Hey, Welcome to the Portillo’s Chocolate Cake Recipe. Portillo’s Chocolate Cake is a moist, rich, and deeply chocolatey dessert that melts in your mouth with every bite.
If you’ve ever had this at Portillo’s, you already know how unbelievably 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 decadent recipe right in your kitchen.
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 10
Cuisine: American
Category: Dessert
History and Origin
Portillo’s Chocolate Cake was first introduced by the Chicago-based restaurant chain Portillo’s in the 1980s.
It quickly became famous for its ultra-moist texture, achieved by adding mayonnaise to the batter, creating a unique, indulgent dessert that gained nationwide popularity.
What does Portillo’s Chocolate Cake taste like?
Portillo’s Chocolate Cake tastes incredibly rich and moist with a deep cocoa flavor. The texture is fluffy yet dense, while the creamy chocolate frosting adds a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth sweetness that makes every bite unforgettable.
By the way, you can also try the Gyu Kaku Garlic Noodles Recipe.
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) |
| Eggs | 3 |
| Water | 1 cup |
| Mayonnaise | 1 cup |
| Vegetable oil | 1/3 cup |
| Chocolate frosting | 1 container (16 oz) |
Equipment Needed
Also, gather the following equipment, as they are necessary to craft your Easy Portillo’s Chocolate Cake Recipe:
- Two 9-inch round cake pans
- Electric mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Rubber spatula
- Wire cooling rack
- Measuring cups and spoons
How to Make Portillo’s Chocolate Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour two 9-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix the batter
In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, water, mayonnaise, and oil. Beat for two to three minutes on medium speed, or until the batter is creamy and smooth.
Step 3: Pour and bake
Divide the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 4: Cool the cakes
After taking the cakes out of the oven, allow them to cool for ten minutes in the pans. After that, move them to a wire rack to finish cooling.
Step 5: Frost the cake
Spread chocolate frosting evenly on one cake layer. Cover the entire cake with the leftover icing after placing the second layer on top. Smooth it out with a spatula.
Step 6: Serve and enjoy
Slice and serve the moist, creamy Portillo’s Chocolate Cake. Savor it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a glass of milk.
Recipe Card
Portillo’s Chocolate Cake Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour two 9-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking.
- In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, water, mayonnaise, and oil. Beat for two to three minutes on medium speed, or until the batter is creamy and smooth.
- Divide the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- After taking the cakes out of the oven, allow them to cool for ten minutes in the pans. After that, move them to a wire rack to finish cooling.
- Spread chocolate frosting evenly on one cake layer. Cover the entire cake with the leftover icing after placing the second layer on top. Smooth it out with a spatula.
- Slice and serve the moist, creamy Portillo’s Chocolate Cake. Savor it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a glass of milk.
Notes
Nutritional Information
Below, I have listed the nutritional information for the Recipe for Portillo’s Chocolate Cake:
| Nutrient | Amount (per slice) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 |
| Carbohydrates | 48g |
| Protein | 5g |
| Fat | 24g |
| Sugar | 34g |
| Fiber | 2g |
Serving Suggestions
Serve Portillo’s Chocolate Cake with a drizzle of chocolate syrup or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
It also pairs beautifully with coffee, milkshakes, or whipped cream for an extra indulgent experience.
Storage Tips
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for 5 days. Slices can also be frozen for up to two months.
Tips for the Perfect Portillo’s Chocolate Cake
To get the best results, always use room-temperature ingredients. This ensures your batter mixes smoothly for that signature soft crumb.
Avoid overmixing, as it can make the cake dense. Also, let the layers cool completely before frosting to prevent melting or sliding.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Avoid overbaking the cake, as it can dry out easily. Don’t skip sifting the cocoa powder and flour; this helps keep the texture light.
Also, make sure your frosting is at room temperature before spreading it, so it glides smoothly across the cake layers.
How to Make It Look Bakery-Perfect
Want your Portillo’s Chocolate Cake Recipe to look like it came straight from Portillo’s? Use an offset spatula to smooth the frosting evenly across the top and sides.
Chill the frosted cake for 15–20 minutes before slicing. This helps set the frosting for clean, professional-looking cuts.
Flavor Variations You Can Try
If you love experimenting, try adding mini chocolate chips or a hint of espresso powder to the batter for deeper flavor.
You can also layer Portillo’s Chocolate Cake Recipe with chocolate ganache or whipped cream for extra richness. Each variation gives your cake a unique twist while keeping it indulgent.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This cake never fails to impress. It’s quick, foolproof, and requires minimal ingredients you probably already have.
Whether it’s for birthdays, family gatherings, or just a sweet craving, Portillo’s Chocolate Cake Recipe always delivers that restaurant-quality taste at home.
Conclusion
This Portillo’s Chocolate Cake Recipe brings the restaurant’s classic taste right into your home. It’s soft, rich, and unbelievably easy to make.
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)
How long does Portillo’s Chocolate Cake stay fresh?
It stays fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container.
Can I use homemade frosting instead of store-bought?
Yes, you can use your favorite homemade chocolate frosting for a richer flavor.
Can I make this cake without mayonnaise?
You can replace mayonnaise with sour cream or Greek yogurt, but the texture may slightly change.
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Yes, you can use other flavors like vanilla or red velvet, but it won’t be the classic Portillo’s version.
Can I freeze Portillo’s Chocolate Cake?
Yes, wrap the slices tightly and freeze them for up to 2 months for later enjoyment.
You will also like the Gyu Kaku Cucumber Recipe.
2 thoughts on “Portillo’s Chocolate Cake Recipe”