Portillo's Chocolate Cake features rich, moist layers of decadent chocolate sponge cake, generously filled and frosted with smooth, creamy chocolate ganache, topped with chocolate shavings for an indulgent and visually irresistible dessert.
Equipments
- Mixing bowls
- Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Whisk
- Cake pans (two 9-inch round)
- Cooling racks
- Serrated knife (for leveling cakes)
- Offset spatula
- Cake turntable (optional)
- Saucepan (for ganache)
- Heatproof bowl (for ganache)
- Spoon or vegetable peeler (for chocolate shavings)
- Parchment paper
- Wire rack
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot water or hot coffee
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 12 oz semisweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Chocolate bar (for shavings)
Ensure you use high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder and semisweet chocolate chips to achieve the rich, deep chocolate flavor characteristic of Portillo's Chocolate Cake. Buttermilk is essential for moisture and tang, while mayonnaise adds a surprisingly moist texture without altering the taste. Hot coffee or hot water enhances the chocolate intensity, so use freshly brewed coffee for best results. Measure ingredients precisely using the appropriate tools like measuring cups and spoons to maintain the proper balance of flavors and texture in your cake. Your homemade Portillo's Chocolate Cake will impress with its moist, decadent layers and smooth ganache, just like the original signature dessert.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line cake pans with parchment paper and grease sides.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, beat eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until combined.
- Slowly add wet ingredients into the dry ingredients; mix until nearly incorporated.
- Pour in hot water or hot coffee; mix until smooth.
- Fold in mayonnaise with a rubber spatula until fully combined.
- Divide batter evenly between prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 25-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
- Prepare the ganache: heat heavy cream in a saucepan until just simmering.
- Pour hot cream over semisweet chocolate chips and butter in a heatproof bowl.
- Let sit 2 minutes, then whisk until smooth and glossy. Allow to cool to a spreadable consistency.
- Level cake layers with serrated knife if needed.
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake turntable.
- Spread a generous layer of ganache on top using an offset spatula.
- Top with the second cake layer.
- Cover top and sides with remaining ganache, smoothing with spatula or cake scraper.
- Use a spoon or vegetable peeler to create chocolate shavings from a chocolate bar.
- Sprinkle chocolate shavings generously over the top of the cake.
- Chill cake for at least 1 hour before serving for best slicing.
Substitution
Portillo's Chocolate Cake boasts rich, moist layers of chocolate sponge cake paired with smooth, creamy chocolate ganache and adorned with chocolate shavings for an indulgent experience. If you don't have buttermilk, substitute with 1 cup of milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar, left to sit for 5 minutes, to maintain the cake's tenderness. Using hot coffee instead of water enhances the chocolate flavor and can be preferred if you want a deeper taste profile in your cake. Mayonnaise adds moisture and richness, so if unavailable, Greek yogurt or sour cream can work as alternatives to keep the texture creamy. When making the ganache, ensure the cream is hot enough to fully melt the chocolate chips and butter, creating a smooth finish for frosting your layers.
Tips
Ensure your oven is fully preheated to 350degF before baking to achieve even cooking and proper rise of the cake layers. When folding in mayonnaise, use a gentle rubber spatula motion to maintain the batter's light texture without overmixing. Allow the ganache to cool to a spreadable but not hardened consistency to avoid tearing your cake layers during frosting. For cleaner, more precise slices, chill the completed cake for at least one hour before cutting.
Nutritions
Portillo's Chocolate Cake offers a calorie-dense treat primarily rich in fats and sugars, thanks to ingredients like mayonnaise, vegetable oil, heavy cream, and semisweet chocolate chips. The buttermilk and eggs contribute moderate amounts of protein and essential nutrients such as calcium and vitamin D. High in carbohydrates from all-purpose flour and granulated sugar, this dessert should be enjoyed in moderation to balance your daily intake. You can appreciate indulgence while being mindful of portion size to fit this decadent cake into your nutrition goals.
Storage
Store Portillo's Chocolate Cake tightly covered in an airtight container or cake dome to maintain its rich, moist texture and prevent the ganache from drying out. Keep your cake refrigerated to preserve the freshness of the heavy cream ganache and chocolate shavings, but allow it to return to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving to enhance flavor. For longer storage, you can freeze the cake wrapped securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to one month; thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute brewed espresso for hot coffee in the cake batter to intensify the chocolate flavor. For a richer ganache, replace half of the semisweet chocolate chips with bittersweet chocolate. If you prefer a lighter frosting, try folding whipped cream into the ganache before spreading it on the cake. Using a cake turntable will make frosting and decorating much easier and more precise.
Allergies
Portillo's Chocolate Cake contains common allergens such as eggs, dairy (buttermilk, heavy cream, unsalted butter), and wheat (all-purpose flour), which could trigger reactions in individuals with sensitivities. The chocolate ganache includes semisweet chocolate chips that may contain soy lecithin, a potential allergen for some. If you have allergies to any of these ingredients, it's important to avoid this dessert or seek an allergen-free alternative.
Why this recipe?
Portillo's Chocolate Cake is renowned for its rich, moist texture and perfectly balanced sweetness that satisfies any chocolate lover's craving. The cake features layers of dense chocolate sponge and creamy frosting that create a decadent dessert experience. Copying this recipe allows you to recreate a beloved classic at home, showcasing your baking skills and impressing friends with restaurant-style quality. Your homemade version captures the iconic flavor and indulgence that fans of Portillo's crave.