Discover this surprisingly moist chocolate cake, a classic dessert that uses an unexpected ingredient to achieve incredible richness. Mayonnaise acts as a secret weapon, replacing both eggs and oil, creating an exceptionally tender crumb. This recipe offers straightforward preparation and delivers a deeply satisfying chocolate flavor. Prepare for a truly uncomplicated and utterly delicious baking experience with this beloved treat.

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake

You will quickly understand why this recipe is a favorite once you try it.

Achieve ultimate moistness and richness. The mayonnaise lends an unparalleled level of moisture and a velvety texture to the cake, truly enhancing its chocolate profile.
Straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients. You likely have all the necessary items in your kitchen right now, making this a convenient option for last-minute cravings.
Quick and effortless to prepare. With minimal steps and simple mixing, you can have this delightful cake ready for the oven in no time, perfect for busy schedules.
Perfect for chocolate enthusiasts. Every bite bursts with deep, satisfying chocolate flavor, making it an undeniable hit for anyone who loves rich cocoa.
A cherished, old-fashioned classic. This recipe brings back nostalgic memories for many, offering a comforting taste of a truly timeless dessert.

Ingredients

Get ready to gather the pantry staples you need for this delightful chocolate mayonnaise cake. This recipe proves that exceptional flavor often comes from the most unassuming combinations. You will be amazed by how these common items transform into a wonderfully rich dessert.

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup mayonnaise or Miracle Whip
1 cup water, lukewarm

Notes & Substitutions

Mayonnaise truly shines as a multi-tasking ingredient here. It completely replaces both eggs and oil, providing moisture and binding power for an incredibly tender crumb in your chocolate mayonnaise cake. For the best texture and richness, use full-fat mayonnaise; its higher fat content contributes significantly to the cake’s moistness and structure.

As Serious Eats explains, mayonnaise’s vinegar reacts with cocoa’s natural acidity, activating baking soda for a light, airy crumb. Learn more about the science behind mayonnaise in baking.

Always measure flour correctly by spooning it into a measuring cup and then leveling it off with a straight edge. This prevents a dense cake from too much flour. Lukewarm water is crucial as it helps the cocoa powder and baking soda dissolve properly, ensuring even distribution and activation for optimal rise. If you need a substitute for mayonnaise, vegan mayo can work, but avoid Miracle Whip if you prefer a less tangy flavor, as its distinct taste might subtly alter the cake’s profile. For cocoa powder, natural unsweetened cocoa works perfectly, delivering a classic chocolate taste. Dutch-processed cocoa also works, creating a darker color and slightly milder flavor.

Equipment

Prepare your kitchen with a few basic tools to make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable. These items ensure you can effortlessly mix, bake, and cool your delicious cake. You only need standard kitchen essentials for this straightforward recipe.

9×13 inch baking dish
Large mixing bowl
Whisk or electric mixer
Measuring cups and spoons
Rubber spatula
Toothpicks

How to Make Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake

Baking this chocolate mayonnaise cake is a surprisingly simple process, perfect for any home baker. Follow these straightforward steps to create a wonderfully moist and flavorful dessert. Take your time with each stage to ensure the best results for your delicious creation.

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Allowing the oven to reach the correct temperature beforehand is important. This ensures even heat distribution and proper rising as soon as your cake enters the oven, which contributes to a light and airy texture.
Prepare the Baking Dish: Generously grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking dish. Greasing prevents the cake from sticking, while a light dusting of flour creates a non-stick barrier, allowing your cake to release cleanly. This crucial step ensures a beautiful, intact cake once baked and cooled.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, and unsweetened cocoa powder. Thoroughly combine these dry ingredients. This step ensures an even distribution of leavening agents and flavor throughout the entire chocolate mayonnaise cake batter, preventing pockets of unmixed ingredients.
Add Wet Ingredients: Now, add the vanilla extract, mayonnaise, and lukewarm water to the dry mixture in the bowl. The lukewarm water helps the cocoa and baking soda activate effectively, contributing to the cake’s rise and tender texture.
Mix Until Just Combined: Use a whisk or an electric mixer on low speed to blend all ingredients together. Mix only until the wet and dry ingredients are just combined and no streaks of flour remain. Avoid overmixing the batter, as this can develop the gluten too much, leading to a tougher, drier cake. A tender crumb is key for a fantastic chocolate mayonnaise cake.
Pour Batter: Carefully pour the smoothly mixed batter into your prepared 9×13 inch baking dish. Use a rubber spatula to scrape all the batter from the bowl, ensuring none of that deliciousness goes to waste. Gently spread the batter evenly across the bottom of the dish for consistent baking.
Bake the Cake: Place the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes. Baking times can vary slightly depending on your oven, so start checking for doneness around the 25-minute mark. Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached, your cake is ready.
Cool Completely: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling thoroughly is essential before you even think about frosting or slicing. A warm cake will absorb frosting, causing it to melt and slide off, so patience here guarantees the best presentation and taste for your chocolate mayonnaise cake.

Pro Tips for the Best Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake

Mastering this chocolate mayonnaise cake is easy with a few simple tips that enhance its flavor and texture. Follow these recommendations to achieve bakery-quality results every single time. These small adjustments make a big difference in your baking.

Use good quality cocoa: High-quality unsweetened cocoa powder provides a richer, deeper chocolate flavor, making your cake truly stand out.
Avoid overmixing batter: Mix only until the ingredients are just combined; overmixing develops gluten, which can lead to a tough and less tender crumb.
Do not overbake: Check for doneness frequently with a toothpick; an overbaked cake will be dry and crumbly instead of moist.
Ensure ingredients are at proper temperature: Lukewarm water is essential for optimal leavening, and room temperature mayonnaise incorporates more smoothly into the batter.
Cool cake completely: Allow the cake to cool fully on a wire rack before frosting, preventing frosting from melting and ensuring a neat application.
For extra moistness and flavor, add coffee: Substitute some of the water with brewed coffee or add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder; coffee enhances chocolate flavor beautifully.

Serving, Storage, and Variations

This versatile chocolate mayonnaise cake offers numerous ways to enjoy it, store it, and even customize its flavors. Discover how to best present and preserve your creation, or explore new twists on this classic dessert. These suggestions will help you make the most of your baking efforts.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your finished chocolate mayonnaise cake with your favorite chocolate frosting for the ultimate indulgence. A classic chocolate buttercream or even a simple ganache elevates the experience beautifully. You can also serve individual slices warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. For a lighter, fresher touch, consider adding a handful of fresh raspberries or sliced strawberries on the side. A simple dusting of powdered sugar makes for an elegant and understated presentation that allows the cake’s flavor to shine.

Storage Instructions

To maintain its incredible moistness, store your unfrosted chocolate mayonnaise cake at room temperature. Keep it in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, ensuring it stays fresh and delicious. If your cake is frosted, especially with a dairy-based frosting, refrigerate it in an airtight container. Bring slices to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture. For longer storage, wrap unfrosted slices or the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw frozen cake in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Flavor Variations

Experiment with different additions to customize your chocolate mayonnaise cake to your preferences. Stir a dash of instant coffee or espresso powder into the lukewarm water to intensify the chocolate flavor without making it taste like coffee. For added texture and sweetness, mix in chocolate chips, chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans, or even shredded coconut into the batter. Try different extracts like almond or peppermint for a unique twist. You can also convert this recipe into delectable cupcakes by adjusting the baking time, or bake it in two round pans for an impressive layer cake presentation.

A Look Back at a Classic

Many food historians suggest that chocolate mayonnaise cake gained popularity during WWII and the Great Depression as an inventive way to bake with fewer traditional ingredients. Discover more about the fascinating history of chocolate mayonnaise cake.

Nutrition Information

Enjoying a slice of this chocolate mayonnaise cake offers a delightful treat. This nutrition information provides estimated values per serving, helping you understand the composition of this satisfying dessert. Remember these are approximations, and actual values can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	207 kcal
Carbohydrates	26 g
Protein	2 g
Fat	11 g
Saturated Fat	1 g
Cholesterol	5 mg
Sodium	248 mg
Potassium	60 mg
Fiber	1 g
Sugar	12 g
Vitamin A	10 IU
Calcium	7 mg
Iron	1.1 mg

Disclaimer: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on product brands, preparation methods, and serving sizes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Find answers to common questions about baking and enjoying this unique chocolate mayonnaise cake. These insights help you understand the recipe better and tackle any concerns.

Why use mayonnaise in cake? Mayonnaise acts as a brilliant substitute for both eggs and oil, providing rich moisture and a tender crumb due to its emulsified fat. It contributes significantly to the cake’s incredibly moist texture.
Can I use light mayonnaise or Miracle Whip? For the best results, stick with full-fat mayonnaise for optimal moisture and richness. Light mayonnaise might not provide the same fat content, and Miracle Whip can impart a noticeable tangy flavor.
Does the cake taste like mayonnaise? No, the cake absolutely does not taste like mayonnaise. The distinct flavor of mayonnaise disappears during baking, leaving behind only richness and moisture.
Can this recipe be made into cupcakes? Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe for cupcakes. Pour the batter into lined cupcake tins and reduce the baking time to about 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
What’s the best frosting for this cake? A classic chocolate buttercream frosting or a rich ganache pairs wonderfully with this cake. Cream cheese frosting also provides a lovely contrast to the deep chocolate flavor.
Can I make this cake ahead of time? Absolutely! This cake stays incredibly moist for several days. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature, or freeze unfrosted for longer preservation.

Conclusion

This classic chocolate mayonnaise cake truly delivers on taste and simplicity, proving that baking doesn’t need to be complicated to be delicious. Its surprising secret ingredient creates an unparalleled moistness and rich chocolate flavor that will impress everyone. We encourage you to try this old-fashioned recipe and discover a new favorite that is both effortless to make and incredibly satisfying to eat. Share your baking success and tell us what you think!

“`