If you think mayonnaise only belongs in savory recipes, get ready to be amazed! The Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake is a beloved vintage dessert that transforms humble pantry staples into an incredibly moist, rich, and decadent treat. You won’t taste the mayo, but you’ll fall in love with its ultra-tender crumb and deep chocolate flavor—perfect for birthdays, potlucks, or simply a little weeknight joy. This cake is so easy and reliable you’ll wonder why you ever used eggs and oil the old-fashioned way!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe comes together with simple basics you probably have on hand, but each ingredient plays an important role in creating a cake that’s plush, chocolaty, and full of character. Get ready for a symphony of flavors and textures!
- All-purpose flour: The backbone that gives the cake its soft, yet sturdy structure.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake just right and creates that coveted tender crumb.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Delivers a bold, pure chocolate flavor without adding extra sweetness.
- Baking soda: Ensures the cake rises beautifully and keeps it light.
- Salt: Enhances and balances the chocolate so every bite sings.
- Mayonnaise: The not-so-secret star! Adds irresistible moisture and richness with no trace of mayonnaise taste.
- Water: Keeps things simple and perfectly blends the wet and dry ingredients.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the chocolate flavor for a bakery-style finish.
- Mini chocolate chips (optional): For bursts of melty chocolate in every slice—totally recommended!
How to Make Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking—using both grease and flour ensures that beautiful release. Taking care of this first not only saves time but sets you up for baking success!
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisking gets rid of lumps and guarantees an even mix, which means every bite of your Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake will have that perfect, even chocolate flavor.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Next, scoop in the mayonnaise, pour in the water, and add the vanilla extract. Mix everything until just combined and smooth—no need for fancy equipment, a sturdy whisk or spatula will do just fine. You’ll notice the batter comes together quickly, thanks to the magical blend of mayo and water.
Step 4: Fold in Chocolate Chips (Optional)
If you’re using mini chocolate chips, gently fold them into the batter now. They melt into luscious pockets of chocolate, making every slice extra special. Trust me—chocolate lovers will swoon!
Step 5: Pour and Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth out the top for an even bake. Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes. The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. The aroma will let you know you’re in for something wonderful!
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let the cake cool completely in the pan. This step is hard to wait for, but it makes slicing and serving a breeze. Once cooled, your Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake is ready for its big moment—dress it up, or enjoy as is!
How to Serve Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake
Garnishes
A generous dusting of powdered sugar is all you need for a classic look, but this cake welcomes all sorts of toppings! Try a pour of glossy chocolate ganache, a simple powdered sugar glaze, or even swirls of whipped cream. Fresh berries or a scattering of mini chocolate chips also make it visually irresistible.
Side Dishes
Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake is a showstopper on its own, but pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream creates a hot-and-cold delight. Fresh strawberries or raspberries provide a tart, fruity contrast, and a mug of strong coffee or chilled milk makes every bite taste even richer.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, cut the cake into small cubes and layer it with whipped cream and berries in mini dessert glasses for easy, beautiful trifles. Or, transform it into cupcakes for picnics and parties. You can even use shaped cookie cutters to make playful cake bites for kids’ celebrations!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your cake fresh by covering it tightly with plastic wrap or storing slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The moisture from the mayonnaise keeps it from drying out—if anything, its flavor and texture get even better on day two!
Freezing
Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for a few hours, and it will taste just as moist as the day you baked it.
Reheating
If you love a warm slice, just pop a piece in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds. This quick reheating not only restores the cake’s softness but also revives any chocolate chips inside for that gooey, fresh-baked sensation.
FAQs
Can you taste the mayonnaise in Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake?
Not at all! The mayonnaise simply supplies moisture and richness, leaving no trace of its flavor. All you get is a decadent, chocolatey delight.
Is this cake suitable for people with egg allergies?
Absolutely. Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake uses mayonnaise in place of eggs, making it a fantastic option for those with egg allergies—just double-check the mayo ingredients first!
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. The chocolate and mayo keep the crumb nice and moist, so it still bakes up beautifully.
What type Dessert
Regular unsweetened cocoa powder works great, but you can use Dutch-process for a deeper, almost fudge-like flavor. Either way, you can’t go wrong.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Definitely. Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top make exciting additions that complement the rich, moist cake perfectly.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried a Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake before, prepare to be surprised in the most delicious way. This cake is foolproof, outrageously moist, and always crowd-pleasing—an absolute must-bake for chocolate lovers. Give it a whirl and you may just discover a new favorite for your recipe box!
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Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich, moist goodness of Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake. This eggless chocolate cake is a delightful treat that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease/flour a 9×13-inch pan.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Combine flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in mayonnaise, water, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Optional: Fold in mini chocolate chips.
- Bake: Pour batter into pan, bake for 30–35 minutes.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Mayonnaise adds moisture and richness to the cake.
- Consider topping with a powdered sugar glaze or chocolate ganache.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
