Experience the enchanting blend of zesty citrus and irresistible sweetness in Portillo’s Lemon Cake recipe.
With its reputation for a moist texture and tangy lemon essence, this dessert is a culinary gem cherished by both beginners and seasoned bakers.
Originating from the famed Portillo’s restaurant chain, this recipe captures the essence of homemade goodness and culinary tradition.
Crafted from simple yet premium ingredients, this lemon cake offers a symphony of flavors that tantalize the taste buds with every sumptuous mouthful.
From the delicate hints of vanilla to the lively burst of lemon, each component harmonizes beautifully to create a memorable gustatory experience.
Join the community of culinary aficionados who have relished the enchantment of Portillo’s Lemon Cake and embark on a baking adventure that promises to elevate your dessert repertoire to unprecedented levels of excellence.
How To Prepare Portillo’s Lemon Cake Recipe?
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Yield: 12 servings
Equipment Needed:
- 9×13-inch baking pan or two 9-inch round cake pans
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or stand mixer
- Whisk
- Zester
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cooling rack
Ingredients For Portillo’s Lemon Cake Recipe
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Zest of 2 lemons
- Juice of 2 lemons
For the glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
6. Stir in the vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice until evenly incorporated into the batter.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan(s) and spread it evenly.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes (for the 9×13-inch pan) or 25-30 minutes (for round pans), or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth.
10. Once the cake is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
11. Poke holes all over the top of the cake using a skewer or fork, then pour the glaze evenly over the warm cake.
12. Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Nutrition Facts Portillo’s Lemon Cake Recipe
| Nutrition | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 |
| Fat | 15g |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Sugar | 30g |
| Protein | 3g |
Healthy Nutrition Benefits
1. Improved Heart Health
A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats can significantly improve heart health.
Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids (like salmon, walnuts, and flaxseeds), fiber (like oats, beans, and berries), and antioxidants (like dark leafy greens and berries) help reduce cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure, and decrease the risk of heart disease.
2. Better Digestive Health
Consuming a variety of fiber-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes supports a healthy digestive system.
Fiber helps to maintain regular bowel movements, prevent constipation, and support a healthy gut microbiome, which is essential for overall digestion and absorption of nutrients.
3. Enhanced Immune Function
Proper nutrition plays a crucial role in maintaining a robust immune system. Vitamins and minerals like vitamin C (found in citrus fruits, bell peppers, and strawberries), vitamin D (found in fortified dairy products, fatty fish, and sunlight), zinc (found in nuts, seeds, and legumes), and probiotics (found in yogurt and fermented foods) help strengthen the immune system and protect against infections.
How Long Can I Store Portillo’s Lemon Cake At Room Temperature?
If you plan to devour your cake within a short timeframe (think: a day or two), room temperature storage is perfectly fine.
Just make sure the cake cools completely first, then loosely cover it with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel.
This allows some air circulation to prevent drying. Under these conditions, your cake will stay fresh for up to 2 days.
Can I Store Portillo’s Lemon Cake In The Refrigerator?
Absolutely! Refrigeration is the way to go for longer storage. The cooler temperature slows down bacterial growth and extends the shelf life of your cake.
Tightly wrap the cooled cake in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing fridge odors and drying out.
Properly stored in the refrigerator, your Portillo’s Lemon Cake can last for up to 5 days.
Is It Okay To Freeze Leftover Portillo’s Lemon Cake?
Yes, freezing is a great option for long-term storage. However, it’s best to freeze individual slices for optimal results.
Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag. Label the container with the date for freshness tracking.
Properly frozen, your Portillo’s Lemon Cake slices can stay delicious for up to 3 months.
How Do I Thaw Frozen Portillo’s Lemon Cake Slices?
The safest way to thaw your frozen cake slices is in the refrigerator overnight. This allows for slow and even thawing, preserving the cake’s texture.
Alternatively, you can thaw slices at room temperature for a couple of hours. Just be mindful of the time to prevent spoilage.
How Long Will Thawed Portillo’s Lemon Cake Slices Last?
Once thawed, it’s best to enjoy your Portillo’s Lemon Cake slice within a day or two. Leftover thawed slices can be stored back in the refrigerator, tightly wrapped, for a couple of days.
Remember, the sooner you enjoy your cake, the fresher the flavor and texture will be!
Conclusion
Recreating Portillo’s Lemon Cake at home can be a delightful baking adventure. By using fresh ingredients, employing proper techniques like creaming the butter and sugar, and paying attention to details such as baking time and temperature, you can achieve a deliciously moist and flavorful cake.
Don’t forget to allow the cake to cool completely before frosting or serving, and feel free to get creative with decorations and flavor variations to make it your own.
With these tips in mind, you’re well on your way to enjoying a slice of homemade lemony goodness reminiscent of Portillo’s signature treat. Happy baking!
Portillo’s Lemon Cake Recipe
Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking pan or two 9-inch round cake pans
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or stand mixer
- Whisk
- Zester
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs at room temperature
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Zest of 2 lemons
- Juice of 2 lemons
For the glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Stir in the vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice until evenly incorporated into the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan(s) and spread it evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes (for the 9×13-inch pan) or 25-30 minutes (for round pans), or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth.
- Once the cake is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
- Poke holes all over the top of the cake using a skewer or fork, then pour the glaze evenly over the warm cake.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing and serving.