What if we told you that one of the richest, moistest, and most decadent chocolate cakes you’ll ever bake contains a surprising ingredient—mayonnaise? Yes, you read that right! Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake is a timeless recipe that has been passed down for generations, loved for its deep chocolate flavor, soft crumb, and irresistibly moist texture.
This unique cake originated during the Great Depression, when eggs and butter were scarce. Home bakers discovered that mayonnaise—a simple blend of eggs, oil, and vinegar—could be used as a substitute for both. Over time, this humble cake became a favorite, proving that sometimes the best desserts come from the simplest ingredients.
Mayonnaise might seem like an unusual ingredient for a cake, but it works wonders in baking. It locks in moisture, enhances richness, and ensures a soft, velvety crumb without leaving any trace of its tangy taste. If you’re skeptical, trust us—once you try it, you’ll never go back to traditional chocolate cake recipes.
If you love incredibly moist baked goods, you’ll also enjoy our Banana Bread Recipe Without Butter, which delivers amazing flavor without traditional fats!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Incredibly Moist & Rich – The mayonnaise creates a cake that stays soft and tender for days.
✔️ No Butter or Eggs Needed – A great option when you’re low on pantry staples.
✔️ Deep Chocolate Flavor – The combination of cocoa powder and mayonnaise results in an indulgent, fudgy taste.
✔️ Super Easy to Make – No complicated techniques—just mix, pour, and bake!
✔️ Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether for birthdays, holidays, or just a weeknight treat, this cake never disappoints.
The History of Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake
This recipe dates back to the 1930s and 1940s, when households had to get creative with rationed ingredients. Butter and eggs were expensive, but mayonnaise—a mix of oil, eggs, and vinegar—was more affordable and readily available.
By the mid-20th century, brands like Hellmann’s and Best Foods began including chocolate mayonnaise cake recipes on their jars, helping it gain nationwide popularity. Today, it remains a beloved retro dessert, with countless variations passed down through families.
📌 Fun Fact: Mayonnaise isn’t just for chocolate cake! It’s also used in other baked goods like cookies and cornbread for added moisture.
The Secret Behind Mayonnaise in Baking
If you’re wondering why mayonnaise makes a chocolate cake so incredibly moist, it comes down to its core ingredients:
- Oil – Keeps the cake tender and prevents dryness.
- Egg Yolks – Provide structure and richness.
- Vinegar – Reacts with baking soda for a lighter, fluffier texture.
Because of this perfect balance of fats and acidity, mayonnaise acts as a natural cake enhancer, making the crumb soft and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
📌 Pro Tip: For best results, always use full-fat mayonnaise—low-fat versions may affect the texture!
Ingredients for Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake
Here’s what you’ll need to make the ultimate moist chocolate cake:
Dry Ingredients:
✔️ 2 cups all-purpose flour
✔️ ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
✔️ 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
✔️ 2 tsp baking soda
✔️ 1 tsp baking powder
✔️ ½ tsp salt
Wet Ingredients:
✔️ 1 cup full-fat mayonnaise
✔️ 1 cup hot coffee (or water)
✔️ 2 tsp vanilla extract
📌 Pro Tip: Using hot coffee instead of water enhances the chocolate flavor and adds depth to the cake!
How to Make Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake
1️⃣ Preheat & Prep
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
2️⃣ Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
📌 Pro Tip: Sifting the cocoa powder helps prevent lumps and ensures even mixing.
3️⃣ Combine the Wet Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, vanilla extract, and hot coffee (or water).
📌 Pro Tip: Don’t worry if the batter looks slightly runny—this helps create a moist cake!
4️⃣ Mix & Bake
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until smooth.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
📌 Pro Tip: Avoid overmixing to keep the cake light and fluffy!
Best Frostings for Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake
The beauty of Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake lies in its moist, tender texture and deep cocoa flavor, making it the perfect base for a variety of frostings. Whether you love a rich, creamy buttercream, a silky, glossy ganache, or a light, airy whipped topping, there’s a frosting to suit your taste.
Below are some of the best frosting options that pair beautifully with this cake:
1️⃣ Classic Chocolate Buttercream – Rich, Smooth & Decadent
A timeless choice, chocolate buttercream frosting brings a creamy, velvety texture that contrasts beautifully with the ultra-moist crumb of the cake. Made with butter, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and vanilla, this frosting adds just the right amount of sweetness and richness.
How to Make It:
✔️ Beat 1 cup (2 sticks) of unsalted butter until light and fluffy.
✔️ Sift in 3 ½ cups powdered sugar and ¾ cup cocoa powder.
✔️ Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and ¼ cup heavy cream or milk, then mix until smooth.
✔️ If needed, adjust consistency with more cream for a thinner frosting or more powdered sugar for a thicker texture.
📌 Pro Tip: Sifting the cocoa powder and powdered sugar ensures a smooth, lump-free frosting.
2️⃣ Silky Chocolate Ganache – Glossy, Rich & Indulgent
If you prefer a glossier, more luxurious finish, chocolate ganache is the way to go. This two-ingredient frosting is made by melting chocolate and heavy cream together, creating a pourable glaze or a thicker, spreadable frosting depending on the ratio.
How to Make It:
✔️ Heat ½ cup heavy cream until just simmering (do not boil).
✔️ Pour over 1 cup chopped dark chocolate or chocolate chips and let sit for 2–3 minutes.
✔️ Stir gently until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
✔️ Let cool slightly before pouring over the cake for a glossy glaze, or let it sit longer for a spreadable texture.
📌 Pro Tip: For an extra fudgy, thick ganache, use a 2:1 chocolate-to-cream ratio.
📌 Fun Twist: Add ½ teaspoon espresso powder to intensify the chocolate flavor even more!
3️⃣ Whipped Cream Frosting – Light, Airy & Refreshing
For those who prefer a lighter, less sweet frosting, whipped cream frosting is a great option. It balances the richness of the cake while adding a cloud-like fluffiness. This frosting is especially perfect for warm weather or those who enjoy a delicate topping.
How to Make It:
✔️ Whip 1 cup heavy cream with 2 tablespoons powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
✔️ For a sturdier frosting, mix in 2 tablespoons of instant vanilla pudding mix or cream cheese.
✔️ Spread immediately over the cooled cake for a light, fluffy texture.
📌 Pro Tip: Use chilled heavy cream and a cold mixing bowl for the best results!
4️⃣ Other Delicious Frosting Options
✅ Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting – Adds a slight tanginess that complements the deep chocolate flavor.
✅ Peanut Butter Frosting – A nutty, salty contrast that pairs beautifully with chocolate.
✅ Salted Caramel Drizzle – A gooey, sweet-and-salty touch that enhances richness.
✅ Mocha Frosting – Made with chocolate and coffee, perfect for coffee lovers.
📌 Pro Tip: If you love bold flavors, add a pinch of sea salt or espresso powder to any of these frostings for a next-level taste experience!
Cake Variations to Try
✔️ Gluten-Free Version – Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend.
✔️ Dairy-Free Adaptation – Use dairy-free mayo and plant-based milk instead of coffee.
✔️ Spiced Chocolate Cake – Add cinnamon and cayenne for a Mexican chocolate twist.
📌 Pro Tip: A sprinkle of sea salt flakes on top brings out the richness of the chocolate!
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Wrap layers in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Bring slices to room temperature before serving.
📌 Pro Tip: Storing the cake unfrosted helps it stay fresher for longer!
Wondering how to store your cake to keep it fresh longer? Read our Ultimate Guide to Storing Baked Goods for expert tips on preserving moisture and flavor!
FAQs About Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake
📌 Does Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake taste like mayonnaise?
- Not at all! The mayonnaise disappears into the cake, leaving only moisture and richness.
📌 Can I use low-fat mayonnaise?
- Full-fat mayo works best—low-fat versions can result in a drier texture.
📌 What can I substitute for mayonnaise?
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt can work, but they won’t provide the same level of moisture.
📌 Why is my cake dense?
- Overmixing the batter can lead to a heavier cake—mix until just combined.
Final Thoughts: Why You Should Try Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake Today
If you’re looking for a deeply chocolatey, ultra-moist cake that’s simple yet unforgettable, Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake is the perfect recipe. The secret ingredient may surprise you, but one bite will convince you—it’s a game-changer!
Try this classic, foolproof recipe today, and enjoy a rich, decadent chocolate cake like never before! 🍫🎂
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Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake – The Secret to the Moistest Chocolate Cake
Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake is an ultra-moist, rich, and fudgy chocolate cake made with mayonnaise instead of butter or eggs. This classic Depression-era recipe delivers a soft crumb, deep cocoa flavor, and easy-to-make batter, making it the perfect dessert for any occasion.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
1 cup full-fat mayonnaise
1 cup hot coffee (or water)
2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
2️⃣ Mix dry ingredients (flour, cocoa, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt) in a large bowl.
3️⃣ Whisk wet ingredients (mayonnaise, vanilla, and hot coffee) in a separate bowl.
4️⃣ Combine wet & dry ingredients and mix until smooth—do not overmix.
5️⃣ Pour batter into pans and bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6️⃣ Cool & frost with chocolate buttercream, ganache, or whipped cream frosting.
📌 Pro Tip: Using hot coffee instead of water deepens the chocolate flavor!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: moist chocolate cake, mayonnaise cake recipe, chocolate cake with mayo, easy chocolate cake, eggless chocolate cake, best chocolate cake recipe