Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake Recipe - Belly Full (2024)

This classic Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake recipe replaces the oil and eggs with mayo for a moist, rich, and irresistible crumb. Finish it off with our homemade chocolate buttercream frosting and it’ll be the first dessert to disappear at your next get together!

Craving more chocolate cake recipes? Don’t miss our Texas Sheet Cake with the most addictive icing or our Swiss Roll Cake that’s always a show stopper!

Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake Recipe - Belly Full (1)

Easy Moist Chocolate Cake

With so many different chocolate cake recipes out there, varying in taste, texture, thin, tall, frosted or plain, it can be hard to choose one. But even though there are a ton of ways to make a chocolate cake, most would agree that the best ones are moist with a tender crumb – so moist that it sticks to your fork when you take a bite. The kind that requires it be served with a tall glass of cold milk. Nobody wants dry cake! This Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake fits the bill on all levels. It’s consistently moist and rich, with a wonderful deep cocoa flavor.

Old Fashioned Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake

Mayonnaise in cake??? Ya, I know. It might sound weird. People always scrunch up their nose when I tell them it’s chocolate cake made with mayonnaise. Then they take a bite and immediately ask for the recipe. If I didn’t tell you it includes mayo, you wouldn’t even know!

This classic cake actually dates back to the Great Depression when many fresh ingredients weren’t readily available or affordable. Mayonnaise is made from oil and eggs, so someone had the smart idea of swapping it in for the usual oil and eggs used to make chocolate cake. The cake was a success with a moist and airy crumb and has remained popular today. Give it a chance!

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Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to make it:
(Scroll below to the printable recipe card for details and measurements.)

  • Mayonnaise: You need full fat mayonnaise. This is non-negotiable for proper results. Low fat or light mayo will not give you the moisture you need. We prefer Hellman’s or Dukes.
  • Whole milk: Whole, full fat milk will provide the most moisture and best results.
  • Flour: Just regular all-purpose flour. Make sure it’s spooned and leveled, not scooped. Too much flour will make the cake dry.
  • Granulated sugar: For sweetness.
  • Unsweetened cocoa powder: This is what makes the cake chocolatey. We love Ghirardelli or Hershey’s.
  • Baking soda: This is the leavening agent that will help the cake rise.
  • Salt: Just a pinch
  • Vanilla: For flavor.
  • Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake Frosting: Our homemade chocolate buttercream frosting recipe is smooth, creamy, decadent, and perfect for this cake.

How to Make Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake

To make this chocolate cake recipe, follow the steps below in the complete printable recipe card. Refer back to the full article for more ingredient information and helpful tips.

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Tips for Success

  • Use full fat mayonnaise: Full fat mayo will provide the proper moisture needed for best results. Do not use light or low fat.
  • Spoon and level the flour when measuring: Scooping the flour can result in measuring too much, which can make a dry baked cake. Spoon and level the flour for accuracy.
  • Don’t over-bake the cake: Start checking earlier to make sure the cake isn’t over-baking, which will result in a dry crumb.

How to Store Chocolate Cake

To store: Frosted cake can sit out at room temperature, tightly covered in an airtight container, for 3 days (unless your kitchen is too warm, then you should refrigerate or freeze it.)
To freeze: Let cool completely, then wrap (unfrosted) in plastic wrap and then again in foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and then frost.

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More Chocolate Recipes:

  • Chocolate Mousse Pie
  • Easy Chocolate Pie
  • Chocolate Sugar Cookies
  • Homemade Chocolate Pudding
  • Homemade Chocolate Sauce

I hope you love this delicious and easy recipe – be sure to give it a review below! Also don’t forget to follow Belly Full onFacebook,Instagram,Pinterest, andYouTube!

Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake Recipe - Belly Full (5)

Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake

This classic Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake recipe replaces the oil and eggs with mayo for a moist, rich, and irresistible crumb.

Print Recipe Rate Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes minutes

Total Time 40 minutes minutes

Servings: 12

Ingredients

For the Cake

  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 cup full fat mayonnaise
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour , spooned and leveled
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • pinch of salt

For the Frosting

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter ,softened to room temperature
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch ofsalt
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 to 4 tablespoons heavy cream

Instructions

For the Cake

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.

  • In a large bowl, combine the milk, mayonnaise, and vanilla until well blended and smooth.

  • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder and baking soda; gradually beat into the mayonnaise mixture until blended.

  • Pour into the prepare baking dish in an even layer.

  • Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Don't over-bake. (Start checking at 25 minutes. All ovens run differently.)

  • Remove from oven and cool completely before frosting.

For the Frosting

  • With ahandheld mixer(or stand mixer fitted with a whisk or paddle attachment), beat butter on medium speed for about 2 minutes or until creamy and lightened in color, scraping down the bowl as needed.

  • Add cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and salt until combined and smooth.

  • Add in powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, until sugar is incorporated, scraping down the bowl several times to ensure everything is well blended.

  • Slowly beat in 2 tablespoons heavy cream, increasing speed to high and beating for 1 more minute until frosting reaches desired consistency.

  • Add in more heavy cream, 1 tablespoon at a time, ONLY if necessary. Frosting should hold its shape, but be light and fluffy, and easily spreadable.

  • Using an offset spatula, frost the cake, cut into squares, and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 445kcal | Carbohydrates: 56g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 9g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 34mg | Sodium: 314mg | Potassium: 122mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 38g | Vitamin A: 318IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 37mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional information given is an automatic calculation and can vary based on the exact products you use and any changes you make to the recipe. If these numbers are very important to you, I would recommend calculating them yourself.

Other Notes

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: chocolate cake recipe, chocolate mayonnaise cake

Did you make this recipe?Snap a picture and mention @bellyfullblog!

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Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake Recipe - Belly Full (2024)

FAQs

What does adding mayo to cake mix do? ›

It's more convenient and less time consuming than making cakes from scratch. The mayonnaise in this cake makes it really moist. You cannot tell the mayonnaise is in it. Since mayonnaise is made with eggs and oil, there is no need to add oil to this recipe and it uses less eggs.

Why is mayonnaise good in chocolate cake? ›

In a 2001 piece for the Los Angeles Times, food writer Marion Cunningham noted, “The use of mayonnaise, which seems puzzling in a cake, does two things: It gives the cake a luscious richness, and it keeps it moist and fresh tasting for much longer than a conventional cake.”

What does mayonnaise replace in a cake? ›

Yes, baking with a scoop of mayonnaise can improve your baked goods, and it can serve as a substitute for eggs and fats in a recipe.

What does mayonnaise do in baking? ›

Cake batters, brownie batters, cookie doughs, and dinner rolls can work with the richness mayo has to offer. The mayo will fulfill its duties and lend plenty of moisture and richness to the finished dish.

How much mayo to add to box cake mix? ›

You need about a cup of mayonnaise in place of the. oil and eggs, and then you do the water as normal. The only change that we are making from the box. cake mix is using mayonnaise in place of oil and eggs.

How much mayonnaise equals one egg in a cake? ›

Mayonnaise. Eggs are a key ingredient in mayonnaise, so it makes sense that it can be a perfect substitute when you're out of eggs. Use 3 tablespoons of mayo as an egg substitute.

Does mayo change the taste of a cake? ›

What does mayonnaise do to a cake? Mayonnaise can be used in place of fat or oil in cake recipes. It adds moisture, richness and flavor. And don't worry, you won't taste the mayo!

Why do you put brown sugar in chocolate cake? ›

Brown Sugar Lends Caramel Undertones And Helps Lock In Moisture. Incorporating brown sugar into your chocolate cake recipes can elevate them from good to unforgettable. Tasting Table's recipe developer, Molly Allen, demonstrates this beautifully in her elegant yet simple death by chocolate cake recipe.

Can mayo replace eggs in cake? ›

Mayonnaise. If you have a jar of mayo in the fridge, you can use 3 tablespoons in place of one egg. "Mayonnaise has been used as an egg substitute because of its moistening properties and is best suited for cakes with strong flavors, like spice cakes and chocolate cakes," Tutunjian says.

Can you put mayonnaise in a box cake mix? ›

To try it, simply stir in a couple of tablespoons of mayonnaise to boxed cake batter for rich flavor. Mix in a whole cup of mayonnaise to really up the decadence. By adding mayonnaise, the texture of the cake is transformed, becoming luscious and extra-moist (via Wonder How To).

What's the secret to a moist cake? ›

Seven Bakery Secrets to Incredibly Moist Cakes Every Time
  1. Use Buttermilk Instead of Milk.
  2. Add Vegetable Oil.
  3. Use Instant Clearjel or Instant Pudding Mix.
  4. Use the Right Recipe.
  5. Don't Overbake.
  6. Bake in Sheet Pans Instead of individual Cake Pans.
  7. Use a Simple Syrup or Glaze.
Apr 23, 2021

Can I use mayonnaise instead of oil in a cake mix? ›

Mayonnaise is high in fat, so it works well as an oil substitute. It also makes the cake have a creamy texture and subtle tangy taste. It really is great in chocolate cake, but it also works for yellow boxed cake mixes too. Be sure to use full-fat mayonnaise and not a reduced-fat version.

Why do you put sour cream in a cake? ›

Sour cream is one of the fattiest dairy products; the extra fat content (for example, adding sour cream to a cake instead of milk) will make the cake moister and richer, says Wilk. "Fat, in any form (butter, lard, cream, etc.) shortens gluten strands, which essentially leads to the most tender baked goods," she adds.

What happens when you add vinegar to mayonnaise? ›

After you've whisked the yolks, add a few drops of vinegar or lemon juice. The acid helps stabilize the emulsion by allowing the egg yolks to absorb more fat, making it much easier to make mayonnaise.

Why is vinegar important in mayonnaise? ›

The study shows the significance of using vinegar to protect mayonnaise from deterioration and increase its shelf life, in addition to its role as a dressing.

What can I add to my box cake mix to make it moist? ›

Boxed cake mixes tend to be lighter in consistency, but if you're craving that thicker, moister, denser cake, then all you have to do is add an extra egg to your mix. The additional fat in the egg yolk helps create a more tender and moist cake that is full of flavor.

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