Portillo’s Chocolate Cake Recipe

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

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.

Tips for the Perfect Moist Texture

The key to Portillo’s signature texture lies in careful mixing and baking. Don’t overmix the batter, as it can make the cake dense.

Also, avoid overbaking—check with a toothpick and remove it when just set for that ultra-soft crumb.

Best Frosting Options for Extra Flavor

While classic chocolate frosting tastes divine, you can experiment with mocha, fudge, or whipped ganache.

Each brings a different richness to the cake. If you love contrasts, try a light cream cheese frosting for a delicious balance of sweetness and tang.

How to Turn It into Cupcakes

You can easily transform this Portillo’s Chocolate Cake recipe into cupcakes. Just pour the batter into lined cupcake tins and bake for 18 to 20 minutes.

They’re perfect for parties, portion control, or when you want a quicker dessert fix.

Pairing Ideas for Portillo’s Chocolate Cake

Portillo’s Chocolate Cake Recipe pairs beautifully with coffee, milkshakes, or even red wine. If you love contrasts, serve it with fresh strawberries or raspberries.

The fruity acidity perfectly complements the deep chocolate flavor, creating a delightful balance in every bite.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many people overbake their cake or use too much frosting. Make sure to follow the timing carefully and let the layers cool fully before frosting.

Also, don’t skip the mayonnaise—it’s the magic ingredient that keeps the cake moist and delicious.

How to Make It Ahead of Time

You can bake the layers a day earlier and store them tightly covered. Frost just before serving for a fresh look.

This make-ahead option saves time and still guarantees the same soft, indulgent texture you’d expect from a freshly baked cake.

Fun Variations to Try

If you love to experiment, turn this cake into a chocolate trifle with whipped cream and berries.

Or add a layer of caramel or peanut butter between the cakes for extra richness. You can even sprinkle sea salt for a gourmet twist.

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)

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