Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake has to be one of the most decadent, delicious and easy cakes I have ever made! Simply combine all ingredients together, pour into a pan and bake. That is it! You will never want to use a prepared cake mix again once you try this recipe!
I’m definitely not a cake snob, I’m happy to use a boxed cake mix in a pinch (or even to doctor them up like in my favorite Chocolate Banana Cake). But seriously, this Mayonnaise Cake makes even boxed cake mixes seem like work! Mix ingredients together, pour into a pan, bake…done!
If you believe you are not a baker at heart, you’ll love this Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake recipe because it’s so easy – even you can bake it perfectly!
Don’t let the idea of mayonnaise in a cake scare you away. Mayonnaise is basically made of oil and eggs which are in pretty much every cake recipe and it truly makes this cake moist and decadent.
TIPS FOR A PERFECT CAKE
- Using full fat mayonnaise produces the best results. Light versions work but it will change the texture of the cake and make it chewier.
- Don’t overmix the batter. It may appear slightly lumpy but that is ok.
- When measuring flour it’s important to remember not to scoop it into the measuring cup directly from your flour container (this packs it down and measures too much flour). Simply spoon the flour into your dry measuring cup and level the excess off with a straight edge.
- Do not over bake your cake. Check it by inserting a toothpick into the cake. If the toothpick comes out clean, your cake is good.
I can remember being a teenager and my friend’s mom made a mayonnaise cake. I have to admit that 30 years later, I still remember that moist tender cake and how amazing it was! When I got my hands on a pile of vintage recipe books and saw this recipe again, I knew I had to make it. There is a good reason this old fashioned mayonnaise cake recipe has been around for so long!
You can use any kind of frosting on this cake including my One Minute Easy Chocolate Frosting or my favorite Chocolate Ganache Frosting. This Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake is so wonderfully simple and unbelievably delicious that your friends will be asking for the recipe!
Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup mayonnaise or Miracle Whip
- 1 cup water lukewarm
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Mix together all the ingredients in a large bowl.
- Pour into prepared baking dish.
- Bake in preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool completely.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
Course Dessert
Cuisine American© SpendWithPennies.com. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited. Please view my photo use policy here.
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I have been looking for a chocolate mayonnaise cake recipe for awhile because my husband’s Mom always made one for him. I tried your recipe today and it is horrible, so bitter and salty. Thank God for the icing or I would just throw the whole thing away. I will never make this cake again. It needs more sugar.
Sorry to hear that you didn’t enjoy the cake as much as we do Sarah. It’s been a bit hit with readers, so can’t say for sure what went wrong. Thank you for trying it.
Great cake
I didn’t have luck with this recipe, however, I always try at least twice due to possible human error. I’m giving it 2 stars not because of the recipe but because of the possibility that I messed up somewhere. I’ll update the review after my 2nd attempt.
What type of problem did you have with the recipe?
all recipes are just delish
Excellent recipes, easy and delicious
Can I use cold mayo or does it have to be room temperature?
You can use mayonnaise from the fridge for this recipe.
No frosting recipe to go with the cake? That’s the Best part!
Hi Anjelica, the frosting listed in the recipe is One-Minute Chocolate Frosting. I agree, that’s the best part! :)
5star,Yum!
Easy to make really tasty and moist
Made the mayonnaise cake today along with the boiled icing with chocolate chips and topped it with chopped walnuts! Fabulous cake and it will be my favourite and so easy. Very very delicious. I followed the recipe exactly, even the instructions for the boiled icing and put the nuts on right away.
Excellent recipe! Easy and delicious. Thank you!!!
Can this be made in an Instant pot in a 6 or 7″ pat in pot?Liz
We have never tried making this cake in an Instant Pot Liz, but I would love to hear your results if you attempt it!
I’ve made this twice now. I use regular mayo. I did use almond flour instead of regular flour. Maybe that is the mistake.
The cake doesn’t cook as much as bubble. Like a witch’s brew. The whole pan bubbles up. I’ve never seen a cake do that before. Very frustrating. I was so intrigued with this recipe and yet I have had no success.
I am not sure if that is why it bubbled up Lassie, but almond flour is a much moister flour so it would definitely change the consistency and texture of this cake.
I apologize! When I said you cannot use “miracle whip” I should have said miracle whip SALAD DRESSING. I promise salad dressing will ruin your cake. If a cake is dry it may be that bake time was too long. I usually bake mine 25 minutes so it is smart to check cake at 25 minutes because it just might be done. Ovens vary in temperature.
AGAIN I will tell you that you cannot use “miracle whip”!! I once made this mistake and it ruined my cake. You should try making one with miracle whip…maybe then you would correct your recipe! Someone posted that they made your mayonnaise cake recipe and it was awful… they had to have uses miracle whip which is not fit to make mayonnaise cake. REMEMBER IT IS CALLED MAYONNAISE CAKE.
Not a Moist Cake at all
Oh no, sorry this recipe didn’t work out for you Beth! It possibly could have overcooked depending on the size of the pan you used, or there may have been too much flour added to it. For tips on measuring flour, you can check out this how to measure flour guide! I hope these help!
Perfect!
This cake is just like my Grandma’s
Maynoise Cake from the 1930’s and 1940’s.
Thank you.
Hi,yes o would love to try it ,,,it looks so yummy ❤️❤️
Reaaly enjoyed making and eating this cake! Good thing I checked after only 25 minutes, because it was done, so would have been overbaked at 30 minutes. I used coconut sugar instead of cane and did not have a full teaspoon of vanilla. I loved the almost bittersweet chocolate flavor. I did try to have a slice before it cooled completely and it just fell apart…you really MUST cool completely! I just dusted the top with confectioner’s sugar and it’s perfect with a cup of tea!
Since I had neither eggs, milk or butter, making this cake was a no brainer until a grocery trip took place. The cake was very moist, however the non-sweetened cocoa made it a bit strong to my liking. I plan to try again with a 1/4 cup more sugar and less cocoa. Otherwise, a very quick, easy and moist recipe!
Can you please give the recipe for the frosting in the picture?
Thanks
The frosting in the photos is this chocolate buttercream recipe.