Copycat Portillo’s Chocolate Cake Recipe

Indulge in the ultimate chocolate lover’s dream with this Copycat Portillo’s Chocolate Cake recipe. Moist, rich, and incredibly easy to make, this decadent dessert is perfect for any occasion!

The Portillo’s Chocolate Cake recipe is a chocolate lover’s dream come true! This iconic dessert is known for its ultra-moist texture, rich chocolate flavor, and irresistible sweetness.

With just a few simple ingredients, including a surprising addition of mayonnaise for that signature creaminess, this cake comes together effortlessly. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or simply satisfying a chocolate craving, this recipe captures the magic of the beloved Portillo’s classic right in your own kitchen.

If you love Copycat recipes try my recipe for Air Fryer Hardee’s Big Hot Ham N’ Cheese, Hardee’s Apple Turnovers Recipe, or Texas Roadhouse Macaroni and Cheese Recipe.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

• Rich and Decadent Flavor: This cake captures the irresistible chocolatey goodness that Portillo’s is famous for.
• Moist and Tender Texture: Every bite is soft, fluffy, and melts in your mouth.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can recreate this iconic dessert.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or a casual dessert, this cake always impresses.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Its rich flavor and beautiful presentation make it a hit with everyone who tries it.

Ingredients Needed

• All-Purpose Flour: The main dry ingredient that gives the cake structure and a soft crumb.
• Cocoa Powder: Provides a rich, deep chocolate flavor that defines the cake.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise, giving it a light and airy texture.
• Sugar: Sweetens the cake and balances the richness of the chocolate.
• Eggs: Contribute moisture, structure, and help bind the ingredients together.
• Mayonnaise: Adds moisture and richness, making the cake extra tender and flavorful.
• Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cake moist and adds to its smooth texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor of the chocolate and other ingredients.
• Boiling Water: Intensifies the chocolate flavor and helps achieve a smooth batter.
• Chocolate Frosting: The perfect finishing touch, giving the cake a creamy, rich topping.

How To Make Copycat Portillo’s Chocolate Cake Recipe

Step One: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.

Step Two: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and sugar. Set aside.

Step Three: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, mayonnaise, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.

Step Four: Slowly add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until smooth. Gradually stir in the boiling water. The batter will be thin, but that’s perfectly fine as it ensures a moist cake.

Step Five: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step Six: Once the cakes are completely cooled, spread your favorite chocolate frosting over the top and sides of the cakes. Slice and enjoy your rich, moist, homemade Copycat Portillo’s Chocolate Cake!

Copycat Portillo’s Chocolate Cake Recipe Tips

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs, mayonnaise, and other ingredients are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smooth batter and ensures even baking.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Once you add the wet ingredients to the dry, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture.
• Be Precise with the Boiling Water: The boiling water is crucial for intensifying the chocolate flavor and achieving the cake’s moist texture, so be sure to add it gradually and stir it in well.
• Check for Doneness: Every oven is different, so check the cakes at the 30-minute mark. If a toothpick comes out clean, they’re ready.
• Let the Cakes Cool Completely: Before frosting, make sure the cakes are fully cooled to prevent the frosting from melting or sliding off.
• Use a Generous Amount of Frosting: Portillo’s cake is known for its rich frosting, so don’t skimp—cover the cakes generously for that classic chocolatey finish.
• Add a Little Extra Moisture: If you prefer an even moister cake, you can add a tablespoon of sour cream or yogurt to the batter to enhance the texture.

Storing

• Storing: Room Temperature: Once frosted, store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Unfrosted Cake: If you’ve baked the cake without frosting, store the cake layers in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. They will stay fresh for up to 5 days at room temperature.

• Freezing: Unfrosted Cake: Wrap the cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Freezing: Frosted Cake: If freezing a frosted cake, freeze it unwrapped for 1-2 hours until the frosting sets, then wrap it tightly and store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Let frozen or refrigerated cake thaw at room temperature for 1-2 hours before serving.

Copycat Portillo’s Chocolate Cake Recipe Faqs

Can I use a different type of frosting for this cake? Yes, you can use any frosting you prefer, but Portillo’s signature chocolate frosting is what makes this cake special. If you choose to use a different frosting, make sure it complements the rich chocolate flavor of the cake.

Can I make this cake without mayo? Mayo is an essential ingredient in this recipe for adding moisture and tenderness to the cake.

How do I make this cake gluten-free? To make a gluten-free version of this cake, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the blend includes xanthan gum or add it separately to help with the texture.

How can I make this cake more decadent? For an extra indulgent version, you can add a layer of chocolate ganache or drizzle extra melted chocolate over the frosting. You could also add chocolate chips to the batter for added texture.

Can I make this cake in advance? Yes, this cake keeps well for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also freeze the cake for up to 3 months, as long as it’s properly wrapped.

Can I use a cake mix instead of making it from scratch? While this recipe uses basic ingredients to create a rich, moist chocolate cake, you can substitute it with a store-bought cake mix if you prefer a quicker method. Just be sure to adjust the ingredients accordingly.

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