Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake is a moist and decadent dessert that uses mayonnaise instead of butter or oil to create a tender crumb. The mayonnaise provides richness and moisture, while the chocolate flavor shines through, making this cake a classic treat that’s surprisingly easy to make. This old-fashioned recipe is perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or simply indulging your sweet tooth.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup mayonnaise (full-fat recommended)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups water or brewed coffee (coffee enhances the chocolate flavor)

For the Chocolate Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 4-6 tablespoons heavy cream (or milk)

Optional Add-Ins:

• ½ teaspoon espresso powder for a more intense chocolate flavor
• 1 cup mini chocolate chips mixed into the batter for extra richness

For Garnish:

• Chocolate shavings or curls
• Fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or a 9×13-inch baking dish, and line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

1. In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
2. Whisk to combine evenly.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
2. Gradually add the water or brewed coffee while stirring to create a smooth mixture.

Step 4: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients

1. Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, whisking until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense.
2. If you’re using chocolate chips or any other add-ins, gently fold them into the batter.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

1. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans or baking dish.
2. Bake for 30-35 minutes (for round pans) or 35-40 minutes (for a 9×13-inch pan), or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
3. Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

Step 6: Prepare the Chocolate Frosting

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter using an electric mixer until creamy and smooth.
2. Sift in the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, and continue mixing on low speed until fully combined.
3. Add the vanilla extract and heavy cream (1 tablespoon at a time) and mix on medium speed until the frosting is light, fluffy, and spreadable. Add more cream if needed to reach your desired consistency.

Step 7: Frost the Cake

1. Once the cake has completely cooled, spread a layer of frosting over the top of one cake layer. Place the second cake layer on top and spread the frosting evenly over the top and sides.
2. If using a 9×13-inch pan, simply frost the top of the cake.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish the cake with chocolate shavings, berries, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
2. Slice and enjoy your deliciously moist Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake!

Cooking Notes

• Mayonnaise: Be sure to use full-fat mayonnaise for the best texture and flavor. Light or low-fat mayonnaise won’t provide the same richness.
• Coffee: If using coffee instead of water, it won’t make the cake taste like coffee but will enhance the depth of the chocolate flavor. If you prefer, you can stick to water for a classic chocolate flavor.

Variations

1. Double Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake

Mix 1 cup of mini chocolate chips into the batter for an extra burst of chocolate in every bite. You can also drizzle melted chocolate over the frosted cake for even more richness.

2. Peanut Butter Frosting

Swap the chocolate frosting for a creamy peanut butter frosting by mixing 1 cup of peanut butter with ½ cup of softened butter, 2 cups of powdered sugar, and 2-4 tablespoons of cream. This combination of chocolate and peanut butter is always a hit.

3. Chocolate Mayonnaise Cupcakes

Turn this cake into cupcakes by dividing the batter into lined muffin tins and baking at 350°F (175°C) for 18-22 minutes. Frost the cupcakes with chocolate frosting or any of your favorite flavors.

4. Mocha Mayonnaise Cake

Enhance the coffee flavor by adding 1 teaspoon of espresso powder to the batter and using brewed coffee as the liquid. Top the cake with a mocha buttercream for a rich coffee-chocolate treat.

Keto Version and Low-Carb Adjustments

For a keto-friendly version:

• Replace the flour with almond flour or coconut flour.
• Use a sugar substitute like erythritol or monk fruit for both the cake and frosting.
• Use sugar-free mayonnaise and unsweetened cocoa powder.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the cake up to 2 days in advance and store it, unfrosted, in an airtight container at room temperature. Once frosted, store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Q: How do I store leftover cake?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the cake for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Q: Can I use light mayonnaise?
It’s best to use full-fat mayonnaise for this recipe to ensure the cake remains moist and rich. Light mayonnaise may alter the texture of the cake, making it less tender.

Q: What can I serve with Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake?
This cake pairs well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or fresh berries. You can also drizzle it with a chocolate ganache or caramel sauce for extra indulgence.

Q: Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that works for baking. Be sure to check that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

This Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake is a rich, moist, and decadent dessert that’s surprisingly simple to make. The mayonnaise keeps the cake tender while enhancing the chocolate flavor, resulting in a truly indulgent treat. Perfect for birthdays, special occasions, or a weekend baking project, this cake is sure to satisfy any chocolate craving!