A Rich, Moist & Classic Dessert

If you’ve never tried Chocolate-Mayonnaise Cake, you’re in for a delicious surprise! This vintage recipe has been around for decades, and for good reason—it produces a cake that’s incredibly moist, rich, and deeply chocolatey.

Now, I know what you might be thinking—mayonnaise in cake? But trust me, you won’t taste it! Instead, it works like butter and eggs combined, giving the cake a tender crumb and extra moisture. This recipe is a must-try, especially if you want a no-fail, ultra-soft chocolate cake!

Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe

Q: Why use mayonnaise in chocolate cake?

Mayonnaise contains oil and eggs, which add richness and moisture, making the cake extra soft and tender.

Q: Will the cake taste like mayonnaise?

No! The mayonnaise enhances the texture, but you won’t taste it at all—just rich, chocolatey goodness.

Q: Can I use low-fat or vegan mayo?

Yes! Low-fat mayo works, but full-fat is best for richness. For a vegan version, use egg-free vegan mayonnaise.

Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! This cake stays moist for days and can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for 5 days.

Q: Can I freeze this cake?

Yes! Wrap the cooled cake layers tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before frosting.

What You Need to Make Chocolate-Mayonnaise Cake

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 ¼ teaspoons baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 cup full-fat mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup hot water or brewed coffee (for deeper flavor)

For the Chocolate Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ¼ cup heavy cream (or milk)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

How to Make Chocolate-Mayonnaise Cake

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and both sugars.
3. In another bowl, mix mayonnaise, vanilla extract, and hot water (or coffee) until smooth.
4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined (don’t overmix!).

Step 3: Bake the Cake

5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Make the Chocolate Frosting

8. In a large bowl, beat butter until creamy.
9. Gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder, beating until fluffy.
10. Add heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt, mixing until smooth.

Step 5: Assemble & Frost the Cake

11. Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a layer of frosting over the top.
12. Add the second layer and frost the top and sides evenly.
13. Slice and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Chocolate-Mayonnaise Cake

✔ Use hot coffee instead of water – It enhances the chocolate flavor.
✔ Don’t overmix the batter – Mix until just combined to keep the cake light.
✔ Let the cake cool completely before frosting – This prevents the frosting from melting.
✔ Want extra richness? – Add ½ cup of melted chocolate to the frosting.
✔ For a layer of crunch – Sprinkle chopped nuts or chocolate chips between the layers.

Reader Reviews

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Emma L. – “This was the moistest chocolate cake I’ve ever had! I was skeptical about the mayo, but it worked perfectly!”

🌟🌟🌟🌟 James K. – “Super easy to make and so rich. I used coffee instead of water, and the flavor was amazing!”

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Samantha W. – “I made this for a birthday, and everyone loved it! No one guessed it had mayo in it!”

🌟🌟🌟🌟 Lucas R. – “I usually don’t bake, but this cake was foolproof. The texture was incredible!”

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Jessica T. – “The best chocolate cake ever! I’ll never go back to boxed cake mix again.

Printable Recipe

Chocolate-Mayonnaise Cake

Yield: 12

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

This Chocolate-Mayonnaise Cake is ultra-moist, rich, and incredibly easy to make! A vintage recipe that results in a decadent, soft chocolate cake.

Print

Ingredients

• For the Cake:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 ¼ teaspoons baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 cup full-fat mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup hot water or brewed coffee (for deeper flavor)
• For the Chocolate Frosting:
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ¼ cup heavy cream (or milk)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and both sugars.
2. In another bowl, mix mayonnaise, vanilla extract, and hot water (or coffee) until smooth.
3. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined (don’t overmix!).

Step 3: Bake the Cake

1. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
2. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
3. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Make the Chocolate Frosting

1. In a large bowl, beat butter until creamy.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder, beating until fluffy.
3. Add heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt, mixing until smooth.

Step 5: Assemble & Frost the Cake

1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a layer of frosting over the top.
2. Add the second layer and frost the top and sides evenly.
3. Slice and enjoy!

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If You Enjoyed This Recipe, Please Share!

If you loved this Chocolate-Mayonnaise Cake, don’t keep it to yourself! Share the recipe on social media, pin it on Pinterest, or send it to a fellow chocolate lover. I’d love to see your creations—tag me if you try it!