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Portillo’s Chocolate Cake Recipe – an easy copycat recipe just like you get at the iconic Chicago restaurant! What’s the secret ingredient? I’ve got the answer! This recipe uses simple ingredients like Betty Crocker cake mix and chocolate frosting for rich, moist layers.
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Pin It NowPORTILLO’S CHOCOLATE CAKE COPYCAT RECIPE: A PERFECT COPYCAT!
Portillo’s is known for their classic Chicago-style fast food options like Italian Beef sandwiches (my personal favorite), hot dogs, and cheese fries. But did you know that they are also famous for their chocolate cake?
A Portillo’s chocolate cake is considered one of Chicago’s best desserts. It is a moist two-layer chocolate cake with decadent chocolate frosting and while it’s so simple, it’s SO good and easy to make.
What’s the secret to an easy Portillo’s Chocolate Cake that makes it so moist and delicious? The answer is mayonnaise.
Some cake recipes can feel intimidating, but this one is simple and approachable. It uses a box of Betty Crocker Devil’s Food cake mix, mayo, and a few other key ingredients outlined below. Even better, Portillo’s employees have confirmed this is the exact mix they use!
Whether you choose to bake a Portillo’s chocolate cake at home or visit the restaurant to grab a slice—or even a whole cake (yes, they sell the entire cake!)—this legendary dessert is definitely worth experiencing!
Today I will walk you through how to recreate Portillo’s chocolate cake at home with simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
❤️ Ashley
Portillo’s Chocolate Cake Ingredients
The ingredients in this cake are simple, but combine to create a chocolate cake that is moist, rich, and full of flavor, just like the famous Portillo’s chocolate cake. It will have you coming back for a second piece (or a third, no judgement). For the full recipe, see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- Mayonnaise: The secret ingredient that pulls this all together, read more on using mayo in cake below.
- Box of Betty Crocker devil’s food cake: This serves as the base for the chocolate cake. Devil’s food cake is known for its rich, moist texture and deep chocolate flavor. While I love a good chocolate cake from scratch, using a boxed mix provides convenience while still achieving delicious results.
- Eggs: The binding agent in the cake batter, helping to hold the ingredients together and provide structure to the cake. They also contribute to the cake’s moisture and richness.
- Ice cold water: Prevents the cake from becoming too dense and heavy.
The Secret Ingredient
The secret to this ultra-moist, delicious cake is mayonnaise. Don’t worry—it’s just oil and egg yolks, ingredients already used in baking. Mayo creates a tender crumb, enhances the chocolate flavor, and makes the cake irresistibly rich and moist.
How to Make Portillo’s Chocolate Cake
This chocolate cake recipe comes together with simple ingredients but results in a cake that is moist, chocolatey, and quite perfect. For the full recipe including all measurements, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- Make the batter. Combine the cake mix, eggs, water, and mayo in your mixer. Mix on low speed for 30 seconds, then mix on high for about 4 minutes.
- Divide the batter into two greased 9-inch cake pans.
- Bake the cakes. Bake for 30-32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the middle of the cake comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool. Transfer the baked cakes out of the pans and onto wire cooling racks to cool for about an hour.
- Frost
Frosting the Cake
I was shocked to learn that one of the best-tasting chocolate cakes starts with a box of Betty Crocker cake mix. Even more surprising? The frosting is Betty Crocker Chocolate Frosting straight from a can! I’ll admit, I was skeptical at first, but one bite of the finished cake erased all my doubts. It’s every bit as delicious as Portillo’s.
- Mix the frosting – this step is optional, but I like to add all of the frosting to a bowl, then use a hand mixer to whip up the frosting so that it’s light and fluffy.
- Assemble and frost. Place one of the cakes on a plate and spread about 3/4 of one jar of frosting on the top of the cake. Place the second cake on top and use the remaining frosting (1 1/4 jars) to coat the top of the cake and the sides.
pro tip!
It is really important to let the cakes fully cool before frosting. If they are still warm, the cake will rip and the frosting will melt.
Tips for Success
- Chill the frosting: If your frosting feels too soft, pop it in the fridge for 10-15 minutes to firm up before spreading.
- Don’t skip the mayo: It’s the key to achieving that moist texture!
Storing Cake
This layered chocolate cake can be stored, covered, on the counter or in the refrigerator for up to three days. Since there is no buttercream or cream cheese in the frosting, the counter is just fine.
Other Chocolate Cake Recipes
- Double Chocolate Pudding Cake
- The Best Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Mousse Filling
- No Bake Chocolate Cake Batter Truffles
If you try this copycat chocolate cake recipe, considered one of Chicago’s best desserts, or any of my other recipes, I’d love to know! Let me know how you enjoyed it. It makes my day hearing from you!
Portillo’s Chocolate Cake
Ingredients
- 1 box Betty Crocker Devil's Food Cake Mix
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup ice cold water
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 cans Betty Crocker chocolate frosting
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease two 9-inch cake pans.
- Mix cake mix, eggs, water, and mayo on low speed for 30 seconds, then on high for 4 minutes.
- Divide batter evenly between pans and bake for 30-32 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool in pans for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- Whip the frosting (optional): add the frosting to a bowl and whip on medium speed with a hand mixer until light and fluffy.
- Frost: Spread 3/4 jar of frosting on the first cake, layer the second cake on top, and coat with the remaining frosting.
Yes, you can use a different Devil’s Food Cake Mix, just know that the original is made with Betty Crocker and may not taste exactly the same.
Mayo is the secret ingredient!
