This Mayonnaise Cake is incredibly moist and rich. Instead of eggs, mayonnaise adds tenderness and depth to this chocolate cake, producing a tender crumb and pronounced chocolate flavor.
It may sound unusual, but mayonnaise in cake works beautifully. This straightforward recipe mixes simple pantry ingredients, spreads the batter into a pan, and bakes into a reliably moist, chocolatey cake with a hint of extra richness from the mayo. It’s a great option when you’re out of eggs or when you want a denser, more indulgent dessert. Perfect for birthdays, potlucks, or a cozy night in.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Moist and rich: Mayonnaise keeps the cake exceptionally tender and gives it a velvety texture.
- Simple to prepare: No complicated techniques—just mix dry and wet ingredients, pour, and bake.
- Surprisingly delicious: Cocoa and vanilla combine with the mayo to create a flavorful, well-balanced chocolate cake.
- Versatile: Serve it plain, frosted, or paired with ice cream or sauce for any occasion.
Ingredients
Full measurements and instructions are below in the recipe card.
- All-purpose flour
- Sugar
- Cocoa powder
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Water
- Mayonnaise
- Milk
- Vanilla extract
How to Make Mayonnaise Cake
- Preheat: Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, and baking soda until evenly mixed.
- Add wet ingredients: Stir in the water, mayonnaise, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Pour the batter into a greased 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) baking pan or similar.
- Bake: Bake about 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Finish: Let the cake cool completely before frosting or serving.
What to Serve with It
This chocolate mayonnaise cake pairs well with a variety of toppings and sides.
- Mint chocolate chip ice cream
- Stabilized whipped cream
- Hot fudge sauce
Variations and Substitutions
- Add-ins: Fold in chocolate chips or chopped nuts for extra texture and flavor.
- Frosting options: Try chocolate ganache, cream cheese frosting, or a simple dusting of powdered sugar. Drizzle hot fudge or caramel for extra decadence.
- Coffee boost: Substitute part of the water with brewed coffee to intensify the chocolate flavor.
- Mayo alternatives: If you prefer, plain Greek yogurt or sour cream can replace mayonnaise for a tangy twist, though results will differ slightly.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover cake covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. At room temperature it will keep well for 1–2 days; refrigerate for up to 4 days for longer freshness.
Can I Freeze?
Yes. Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Use full-fat mayonnaise: For the best texture and flavor, choose a good-quality full-fat mayonnaise; avoid sweetened salad dressings.
- Mix thoroughly: Combine dry ingredients well and stir wet ingredients until smooth to prevent lumps in the batter.
- Prep the pan: Grease the pan well or line it with parchment to ensure easy removal.
- Cool completely: Allow the cake to cool fully in the pan before slicing or frosting so it holds its shape.
What Does Mayonnaise Do to Cake?
Mayonnaise adds fat, moisture, and emulsifiers that create a tender, soft crumb. Made from oil and eggs, it acts as both a fat and an egg substitute, enhancing texture and helping the cake remain moist for longer. The flavor blends into the batter, so it does not leave a noticeable mayonnaise taste in a chocolate cake.
Can You Taste the Mayonnaise?
Generally not. In a chocolate cake, the cocoa and vanilla mask any distinct mayonnaise flavor while benefiting from its moistening properties.
Chocolate Cake Recipes
If you enjoy this cake, try other chocolate variations in your collection for new flavors and textures.
- Banana chocolate cake
- Hot fudge pudding cake
- Mocha cake
- Earthquake cake
- Wacky cake
- Chocolate zucchini cake
Recipe card
Mayonnaise Cake
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup milk
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, stir together the flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, and baking soda.
- Stir in the water, mayonnaise, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Spread the mixture into a greased 8×8-inch baking pan.
- Bake for about 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool completely before frosting or slicing.
Nutrition (per piece)
Calories: 443 kcal | Carbohydrates: 51 g | Protein: 4.2 g | Fat: 24.6 g | Sugar: 26.1 g