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Portillos Chocolate Cake Recipe

Portillos Chocolate Cake Recipe

Rich, soft, and incredibly moist, this Portillos chocolate cake recipe combines cocoa, vanilla, and silky chocolate frosting.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12 Slices
Calories 690 kcal

Equipment

  • Two 9-inch round cake pans
  • Large mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer or stand mixer
  • Whisk
  • Rubber spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Cooling racks
  • Offset spatula
  • Parchment paper
  • Sifter
  • Cake stand or serving plate

Ingredients
  

For the Chocolate Cake

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup cold water
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Frosting

  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Pans

  • Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
  • This extra step helps the cakes release cleanly after baking.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

  • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
  • Make sure the cocoa powder is evenly mixed so every bite has rich chocolate flavor.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

  • In another bowl, whisk together the cold water, mayonnaise, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  • The mayonnaise may seem unusual, but it is the secret to the incredibly moist texture.

Step 4: Combine the Batter

  • Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.
  • Mix until smooth and fully combined. Be careful not to overmix because that can make the cake dense.
  • The batter will look silky and slightly thin.

Step 5: Bake the Cakes

  • Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
  • Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • The cakes should rise beautifully and smell intensely chocolatey.

Step 6: Cool Completely

  • Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes.
  • Transfer them to cooling racks and allow them to cool completely before frosting.

Step 7: Make the Chocolate Frosting

  • In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
  • Add the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt.
  • Beat until smooth, fluffy, and spreadable.
  • If the frosting feels too thick, add a little extra cream.

Step 8: Assemble the Cake

  • Place one cake layer onto a serving plate.
  • Spread a generous layer of frosting over the top.
  • Add the second cake layer and frost the top and sides of the cake.
  • Use an offset spatula to create smooth swirls and texture.

Step 9: Serve

  • Slice and serve the cake at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
Keyword Portillos Chocolate Cake Recipe