Portillo's Lemon Cake Returns Thanks To One Man's Online Bounty

CHICAGO, IL — For all those Portillo's customers craving the eatery's lemon cake — a dessert that hasn't been served there for a decade — they're wait is over. The Oak Brook-based hot dog chain announced Wednesday that it's bringing it back for a limited time this summer. And lemon cake cravers have a persistent Reddit user to thank for it.

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In February, redditor BigBen2010 put up a $300 bounty for anyone who could find him a piece of Portillo's lemon cake — a worthy substitute not from the restaurant was acceptable — or the recipe to make it:

"I want to eat another Portillo's lemon cake. If you can find me the exact recipe, with instructions, or find me a place that makes an exact copy I will pay you $300. If you can find out what actually happened to the lemon cake in the first place I will throw in another $30, but that is a bonus only available if you find the cake.

"This is open to anyone anywhere. I don't care if you're in the middle of the Sahara. I will get you $300 if you find me this cake and frosting."

Finally, BigBen2010 contacted Portillo's corporate offices. Company officials were so impressed with the redditor's passion over his sweetness weakness for the confection that not only did Portillo's bake him his own piece of lemon cake and provide him with the secret recipe, but the chain also reconsidered the decision to suspend serving the dessert.

"Also, I wanted to let you know that because of your post and massive outpouring of inquiries for the lemon cake, we are strongly considering bringing it back for a seasonal limited time offer," Portillo's official response to BigBen2010 in February read. "There are many operational logistics that we need to straighten out before bringing the cake back, but our Culinary Team is fully on board with bringing it back."

Apparently, those "operational logistics" were solved because lemon cake will be available at Portillo's locations from June 13 to July 13. While supplies last, of course.

Go to Portillo's website for more information and check out this video for more information about the hot dog chain's lemon cake:

Portillo's lemon cake returns to the hot dog chain this summer. (Photo via Portillo's)

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