Chocolate mayonnaise cake has been my go-to dessert for years, a true testament to the magic of an old fashioned chocolate mayonnaise cake. I first stumbled upon this recipe years ago, skeptical about using mayonnaise in a cake, but the results were astonishing! It creates the most incredibly tender and moist crumb, a delightful surprise that always makes me think of it as my little secret ingredient chocolate cake. The deep, rich chocolate flavor and fudgy texture are simply divine, proving that sometimes the most unexpected ingredients lead to the most delicious outcomes. Forget dry, crumbly cakes – this version is pure, decadent bliss. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake
This recipe is a winner for so many reasons! It’s a truly special dessert that’s surprisingly simple to whip up.
- Incredible Taste: You get a deeply rich and fudgy chocolate flavor that’s absolutely decadent.
- Super Moist Texture: This is the ultimate moist chocolate mayonnaise cake, thanks to the secret ingredient.
- Quick & Easy Prep: Seriously, this is an easy chocolate mayo cake that comes together in minutes.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses common pantry staples, making it an affordable treat.
- Kid-Approved: It’s a family favorite that even picky eaters will devour.
- Versatile Serving: Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just a weeknight treat.
- Minimal Mess: Most of the mixing happens in one bowl!
Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake Ingredients
Gathering these simple chocolate mayonnaise cake ingredients is a breeze, and they come together for a truly spectacular result. The magic truly lies in understanding why use mayonnaise in chocolate cake – it acts as a fantastic binder and adds incredible moisture. For more information on baking substitutions, you can explore resources on ingredient substitutions.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – the base for our cake structure
- 1 cup granulated sugar – for sweetness
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder – essential for that deep chocolate flavor
- 1½ teaspoons baking soda – our leavening agent
- 1 teaspoon baking powder – works with the soda for lift
- ½ teaspoon salt – balances the sweetness
- 1 cup full-fat mayonnaise – this is our secret weapon for moistness and richness; it’s a perfect chocolate cake with oil substitute
- 1 cup water or brewed coffee – coffee really deepens the chocolate flavor, but water works too
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – for an extra layer of flavor
How to Make Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake
Learning how to make chocolate mayonnaise cake is surprisingly simple, and the result is a cake so moist and flavorful, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made it sooner. This recipe is designed to be incredibly straightforward, perfect for even beginner bakers looking for a truly delicious dessert.
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a moment to properly grease and flour an 8-inch round or square cake pan. This step is crucial to prevent sticking and ensure your beautiful cake comes out in one piece.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup granulated sugar, ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1½ teaspoons baking soda, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt. Whisking them together now ensures everything is evenly distributed for a consistent texture.
- Step 3: Add the wet ingredients to the bowl: 1 cup full-fat mayonnaise, 1 cup water (or better yet, brewed coffee for an even deeper chocolate flavor!), and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. The mayonnaise might seem unusual, but trust me, it’s the key to this cake’s legendary moistness.
- Step 4: Mix everything together until just smooth and combined. I can’t stress this enough: do not overmix! Overmixing can develop the gluten too much, leading to a dense cake instead of the light, tender crumb we’re aiming for in this simple chocolate mayonnaise cake. A few gentle stirs are all you need.
- Step 5: Pour the luscious batter into your prepared cake pan. Use a spatula to gently spread it evenly, ensuring the top is relatively smooth. The batter will be thick and rich, a sign of the decadent cake to come.
- Step 6: Bake for 30–35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, with no wet batter clinging to it. The aroma filling your kitchen will be absolutely divine as this rich chocolate mayonnaise cake bakes to perfection.
- Step 7: Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 10-15 minutes before inverting it onto the rack to cool completely. This allows the cake to set up properly, making it easier to handle before frosting or serving.
Pro Tips for the Best Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake
I’ve made countless versions of this cake, and these little tricks guarantee you’ll get the absolute best result every single time. Follow these tips for a truly superior bake!
- Always use full-fat mayonnaise; it’s crucial for the texture and flavor. Light versions just won’t give you that signature moistness.
- Don’t be afraid of the coffee! Using brewed coffee instead of water intensifies the chocolate flavor beautifully, making it taste even richer.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting. Trying to frost a warm cake will result in a melty, messy disaster.
What’s the secret to perfect moist chocolate mayonnaise cake?
The secret is the full-fat mayonnaise! It emulsifies beautifully, acting as both a fat and a binder. This is the ultimate chocolate cake moistness trick, ensuring a tender crumb that stays moist for days. For more on emulsification in baking, check out this explanation.
Can I make chocolate mayonnaise cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cake is fantastic for meal prep. You can bake it up to 2 days in advance and store it unfrosted at room temperature, tightly covered. It actually tastes even better the next day! For more on make-ahead baking, visit our last recipes.
How do I avoid common mistakes with easy chocolate mayo cake?
The biggest pitfall is overmixing the batter; this can lead to a dense cake. Also, make sure your oven temperature is accurate, as too high a heat can dry it out before it’s fully baked. If you’re unsure about your oven’s accuracy, consider using an oven thermometer.
Best Ways to Serve Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake
This cake is so rich and delicious on its own, but I love dressing it up a bit! It’s perfect right out of the oven, still slightly warm, or even better once it has cooled completely.
- Classic Chocolate Frosting: A simple buttercream or a decadent chocolate ganache is always a winner. For a truly special treat, try a classic mayo chocolate cake frosting – it complements the cake’s richness perfectly. You can find an amazing chocolate mayonnaise cake frosting recipe that’s easy to make.
- Dusting of Powdered Sugar: For a quicker, more elegant presentation, a simple dusting of powdered sugar is beautiful and lets the cake’s flavor shine.
- Serve with Berries: A side of fresh raspberries or strawberries adds a lovely tart contrast to the deep chocolate flavor. A dollop of whipped cream alongside makes it even more decadent.
Nutrition Facts for Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake
This chocolate mayonnaise cake is a rich treat, and here’s a look at the estimated nutritional breakdown per slice. It provides a good balance of flavors and textures, making it a satisfying dessert.
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 290
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 27g
- Protein: 4g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used, especially if you opt for a chocolate cake with oil substitute or different types of flour. For more on dietary information, please see our GDPR policy.
How to Store and Reheat Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake
Proper storage ensures your delicious chocolate mayonnaise cake stays wonderfully moist and flavorful for days. Because it uses mayonnaise as a fat, it has excellent staying power, much like a cake made with an oil substitute.
- Cool Completely: Always let your cake cool entirely before storing. Warmth can create condensation, leading to a soggy cake.
- Room Temperature Storage: For immediate enjoyment within 3-4 days, store the unfrosted cake in an airtight container at room temperature. It’s surprisingly stable!
- Refrigerator Storage: If your cake is frosted with a dairy-based frosting or if you live in a very warm climate, refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer Storage: Want to save it for longer? Wrap the completely cooled, unfrosted cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. It can stay frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Thaw frozen cake overnight in the refrigerator. If you want a warm slice, you can gently reheat individual portions wrapped in foil in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5-10 minutes, or microwave for 15-20 seconds. Enjoy your perfectly preserved slice of chocolatey goodness!
Frequently Asked Questions About Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake
What is chocolate mayonnaise cake?
Chocolate mayonnaise cake is an old-fashioned dessert where mayonnaise replaces butter or oil as the primary fat. This isn’t as strange as it sounds! Mayonnaise is essentially oil and eggs, which are natural emulsifiers and fat sources. This substitution results in an incredibly moist, tender, and rich chocolate cake with a deep flavor, often compared to a dense devil’s food cake with mayo.
Can I use light mayonnaise in this cake?
I strongly recommend using full-fat mayonnaise for the best results. Light mayonnaise has less fat and different stabilizers, which can affect the cake’s texture, making it less moist and potentially a bit denser. Sticking to full-fat mayonnaise is key for that signature tender crumb and rich flavor.
Why does this cake taste so good?
The magic lies in the mayonnaise! It provides fat and moisture, creating an incredibly tender crumb that stays delicious for days. The eggs in the mayonnaise also help bind the ingredients. This simple swap results in a cake with a deep chocolate flavor and a fudgy texture that rivals any traditional butter-based cake, making it a truly delightful treat.
Is this cake similar to devil’s food cake?
Yes, it shares many similarities with a classic devil’s food cake, particularly in its rich, dark color and deep chocolate flavor. The use of mayonnaise as the fat source contributes to an exceptionally moist and tender crumb, which is a hallmark of a great devil’s food cake. Some people even refer to it as a devil’s food cake with mayo, highlighting that textural similarity.
Variations of Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake You Can Try
While this classic recipe is fantastic on its own, I love experimenting with different twists! If you’re looking to adapt it for dietary needs or just want to switch things up, here are a few ideas:
- Gluten-Free Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake: For a satisfying gluten-free chocolate mayonnaise cake, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a good quality 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. I’ve found that blends containing xanthan gum work best to mimic the structure of traditional flour. For more on gluten-free baking, you can check out our guide.
- Vegan Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake: Creating a delicious vegan chocolate mayonnaise cake is totally doable! You’ll need to swap the mayonnaise for a vegan alternative (like a vegan mayo made from aquafaba or tofu) and ensure your sugar is vegan-certified. You might also consider using a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water, let sit for 5 mins) instead of the eggs if your mayo doesn’t contain them.
- Bundt Pan Variation: Bake this batter in a greased and floured bundt pan. The baking time might be slightly longer, so keep an eye on it and test for doneness with a toothpick. The beautiful shape is perfect for showcasing a glaze.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in about ½ cup of chocolate chips into the batter before baking for an extra burst of chocolatey goodness. Dark, semi-sweet, or milk chocolate chips all work wonderfully.
Delectable Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake: Pure Bliss
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake is an old-fashioned, ultra-moist chocolate cake made with mayonnaise as a surprising secret ingredient. It delivers a rich, fudgy texture and deep chocolate flavor without butter or milk.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup full-fat mayonnaise
- 1 cup water or brewed coffee
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round or square cake pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Add mayonnaise, water (or coffee), and vanilla extract.
- Mix until just smooth and combined — do not overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting or serving.
Notes
- Use full-fat mayonnaise for best texture and flavor.
- Brewed coffee enhances the chocolate flavor but is optional.
- Do not overmix — it can make the cake dense.
- This cake stays moist for several days at room temperature.
- Top with chocolate ganache or a simple dusting of powdered sugar.
- For a gluten-free chocolate mayonnaise cake, substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 27g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
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