | 23g |
| Saturated Fat | 6g |
| Sugar | 36g |
| Sodium | 430mg |
| Fiber | 2g |
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chocolate cake chilled or at room temperature with a cold glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
For a party, decorate the top with chocolate shavings or sprinkles to give it a festive look.
Storage Tips
Keep the cake in a sealed container in the fridge for a maximum of 5 days.
You can also freeze slices by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and storing them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
This Portillo’s Chocolate Cake Recipe is the perfect way to bring a restaurant favorite right to your home. It’s quick, moist, and unforgettable.
With these words, we came to the end of this article. If you like this recipe, then please rate this post with 5 stars at the end of the FAQs section, and don’t forget to share it with your loved ones!
Happy Cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What makes Portillo’s chocolate cake so moist?
The secret is mayonnaise, which adds moisture without altering the flavor.
Can I use homemade frosting instead of store-bought?
Yes, feel free to use your favorite homemade chocolate frosting recipe.
Can I make this cake in a single pan?
Yes, but increase the baking time to 40–45 minutes and use a deep 9×13-inch pan.
Can I freeze the chocolate cake?
Absolutely. Wrap individual slices tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
Is this cake suitable for birthdays?
Yes, it’s rich, delicious, and easy to customize with decorations or candles.
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