Portillo's Chocolate Cake Recipe

Mak Erot

3 min read

·

Apr 08, 2025

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Portillo's Chocolate Cake Recipe: A Decadent Delight You Can Make at Home

Are you a fan of Portillo's famous chocolate cake? That rich, moist, intensely chocolatey treat that's the perfect ending to any meal? You don't have to travel to Portillo's to enjoy it! While the exact recipe remains a closely guarded secret, we've crafted a delicious approximation that captures the essence of that legendary cake. This recipe focuses on achieving that deep chocolate flavor and incredibly moist crumb that makes Portillo's cake so irresistible.

Ingredients You'll Need:

This recipe yields a 9x13 inch cake, perfect for sharing (or not!).

• For the Cake:

  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
  • ¾ cup (60g) unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-processed for a richer flavor)
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
  • ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (240ml) freshly brewed hot coffee

• For the Chocolate Frosting:

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar
  • ¾ cup (60g) unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-processed)
  • ½ cup (120ml) milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions for Baking Portillo's Style Chocolate Cake:

Getting Started: Preparing the Dry and Wet Ingredients

1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This prevents sticking and ensures a clean release.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure there are no lumps. Thorough mixing is key to a consistent cake texture.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Bringing it Together: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix. Overmixing develops gluten and can result in a tough cake.

Baking the Cake:

5. Adding the Coffee: Slowly pour in the hot coffee while mixing on low speed. The coffee adds moisture and enhances the chocolate flavor.
6. Pour & Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
7. Baking Time: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

Making the Decadent Frosting:

8. Cream the Butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until light and fluffy. This incorporates air for a lighter frosting.
9. Add Sugar & Cocoa: Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, alternating with the milk, beating on low speed until combined.
10. Vanilla Flavor: Stir in the vanilla extract.

Frosting and Serving Your Masterpiece:

11. Let it Cool: Let the cake cool completely in the pan before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting.
12. Frosting Time: Once the cake is completely cool, frost generously with the chocolate frosting.
13. Chill (Optional): For an even richer flavor, chill the frosted cake in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Tips for Success:

• Use quality cocoa powder: Dutch-processed cocoa powder will give you a richer, deeper chocolate flavor.
• Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
• Let the cake cool completely: Frosting a warm cake will cause the frosting to melt.
• Get creative with variations: Add chocolate chips, nuts, or even a layer of caramel for an extra special touch.

This recipe offers a truly delicious take on the Portillo's chocolate cake experience. Enjoy baking and savor every bite! Remember to share your baking triumphs – and any adjustments you make – in the comments below! We'd love to hear your experiences!