Are you a chocolate lover? Do you crave a delicious and moist chocolate cake that melts in your mouth? Look no further because Portillo’s chocolate cake recipe is exactly what you’ve been searching for! This iconic and legendary dessert originated from Portillo’s restaurant in Chicago, and it has become a favorite across the United States. This rich and decadent cake is made with premium cocoa powder, fresh ingredients, and a secret blend of flavors that creates an unparalleled taste. You don’t have to go to Chicago to enjoy this scrumptious cake because we will guide you through the simple, yet precise steps to make it in the comfort of your own home. So, put on your apron and let’s get started with the recipe that will steal the show at any gathering or celebration.
Ingredients
Portillo’s chocolate cake is a classic dessert and a must-try for any chocolate lover. The ingredients used in this recipe are easy to find and relatively simple, but the key to making the perfect cake lies in getting the ratios right. Here’s what you’ll need:
Flour
Flour is one of the most important ingredients in any cake recipe, and Portillo’s chocolate cake is no exception. All-purpose flour works best for this recipe as it has just the right amount of gluten to give your cake structure.
Sugar
Sugar adds sweetness to your chocolate cake recipe, but it also plays an essential role in tenderizing its texture by interacting with proteins that make up flour. Granulated sugar works best for this particular recipe.
Cocoa Powder
Cocoa powder is responsible for giving Portillo’s chocolate cake its rich, dark color and decadent flavor. Unsweetened cocoa powder is recommended as it provides the purest form of cocoa flavor without adding any additional sugar or artificial sweeteners.
Baking Powder & Baking Soda
Baking powder and baking soda are both leavening agents that help your cake rise during baking. In Portillo’s chocolate cake recipe, these two ingredients work together to create a light and fluffy texture while ensuring that your cakes rise evenly.
Salt
Salt may seem like an unusual ingredient when making desserts; however, it helps balance out all other flavors present in the mixture while enhancing them at the same time.
Eggs
Eggs add richness to your batter by providing fat and protein content which gives structure during baking while keeping everything moist at once.
Butter & Oil
Butter adds flavor richness whereas oil contributes moisture to baked goods; therefore both ingredients are required when making Portillo’s Chocolate Cake
Vanilla Extract
Vanilla extract enhances all other flavors present in baked goods by adding its unique aroma thus we recommend using pure vanilla extract rather than the imitation one.
Boiling Water
Boiling water is a unique ingredient in Portillo’s chocolate cake recipe. It helps to bring out the full flavor of cocoa powder and allows all other ingredients to merge correctly, which ultimately results in a rich, moist, and chocolaty cake.
Preparation
Once you have gathered all the necessary ingredients, it’s time to start preparing your Portillo’s chocolate cake. This recipe is relatively simple and easy to follow, but it requires some careful attention to detail to achieve the perfect texture and flavor.
Making Portillo’s chocolate cake requires simple ingredients that are easy to find at your local grocery store. The key to achieving the perfect texture and flavor is by paying attention to details and being patient through each step. Baking the cake should be done in a preheated oven set at 350°F and rotating cake pans halfway through cooking. The frosting is simple to make and can be decorated with extra frosting layers, chocolate shavings, powdered sugar, or fresh fruit. Overall, it’s a straightforward recipe for a decadent chocolate cake that is sure to impress any chocolate lover.
Preheat Your Oven
The first step in making Portillo’s chocolate cake is preheating your oven. Set it at 350°F (180°C) for optimal results.
Grease & Flour Cake Pans
To prevent the cake from sticking to your baking pan, use butter or cooking spray evenly on a 9-inch pan; then dust with flour and shake off any excess flour before you pour in the batter.
Mix The Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda and baking powder until well combined.
Mix The Wet Ingredients
In another mixing bowl add eggs one at a time while beating them till they are fluffy. Add melted butter with oil mix thoroughly using an electric mixer.
Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients
Slowly pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients mixture while whisking until everything is incorporated. At this point add boiling water slowly while whisking continuously until everything has mixed properly
Pour Batter into Prepared Pans
Pour batter evenly into previously greased/floured pans and level them using a spatula so that there are no air pockets present.
Bake The Cake
Place pans in preheated oven and bake for approximately 30-35 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean when removed from the center of each cake.
Once done remove pans from oven let cool for about ten minutes before transferring cakes onto wire racks for further cooling; this helps avoid cracking due to temperature differences between hot cakes versus cold counters/plates.
Baking the Cake
Baking the Portillo’s chocolate cake is the final step in this recipe. While it may seem like a simple task, there are a few things to keep in mind to achieve perfectly baked cakes that are moist, rich and chocolaty.
Making Portillo’s chocolate cake requires a few simple ingredients that are easy to find at your local grocery store. The key to achieving the perfect cake lies in getting the ratios right. This legendary dessert is rich, decadent, and chocolaty, making it a must-try for any chocolate lover. The steps may seem intimidating; however, by following the precise measurements, ratios, and instructions, you can achieve perfect results every time. Don’t forget to decorate your cake with extra frosting, chocolate shavings, powdered sugar, or fresh fruit for an aesthetically pleasing presentation.
Check Your Oven Temperature
Before you start baking your cake, double-check that your oven temperature is set at 350°F (180°C). Use an oven thermometer if needed for accuracy.
Place Cakes in The Center of The Oven
Place your prepared pans with batter on the center rack of your preheated oven for optimal results. This ensures even heat distribution throughout baking time.
Avoid Opening The Oven Door
Avoid opening the oven door too often during baking as this can cause fluctuations in temperature resulting in unevenly baked cakes or sinking centers. Only open when necessary to avoid any mishap
Rotate Cakes Halfway Through Baking Time
Rotate cake pans halfway through baking time (after about 15-20 minutes) to ensure even cooking and prevent one side from browning more than others
Test For Doneness
To test whether cakes are done, insert a toothpick into their centers; if it comes out clean without any wet batter sticking onto it, then they’re ready. If not bake for an additional five minutes before rechecking again.
Cool & Remove From Pans
Once done remove pans from oven let cool completely at room temperature before transferring cakes onto wire racks for further cooling; this helps avoid cracking due to temperature differences between hot cakes versus cold counters/plates.
Making the Chocolate Frosting
Portillo’s chocolate cake is not complete without its signature chocolate frosting. This frosting recipe is incredibly easy to make and requires only a few ingredients. Here’s how to make it:
Making Portillo’s chocolate cake requires a few simple ingredients, but the key to a perfect cake lies in getting the ratios right. All-purpose flour, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, eggs, butter, oil, vanilla extract, and boiling water are required to create a rich, moist, and chocolaty cake. Following the recipe closely by using precise measurements and ratios for each ingredient is essential to achieve perfect results every time. Baking the cake at 350°F (180°C), placing it in the center of the oven, avoiding opening the oven door too often, rotating it halfway through baking time, and testing it for doneness with a toothpick are also crucial steps. Finally, making the signature chocolate frosting and decorating the cake with extra frosting, chocolate shavings, powdered sugar, or fresh fruit is the fun and creative way to add a personal touch to this classic dessert.
