Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cake is the perfect combination of simplicity and indulgence. The mayonnaise not only adds moisture but enhances the richness of the chocolate, creating a velvety texture that is hard to resist. It’s quick to prepare and has a deep, fudgy flavor that will keep you coming back for more. Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or just for a cozy dessert at home, this cake is sure to impress.

Ingredients

1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup sugar
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup water
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 large egg

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise and sugar. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well-blended.
Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl.
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, alternating with the water. Mix until smooth.
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the mixture and mix until fully incorporated.
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly.
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8-10 slices
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Total Time: 40-45 minutes

Variations

Frosting: You can top the cake with a variety of frostings like cream cheese frosting, chocolate ganache, or a simple powdered sugar glaze.
Flavor twist: Add chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the batter for extra texture and flavor.
Vegan version: Replace the egg with a flax egg and use a vegan mayonnaise to make this cake plant-based.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week.
Reheating: If you prefer a warm slice, you can microwave a piece for 15-20 seconds. Alternatively, you can warm the whole cake in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes.

FAQs

1. Why does this cake use mayonnaise instead of butter or oil?

Mayonnaise contains both oil and egg, which helps make the cake incredibly moist without needing additional fat or oil.

2. Can I use homemade mayonnaise for this cake?

Yes, homemade mayonnaise can work in this recipe, but make sure it has a similar consistency and flavor to store-bought mayonnaise.

3. Can I make this cake without eggs?

Yes, you can substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons of water) or another egg substitute like applesauce or mashed banana.

4. Can I freeze this cake?

Yes, you can freeze the cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 3 months.

5. What can I substitute for cocoa powder?

If you don’t have cocoa powder, you can use melted dark chocolate as a substitute. Just use about 2 ounces of chocolate for every 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder.

6. Can I make this cake in a different size pan?

Yes, you can make this cake in a 9×13-inch pan or even cupcakes. Just adjust the baking time accordingly (cupcakes bake for about 20 minutes).

7. Can I add a filling to the cake?

Yes, you can slice the cake in half and add a filling like whipped cream, jam, or chocolate mousse for a more decadent dessert.

8. Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of the regular flour to make this cake gluten-free.

9. Why is my cake dry?

If your cake turns out dry, it may have been overbaked or not enough liquid was added. Check the cake’s doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean but not dry.

10. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! This cake actually tastes better the next day as the flavors have time to meld. You can make it a day ahead and store it in an airtight container.

Conclusion

Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake is a wonderfully moist, flavorful cake that requires very little effort for a big payoff. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight treat or a dessert for a special occasion, this cake will not disappoint. With its rich chocolate flavor and soft texture, it’s bound to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. Give it a try and enjoy the sweet, satisfying taste of nostalgia with every bite!

Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake

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This rich and moist Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake is a beloved family recipe that uses mayonnaise for added moisture and a luscious, velvety texture. With a perfect balance of chocolatey flavor, this cake is an easy-to-make dessert that will melt in your mouth.

Author: Emily
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Total Time: 40-45 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Category: Cake
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup water
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup granulated sugar

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or a 9×13-inch baking pan.
In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a large bowl, mix together the sugar, mayonnaise, water, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until smooth.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan(s) and bake for 30-35 minutes (or 40-45 minutes for a 9×13 pan), or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Frosting Option: This cake pairs wonderfully with chocolate frosting or even a dusting of powdered sugar. For extra decadence, you can try cream cheese frosting or whipped cream on top.
Substitutions: If you don’t have mayonnaise, you can substitute it with an equal amount of sour cream or yogurt for a slightly different texture.