Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake Recipe
If you’ve never tasted a Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake before, prepare yourself for a truly delightful experience! This crowd-pleasing retro dessert is famous for its rich chocolate flavor, beautiful crumb, and incredible moistness, all thanks to an unexpected but ingenious ingredient: mayonnaise. Whether you’re baking for a celebration or just in the mood for some homemade comfort, this cake is unbeatably easy and absolutely irresistible from the very first bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake is just how straightforward the ingredients are, yet each plays a key role in the cake’s unique taste and texture. Nothing fancy here—just pantry staples coming together to create pure chocolate magic!
- All-purpose flour: The structure behind your cake, creating that perfect tender crumb.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: For deep, intense chocolate goodness and gorgeous color.
- Baking soda: Lends some lift and ensures a soft, light bite.
- Baking powder: Adds an extra boost for a beautifully risen cake.
- Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and bring out all the flavors.
- Granulated sugar: Gives sweetness and that classic cake structure.
- Brown sugar: For a touch of extra moisture and rich, caramel-like depth.
- Mayonnaise (not low-fat): The secret superstar—provides both the fat and the eggs for unbeatable moistness and tenderness.
- Water: Keeps the batter loose and helps everything blend together beautifully.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the chocolate flavor and gives the cake a heavenly aroma.
How to Make Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour either a 9×13-inch baking pan or two 9-inch round cake pans—whatever you have on hand! This step ensures your cake pops out easily and has a lovely edge.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, salt, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. This might sound basic, but getting the dry ingredients well-mixed guarantees your Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake will bake evenly and taste just right in every slice.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the mayonnaise, water, and vanilla extract until it’s smooth and creamy. Don’t be shy on the mayo—this is what makes our Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake famously moist and rich!
Step 4: Bring it All Together
Gradually add the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined—be careful not to overmix, as that can make your cake less tender. Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth out the top for an even bake.
Step 5: Bake and Cool
Pop your pan into the oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick comes out clean from the center. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before you frost or serve it. Patience pays off here, and you’ll be rewarded with the most luscious, moist bite!
How to Serve Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake
Garnishes
Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake tastes absolutely amazing on its own, but a little garnish takes it over the top. Try a generous dusting of powdered sugar, a swirl of chocolate ganache, or even a simple cream cheese frosting. For a fun touch, toss on some fresh berries, chocolate shavings, or a sprinkle of sea salt for a hint of sophistication.
Side Dishes
Pair slices of your cake with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or even some fresh cherries on the side. Hot coffee, cold milk, or a creamy latte also make perfect companions for this rich dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
Elevate your Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake by turning it into a layer cake with a luscious filling, slicing it into small bites for a dessert platter, or making it extra festive with edible flowers or colorful sprinkles. This classic easily adapts to birthdays, holidays, or any day that calls for chocolate!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake tender and fresh by covering it tightly with plastic wrap or storing in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If your kitchen is especially warm, you can also refrigerate it to preserve that perfect texture.
Freezing
You’ll be happy to hear that this cake freezes like a dream! Once cooled, wrap individual slices or the whole cake (without frosting, if possible) in plastic wrap and then foil. Pop into the freezer and enjoy within 2 months—you’ll thank yourself on future chocolate cravings!
Reheating
For that just-baked warmth, microwave slices for 10–15 seconds, or let the cake come to room temperature before serving. If you’ve frozen the cake, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then let it reach room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
FAQs
Can I really taste the mayonnaise in a Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake?
Not at all! The mayonnaise completely blends into the batter, giving moisture and richness—you’ll never guess it’s there, but you’ll love the results.
Is this cake good for people with egg allergies?
Absolutely! Since mayo provides both fat and egg, there’s no need to add separate eggs. Just be sure your mayo is egg-free if you need a true eggless version.
What frosting pairs best with Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake?
Chocolate ganache and cream cheese frosting are absolute winners, but a classic buttercream or even a sprinkle of powdered sugar can be just as delightful. This cake is flexible!
Can I use low-fat or vegan mayonnaise?
For the very best texture, traditional full-fat mayo is recommended, but you can experiment with plant-based versions—just know the final crumb might vary slightly.
Why does my cake sink in the middle?
Sinking usually happens if the cake was underbaked or the oven was opened too early. Make sure to check doneness with a toothpick and keep the oven door closed until the last few minutes!
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a foolproof, unforgettable treat made from simple pantry staples, look no further than Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake. The results are rich, moist, and always a hit with friends and family—so don’t be surprised if this recipe becomes a regular favorite in your kitchen!
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Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich, moist decadence of Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake. This classic dessert, made with a surprising ingredient, is a must-try for any chocolate lover.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup mayonnaise (not low-fat)
- 1 cup water
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or two 9-inch round cake pans.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients until well combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the mayonnaise, water, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine and Bake: Gradually stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined. Pour the batter into the pan(s) and bake for 30–35 minutes.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool before frosting or serving.
Notes
- This cake is extra moist thanks to the mayonnaise, which acts as both the fat and the eggs.
- Pair with chocolate ganache, cream cheese frosting, or powdered sugar for serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
