Portillo’s Chocolate Cake is legendary, known for its incredibly moist texture and rich, chocolatey flavor. But one question has sparked curiosity among dessert lovers for years: Is Portillo’s Chocolate Cake made with mayonnaise?
At first, the idea of adding mayonnaise to a cake might sound unusual—even a little strange. However, some bakers swear by this secret ingredient, claiming it enhances moisture and richness like nothing else. So, does Portillo’s really use mayo in their famous cake, or is this just another baking myth?
In this post, we’ll uncover the truth behind Portillo’s Chocolate Cake ingredients, explore how mayonnaise affects baked goods, and even look at copycat recipes to see if mayo plays a role in recreating this beloved dessert. Let’s dive in!
What Makes Portillo’s Chocolate Cake So Famous?
Portillo’s Chocolate Cake has built a reputation as one of the most indulgent and delicious chocolate cakes available, especially in the Chicago food scene. Whether you’ve had a slice at a Portillo’s restaurant or heard about it from a die-hard fan, there’s no denying that this cake has a cult following. But what exactly makes it so special? Let’s break it down.
The Popularity of Portillo’s Chocolate Cake
Portillo’s is best known for its Chicago-style hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches, and crinkle-cut fries, but its Chocolate Cake is just as iconic. Originally introduced as a simple menu addition, the cake quickly became a customer favorite.
Here’s why it has gained national recognition:
- Rich, moist, and ultra-soft texture – It melts in your mouth!
- Perfectly balanced chocolate flavor – Not too bitter, not too sweet.
- A signature creamy chocolate frosting – Smooth, velvety, and generously applied.
- Available by the slice or as a whole cake – Making it great for personal indulgence or celebrations.
Over the years, this dessert has become so popular that Portillo’s even started offering Chocolate Cake Shakes—a thick milkshake blended with an actual slice of their famous cake!
The Secret to Its Moist and Rich Texture
One of the biggest reasons for the cake’s popularity is its incredibly moist texture. Many people compare it to homemade cakes but find that Portillo’s version is even more tender and rich. So, what’s the secret?
Several factors contribute to this signature texture:
- The right balance of fats – Likely a combination of oil, eggs, and possibly an unexpected ingredient (like mayo).
- High-quality cocoa powder – Providing a deep, intense chocolate flavor.
- A well-balanced sugar ratio – Making it sweet but not overwhelming.
- A fluffy, yet dense crumb – Achieved through precise mixing techniques.
Customers and food bloggers alike have attempted to decode the recipe, and many copycat versions try to recreate its unmatched moistness. Some of these recipes suggest that mayonnaise could be the secret ingredient—which leads us to the next point.
The Role of Mayonnaise in Baking
If you’ve never heard of using mayonnaise in chocolate cake, you might be surprised to learn that it’s a well-known baking trick. The idea goes back decades, with home bakers and professionals alike using mayo to create super moist cakes.
Here’s why mayonnaise works so well in baking:
- It contains eggs and oil, both of which add moisture and richness.
- It helps create a soft, tender crumb, preventing dryness.
- It enhances the chocolate flavor, making it deeper and more intense.
Many people speculate that Portillo’s Chocolate Cake contains mayonnaise for this very reason. While the official ingredient list remains a secret, it wouldn’t be surprising if mayo played a key role in achieving its famous texture.
Does Portillo’s Chocolate Cake Really Contain Mayonnaise?
The biggest question on every chocolate cake lover’s mind is: Does Portillo’s really use mayonnaise in its famous cake? While many food enthusiasts and home bakers claim that mayo is the secret ingredient, the official recipe remains a mystery. Let’s break down the facts, examine what we know about the cake’s ingredients, and see what insiders have to say.
Analyzing the Ingredients in Portillo’s Cake
Since Portillo’s keeps its official recipe a secret, the exact ingredient list isn’t publicly available. However, customers and food bloggers have attempted to reverse-engineer the recipe to figure out what makes this cake so uniquely moist.
Some key ingredients that are likely included:
- Flour – The base structure of the cake.
- Sugar – Sweetens and enhances the chocolate flavor.
- Cocoa powder – Gives the cake its deep chocolate taste.
- Eggs – Help with structure and richness.
- Oil – A common ingredient for moisture in cakes.
- Baking soda/powder – Helps the cake rise.
Now, here’s where things get interesting—mayonnaise is made of eggs and oil, two ingredients that are essential in making a moist cake. This has led many people to believe that Portillo’s might be using mayonnaise instead of separately adding eggs and oil.
While Portillo’s has never officially confirmed or denied the use of mayo, many copycat recipes include it to replicate the cake’s signature texture.
What Former Employees and Bakers Say
Some people who claim to have worked at Portillo’s or in the food industry have shared insights about the cake’s ingredients. Based on customer discussions and online forums, here’s what we know:
- Some former employees suggest the cake mix comes pre-made. Portillo’s may receive a commercial cake mix from a supplier, making it harder to determine the exact ingredients.
- Several copycat recipes use mayonnaise as the key to achieving the same moisture and flavor. If mayo isn’t in the official recipe, it’s possible that a similar ingredient (like extra oil or sour cream) is used instead.
- The restaurant hasn’t officially denied the mayo rumor. While Portillo’s has not released an ingredient list, they haven’t debunked the claim that mayo is included. This keeps the mystery alive!
Overall, while there is no definitive proof that Portillo’s uses mayonnaise, the overwhelming number of copycat recipes and baking experts suggest that it could be a major factor.
Comparing Homemade Recipes vs. Portillo’s Cake
Since Portillo’s doesn’t release its exact recipe, home bakers have tried to recreate the cake using trial and error. Some of the most common copycat recipes include:
- Recipes with mayonnaise – Many bakers insist that using mayonnaise is the best way to match Portillo’s ultra-moist texture.
- Recipes with extra oil or sour cream – Some variations achieve similar moisture levels without using mayo.
- Boxed cake mix versions – Some claim that Portillo’s cake is made from a commercial Duncan Hines Devil’s Food Cake mix, with added tweaks like extra eggs or pudding mix.
When testing these recipes, many bakers agree that mayonnaise creates the closest texture to the real thing. So, while we can’t confirm if Portillo’s actually uses it, mayo is a great way to achieve a similar result at home.
Why Would Mayonnaise Be Used in Chocolate Cake?
If you’ve never baked with mayonnaise before, the idea of adding it to a cake might sound strange—even a little unappetizing. After all, mayo is typically associated with sandwiches, burgers, and salads, not desserts. However, this unconventional ingredient has been a well-kept baking secret for decades, especially when it comes to making an incredibly moist and tender chocolate cake.
So why exactly would someone use mayonnaise in chocolate cake? Let’s break it down.
1. Mayonnaise Replaces Traditional Cake Ingredients
At its core, mayonnaise is made up of three simple ingredients:
- Eggs – Essential for structure and richness in baking.
- Oil – Provides moisture and helps create a tender crumb.
- Vinegar or Lemon Juice – Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
Since a typical chocolate cake already requires eggs and oil, using mayonnaise simply combines these ingredients into one convenient mixture. Instead of adding eggs and oil separately, mayonnaise serves as a substitute while providing the same benefits.
2. Mayonnaise Enhances Moisture and Texture
One of the biggest reasons why Portillo’s Chocolate Cake—and other mayo-based cakes—are so famous is their unbelievable moistness. Mayonnaise has a higher fat content than just eggs or butter alone, which helps:
✅ Prevent dryness – The oil in mayo ensures that the cake stays soft and tender.
✅ Create a rich, fudgy crumb – This results in a dense yet soft texture.
✅ Keep the cake fresher for longer – Mayo locks in moisture, preventing the cake from drying out too quickly.
Bakers who have tried mayonnaise-based chocolate cakes often say they outperform traditional cakes in terms of moisture, texture, and longevity.
3. Mayonnaise Intensifies the Chocolate Flavor
The slight acidity in mayonnaise (from vinegar or lemon juice) helps to enhance the chocolate flavor in the cake. Similar to how adding coffee to chocolate cake deepens the taste, the mild tang of mayonnaise helps to:
- Balance out the bitterness of cocoa powder.
- Amplify the richness of the chocolate.
- Add a slight depth of flavor without making the cake taste sour.
This means a mayo-based chocolate cake often tastes more chocolatey than one made with butter or oil alone!
4. Mayonnaise Is a Secret Ingredient in Vintage Recipes
While using mayonnaise in chocolate cake may sound like a modern-day baking hack, this technique actually dates back to the Great Depression and World War II. During times of rationing, ingredients like eggs, butter, and milk were scarce, so home bakers looked for creative substitutions.
Mayonnaise became a popular alternative because it:
✔ Was affordable and easy to find.
✔ Contained eggs and oil in one product.
✔ Created cakes that stayed soft and fresh longer.
Many old-fashioned church cookbooks, grandmother’s recipes, and diner-style cakes still use mayonnaise today as a tried-and-true baking trick.
5. Mayonnaise Works Better Than Other Moisturizing Ingredients
There are many ways to make a moist chocolate cake, but mayonnaise is often preferred because it outperforms other common substitutes:
| Ingredient | Moisture Level | Flavor Impact | Why Mayonnaise is Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Butter | Medium | Rich, but can dry out | Mayo provides more moisture |
| Oil | High | Neutral | Mayo includes eggs for extra richness |
| Sour Cream | High | Tangy, sometimes overpowering | Mayo is milder and blends better |
| Yogurt | Medium-High | Can be tart | Mayo creates a softer texture |
| Applesauce | High | Adds fruity notes | Mayo keeps the chocolate flavor pure |
Because mayonnaise is neutral in taste, it doesn’t overpower the chocolatey goodness of the cake, making it a superior choice for ultra-moist bakes.
So, Why Would Portillo’s Use Mayonnaise?
If Portillo’s Chocolate Cake does in fact contain mayonnaise, it would make perfect sense!
- It ensures a super moist and tender cake—one of the reasons it’s so popular.
- It enhances the chocolate flavor, making it richer and deeper.
- It’s a time-tested baking trick used in many classic cakes.
While Portillo’s has never officially confirmed the use of mayo, it’s highly possible that mayonnaise or a similar combination of ingredients is what gives their chocolate cake its signature moistness, flavor, and irresistible texture.
Why Would Mayonnaise Be Used in Chocolate Cake?
At first glance, the idea of adding mayonnaise to chocolate cake might seem strange—after all, mayo is usually found in sandwiches, burgers, and salads, not desserts. However, this unconventional ingredient has been a baker’s secret weapon for decades, helping create some of the richest, moistest cakes you’ll ever taste.
But why would anyone add mayonnaise to chocolate cake? Let’s break down the science behind it and how it enhances the texture, flavor, and overall indulgence of the cake.
1. Mayonnaise Replaces Traditional Cake Ingredients
Mayonnaise is made from three core ingredients:
- Eggs – Essential for structure, richness, and stability in cakes.
- Oil – Adds moisture and helps create a soft, tender crumb.
- Vinegar or Lemon Juice – Enhances flavors and balances sweetness.
Since a traditional chocolate cake already requires eggs and oil, using mayonnaise is essentially a shortcut—it combines these two ingredients into one while offering a smoother, more cohesive batter. This not only saves time but also creates a perfectly balanced cake texture.
In other words: Instead of adding separate eggs and oil, mayonnaise delivers both in a single, well-emulsified ingredient.
2. Mayonnaise Ensures an Ultra-Moist Cake
One of the biggest challenges in baking chocolate cake is keeping it moist and soft, especially after a day or two. Dry cake can be disappointing, but mayonnaise prevents that from happening.
Here’s how:
✅ The oil in mayonnaise coats the flour proteins, reducing gluten formation and keeping the cake tender.
✅ The eggs in mayo add richness and help the cake hold its structure.
✅ The acidity (vinegar or lemon juice) in mayo breaks down proteins just enough to create a softer crumb.
✅ Mayo traps moisture within the cake, helping it stay fresh for longer.
Cakes made with mayonnaise tend to have a luxurious, velvety texture and don’t dry out as quickly as those made with butter or regular oil.
This is why Portillo’s Chocolate Cake, which is rumored to include mayonnaise, has such an incredibly moist and fudgy consistency—even days after baking!
3. Mayonnaise Intensifies the Chocolate Flavor
Believe it or not, mayonnaise enhances the chocolate flavor in cake, making it taste richer and more decadent. How?
✔ The acidity in mayonnaise subtly balances the sweetness and brings out the deep, bold flavors of cocoa.
✔ The extra fat content intensifies the smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture of chocolate cake.
✔ The emulsification process in mayonnaise helps distribute flavors evenly throughout the batter, ensuring every bite is perfectly balanced.
In short, mayo doesn’t just make chocolate cake moist—it actually makes it taste better!
4. A Trick from the Great Depression Era
Using mayonnaise in chocolate cake might sound like a modern food trend, but this technique actually dates back to the Great Depression and World War II. During these times, ingredients like butter, milk, and eggs were expensive and difficult to find, so home bakers had to get creative.
Mayonnaise became a popular cake ingredient because:
✔ It was affordable and widely available.
✔ It acted as a substitute for eggs and butter, which were rationed.
✔ It helped cakes stay soft and fresh longer, even without refrigeration.
This budget-friendly baking trick was passed down through generations and has remained a staple in many vintage chocolate cake recipes.
Even today, high-end bakeries and brands like Portillo’s may still use this technique because it produces a consistently delicious and indulgent cake.
5. How Does Mayonnaise Compare to Other Moisturizing Ingredients?
Bakers often use a variety of ingredients to make chocolate cake moist, but mayonnaise has some unique advantages. Let’s compare it to other common cake add-ins:
| Ingredient | Moisture Level | Effect on Cake | Why Mayonnaise is Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Butter | Medium | Rich but can dry out cake over time | Mayo has a higher fat content and prevents dryness |
| Oil | High | Keeps cake moist but lacks structure | Mayo contains eggs, adding richness and structure |
| Sour Cream | High | Adds tangy flavor but can be overpowering | Mayo’s acidity is milder and blends better |
| Yogurt | Medium-High | Adds moisture but can alter texture | Mayo provides a smoother, softer crumb |
| Applesauce | High | Can make cake dense and slightly gummy | Mayo keeps texture light while enhancing moisture |
Because mayonnaise is neutral in taste, it doesn’t compete with the rich chocolate flavor of the cake, making it a top choice for achieving the perfect balance of moisture and flavor.
Would Portillo’s Really Use Mayonnaise in Their Cake?
If Portillo’s Chocolate Cake truly contains mayonnaise, it wouldn’t be surprising at all!
- It helps achieve the cake’s legendary moist texture.
- It enhances the chocolate flavor.
- It’s a tried-and-true baking method that’s been around for nearly a century.
While Portillo’s has never officially confirmed that they use mayonnaise, many copycat recipes and baking experts strongly believe that mayo (or a similar combination of eggs, oil, and vinegar) is responsible for the cake’s signature richness.
Where to Get Portillo’s Chocolate Cake & Make It at Home
If you’ve ever tasted Portillo’s Chocolate Cake, you know it’s one of the richest, moistest, and most indulgent chocolate cakes out there. Whether you’re a long-time fan or just discovering it, you might be wondering where to get your hands on this legendary dessert.
In this section, we’ll explore where you can buy Portillo’s Chocolate Cake and how you can recreate it at home with a delicious copycat recipe.
1. Where to Buy Portillo’s Chocolate Cake
A. Portillo’s Restaurants
The most obvious (and best) place to get a fresh, authentic Portillo’s Chocolate Cake is directly from a Portillo’s restaurant. This famous Chicago-based chain is known for its hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches, and, of course, its iconic chocolate cake.
Here’s how you can order it:
✔ By the slice – Perfect for satisfying a quick chocolate craving.
✔ As a whole cake – Great for birthdays, celebrations, or just indulging!
💡 Pro Tip: You can visit a Portillo’s location and order a whole cake on the spot, or you can call ahead and place an order for pickup to ensure availability.
B. Order Online from Portillo’s
Not near a Portillo’s restaurant? No worries! Portillo’s ships its famous chocolate cake nationwide through its official website:
Portillo’s partners with Goldbelly, a food delivery service that allows customers across the U.S. to enjoy Chicago’s favorite foods, including this legendary cake.
🛒 How to order online:
1️⃣ Visit Portillo’s website or Goldbelly.
2️⃣ Choose between a whole cake or a Portillo’s Chocolate Cake Kit (which includes pre-measured ingredients for a fun DIY experience).
3️⃣ Place your order and have it shipped directly to your door!
Shipping details:
✅ Cakes are packed carefully to maintain freshness.
✅ They arrive frozen—simply thaw and serve!
✅ Available in all 50 states.
Ordering online is a great option if you don’t live near a Portillo’s location but still want to experience the magic of this famous cake.
C. Check Local Grocery Stores & Bakeries
While Portillo’s Chocolate Cake is exclusive to the restaurant chain, some local bakeries and grocery stores may sell similar moist, mayonnaise-based chocolate cakes.
If you’re looking for something comparable, check stores like:
✔ Whole Foods – Their rich chocolate cake has a similar moist texture.
✔ Costco – Their chocolate layer cakes are large and indulgent.
✔ Local bakeries – Some may offer a Chicago-style chocolate cake inspired by Portillo’s.
While it may not be exactly the same, these options can satisfy your craving when a Portillo’s location isn’t nearby.
2. How to Make a Portillo’s Chocolate Cake Copycat at Home
If you love to bake, why not try making a homemade version of Portillo’s Chocolate Cake? The great news is that the secret recipe isn’t too complicated, and there are plenty of copycat versions that capture the same moist, fudgy texture and rich chocolate flavor.
Here’s a simple and delicious copycat recipe so you can enjoy this iconic cake anytime!
Ingredients for the Cake
✔ 1 box of devil’s food cake mix (yes, even Portillo’s is rumored to use a mix!)
✔ 1 cup mayonnaise (the secret ingredient!)
✔ 3 eggs
✔ 1 cup water
Instructions for the Cake
1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
2️⃣ In a large mixing bowl, combine the devil’s food cake mix, mayonnaise, eggs, and water.
3️⃣ Mix on medium speed for about 2 minutes, until smooth.
4️⃣ Divide the batter evenly between the two cake pans.
5️⃣ Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6️⃣ Let the cakes cool completely before adding frosting.
Ingredients for the Chocolate Frosting
✔ 1 cup butter (softened)
✔ 3½ cups powdered sugar
✔ ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
✔ ½ cup milk
✔ 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions for the Frosting
1️⃣ In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter until fluffy.
2️⃣ Slowly add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing well.
3️⃣ Gradually pour in the milk and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until smooth.
4️⃣ Frost the cooled cakes, stacking the layers for a classic Portillo’s look.
💡 Pro Tip: For an authentic touch, refrigerate the cake before serving—just like they do at Portillo’s! This makes the cake even fudgier and richer.
3. Should You Buy or Bake It? Pros & Cons
| Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Buying from Portillo’s | Authentic flavor, hassle-free | Can be expensive, may not be available in all areas |
| Ordering Online | Convenient, shipped nationwide | Takes time to arrive, shipping costs |
| Making It at Home | Fun to bake, budget-friendly | May not be 100% identical to Portillo’s |
If you want the real deal, visiting a Portillo’s location is your best bet. But if you love baking, a copycat recipe is a fun way to enjoy this legendary cake anytime!
Final Thoughts: The Best Way to Enjoy Portillo’s Chocolate Cake
No matter how you get it—at the restaurant, shipped to your home, or homemade—Portillo’s Chocolate Cake is a must-try for any chocolate lover.
✅ Live near a Portillo’s? Grab a slice or whole cake for the full experience.
✅ Craving it but can’t visit? Order online from Portillo’s or Goldbelly.
✅ Love to bake? Try a copycat recipe and enjoy a homemade version of this iconic cake.
Whichever route you take, one thing is for sure: this cake is worth every bite! 🍫🎂
Chef’s Note: The Secret to the Perfect Chocolate Cake
As a chef, I can tell you that great chocolate cake is all about balance—moisture, richness, and that deep, indulgent cocoa flavor. Portillo’s Chocolate Cake is legendary for a reason, and its secret ingredient, mayonnaise, is what gives it that incredibly soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
If you’re lucky enough to live near a Portillo’s, don’t miss the chance to taste the real thing. But if not, don’t worry—you can still recreate the magic in your own kitchen with a simple yet decadent copycat recipe. Just remember: quality ingredients, a little patience, and a whole lot of love make all the difference.
No matter how you enjoy it—store-bought, shipped, or homemade—one thing is certain: every bite of this cake is pure chocolate bliss! 🍫🎂
Happy baking (and indulging)! 👨🍳✨