If you’ve never tried Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake, you’re in for a treat! This old-fashioned dessert is known for being super moist, rich, and incredibly soft, thanks to one surprising ingredient—mayonnaise.
Yes, you read that right! Instead of using butter or oil, this cake uses mayonnaise, which adds moisture and enhances the chocolate flavor. While it may sound unusual at first, this cake has been a beloved dessert for generations, especially during times when butter and eggs were scarce.
In this article, we’ll explore:
✔ The history of Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake
✔ The science behind using mayonnaise in baking
✔ A step-by-step recipe to make it at home
✔ Variations and frosting ideas
✔ Common mistakes to avoid for the perfect cake
Let’s dive into the sweet and decadent world of Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake! 🍫🎂
The Origins of Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake
When and Where Was It Invented?
The Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake has been around since at least the 1920s and 1930s, gaining popularity during the Great Depression and World War II. At that time, ingredients like butter, eggs, and milk were expensive or rationed, making traditional baking difficult.
Home cooks found a creative solution—mayonnaise! Since mayo is made from eggs and oil, it served as a perfect substitute, keeping the cake moist and flavorful while using pantry staples.
Who Came Up with the Idea?
While the exact origin is unclear, food historians believe that Hellmann’s or Best Foods Mayonnaise played a role in promoting this cake during the mid-20th century. Many early recipes appeared in community cookbooks and food brand advertisements, making it a staple in American households.
Why Did It Become So Popular?
- Moist Texture – The oil and eggs in mayo create a cake that stays soft for days.
- Budget-Friendly – A creative way to bake when eggs and butter were scarce.
- Simple Ingredients – Uses everyday pantry items, making it easy to prepare.
Today, this cake remains a nostalgic favorite, passed down through generations as a comforting and easy-to-make dessert.
Key Ingredients of Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake
Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake is made with simple pantry staples, but each ingredient plays an important role in creating its moist, rich, and decadent texture. Let’s break down the key components!
🥚 1. Mayonnaise – The Secret to Moistness
The star ingredient! Mayonnaise replaces the need for eggs and butter, making the cake ultra-moist. It contains:
✔ Egg yolks – Add richness and structure.
✔ Oil – Keeps the cake soft and prevents dryness.
✔ Vinegar – Reacts with baking soda to create a light, fluffy texture.
🔹 Best Mayo to Use: Stick with real, full-fat mayonnaise like Hellmann’s or Duke’s. Avoid flavored or light mayo, as they can alter the taste and texture.
🍫 2. Cocoa Powder – The Chocolate Base
A rich, deep chocolate flavor comes from using unsweetened cocoa powder. You can choose between:
✔ Natural Cocoa Powder – Slightly acidic, reacts well with baking soda.
✔ Dutch-Processed Cocoa Powder – Milder and richer, but may need extra leavening.
🍚 3. Flour – The Cake Structure
Most recipes use all-purpose flour, but you can swap it for:
✔ Cake Flour – For a softer, more delicate texture.
✔ Gluten-Free Flour – A 1:1 gluten-free blend works well for a GF version.
🥄 4. Sugar – Sweetness & Moisture
Granulated sugar adds sweetness while helping retain moisture. You can experiment with:
✔ Brown Sugar – Adds a caramel-like depth and extra softness.
✔ Coconut Sugar – A lower-glycemic alternative.
🧂 5. Baking Soda – The Rising Agent
Since mayonnaise contains vinegar, baking soda helps the cake rise and creates a fluffy texture. Make sure your baking soda is fresh for the best results!
💧 6. Hot Water or Coffee – Boosting Flavor
Many recipes call for hot water or brewed coffee to intensify the chocolate taste.
✔ Hot Water – Helps dissolve the cocoa powder for a smoother batter.
✔ Brewed Coffee – Enhances the chocolate flavor without making the cake taste like coffee.
🧁 7. Vanilla Extract – Enhancing the Taste
A splash of pure vanilla extract rounds out the flavors and adds warmth to the cake.
Read more about Irresistible Pecan Cake
How to Make Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake at Home
Now that we know the key ingredients, let’s walk through a step-by-step recipe for a rich, moist, and decadent Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake. This cake is super easy to make, requiring no butter, no eggs, and minimal effort—just mix, bake, and enjoy!
🍽 Ingredients (Serves 10-12)
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (natural or Dutch-processed)
- 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup real mayonnaise (Hellmann’s, Duke’s, or Best Foods)
- 1 ½ cups hot water or brewed coffee
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven & Prepare the Pans
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or a 9×13-inch baking pan.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
✔ 2 cups flour
✔ ¾ cup cocoa powder
✔ 1 ¼ cups sugar
✔ 2 tsp baking soda
✔ ½ tsp salt
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
- Stir in 1 cup mayonnaise, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Gradually add 1 ½ cups hot water (or coffee) and 2 tsp vanilla extract.
- Mix until smooth—don’t overmix!
Step 4: Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes (round pans) or 40-45 minutes (9×13 pan), until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 5: Cool & Frost
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, frost with chocolate buttercream, cream cheese frosting, or ganache.
🍫 Pro Tips for the Best Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake
✅ Use full-fat mayonnaise for the richest texture.
✅ Hot coffee enhances the chocolate flavor—try it!
✅ Don’t overmix—this can make the cake dense.
✅ For extra moistness, wrap the cake in plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight before frosting.
Variations of Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake
One of the best things about Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake is its versatility. You can tweak the recipe to suit different dietary needs, flavors, and textures. Here are some delicious variations to try!
🌱 1. Gluten-Free Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake
- Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Add ½ tsp xanthan gum (if your GF flour doesn’t contain it) for better texture.
- Everything else stays the same—same rich, moist cake!
🥛 2. Dairy-Free Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake
- This cake is naturally butter-free and egg-free, so it’s almost dairy-free!
- Just be sure to use dairy-free mayo and dairy-free frosting (coconut cream frosting is great!).
🍯 3. Healthier Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake
- Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose for extra fiber.
- Replace sugar with coconut sugar or honey for a natural sweetness.
- Use avocado mayonnaise for a slightly healthier fat source.
🔥 4. Spicy Mexican Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake
- Add ½ tsp cinnamon and ¼ tsp cayenne pepper to the dry ingredients.
- The hint of spice enhances the deep chocolate flavor!
🍊 5. Chocolate Orange Mayonnaise Cake
- Add 1 tbsp orange zest and 1 tsp orange extract to the batter.
- Frost with chocolate ganache and candied orange slices for an elegant touch.
🍒 6. Black Forest Mayonnaise Cake
- Layer the cake with cherry pie filling between layers.
- Frost with whipped cream frosting and top with chocolate shavings and fresh cherries.
🧁 7. Chocolate Mayonnaise Cupcakes
- Use the same batter but pour it into lined muffin tins.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18-22 minutes.
- Perfect for portion control and easy serving!
Best Frostings for Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake
This cake pairs well with a variety of frostings. Try:
✔ Chocolate Buttercream – Classic and rich.
✔ Cream Cheese Frosting – Tangy and creamy.
✔ Whipped Ganache – Silky and elegant.
✔ Peanut Butter Frosting – For a chocolate-peanut butter combo.
FAQs About Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake
1. Does Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake taste like mayo?
No! The mayonnaise blends into the batter, adding moisture and richness without leaving a noticeable mayo flavor.
2. Can I use low-fat or light mayonnaise?
You can, but full-fat mayonnaise works best for texture and flavor. Light mayo may make the cake less rich and slightly drier.
3. What’s the best cocoa powder to use?
Both natural cocoa powder and Dutch-processed cocoa powder work. Dutch-processed gives a smoother, darker chocolate flavor, while natural cocoa provides a slight acidity for balance.
4. How do I store Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake?
- Room Temperature: Store covered for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Wrap slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
5. Can I make this cake without eggs and butter?
Yes! This recipe is already egg-free and butter-free since mayo replaces both.
6. Can I use Miracle Whip instead of mayo?
It’s not recommended, as Miracle Whip has added sugar and a tangier flavor, which may affect the cake’s taste and texture.
Conclusion
Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake is a classic, ultra-moist, and rich dessert that has stood the test of time. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering, birthday, or just because, this cake is guaranteed to impress.
With its simple ingredients, easy preparation, and endless variations, it’s a foolproof recipe that every chocolate lover should try at least once! So grab some mayo, mix up a batter, and enjoy a slice of history and indulgence. 🍫🎂