This Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake was an absolute delight, both in the kitchen and for the taste buds. This Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake, a rich, moist chocolate cake made with mayonnaise, is a unique twist on traditional baking.
As I mixed the dry ingredients, the sweet scent of cocoa filled the air, setting the stage for the indulgent experience ahead.
The people I made it for my close friends and family are true chocolate lovers, so I knew this Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake would be the perfect treat.
The process was smooth, with every step bringing me closer to the moment when I could share this heavenly dessert and create memories together.
The kitchen was filled with laughter, joy, and the warmth of good company. Everyone’s excited faces as they took their first bite confirmed it was well worth the effort!
Is Mayonnaise Good In Chocolate Cake?
Yes, mayonnaise can be a great addition to chocolate cake! It adds moisture and richness, creating a soft and tender texture without the need for additional fats like butter or oil.
The mayonnaise blends seamlessly into the batter, enhancing the cake’s flavor without making it taste like mayonnaise.
The result is a surprisingly delicious, moist cake with a deep chocolate flavor that’s often better than traditional recipes.
How To Prepare Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake?
Recipe Overview
Recipe Details
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Course: Dessert
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cuisine: American
- Yield: 12–16 servings
Kitchen Utensils
- 2 Mixing bowls (large & medium)
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- 9×13-inch baking pan or two 9-inch round cake pans
- Cooling rack
- Offset spatula (for frosting)
- Sifter (for cocoa and powdered sugar)
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1¾ cups granulated sugar
- 1½ cups unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1½ cups mayonnaise
- 1½ cups water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Buttercream Frosting:
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
- 2 to 5 tablespoons milk, cream, or half-and-half (as needed for consistency)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 4½ cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour your baking pan(s) or line with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, and baking soda until well combined.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Add mayonnaise, water, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat with a mixer or whisk until smooth and evenly combined.
Step 4: Pour and Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan(s). Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 5: Cool the Cake
Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
Step 6: Make the Frosting
In a separate bowl, beat the butter until creamy. Add the sifted cocoa powder and gradually mix in the confectioners’ sugar. Add the vanilla extract and enough milk or cream to achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency.
Step 7: Frost the Cake
Once the cake is fully cooled, spread the chocolate buttercream evenly over the surface using an offset spatula or knife.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Slice, serve, and enjoy your rich, moist Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake!
Special Note
For an extra indulgence, I like to top this cake with a rich chocolate frosting or a simple dusting of powdered sugar.
If you want to add a bit of crunch, chopped nuts or chocolate chips can be stirred into the batter before baking. This cake also freezes well, making it a great option for preparing in advance.
Nutritional Amount Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake
Nutrition | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 300 |
Protein | 4g |
Fat | 15g |
Carbohydrates | 35g |
Serving Ideas For Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake
◆ Serve slices of the cake with a handful of fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries) and a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream on top. The berries add a refreshing contrast to the rich cake.
◆ Cut the Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake into squares and sandwich a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two pieces of cake for a decadent dessert.
◆ Elevate the frosting by adding a rich chocolate ganache drizzle over the top, making the cake even more indulgent.
◆ Crumble the Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake into individual serving cups, layering it with chocolate mousse, whipped cream, or a berry compote for an elegant twist.
◆ Serve the Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake warm with a generous pour of hot fudge sauce over the top and a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The warm cake and sauce make a comforting dessert.
Expert Tips
1. For the best texture and flavor, opt for full-fat mayonnaise. It will ensure the cake remains moist and rich, which is key to its unique texture.
2. Sifting the cocoa powder, flour, and confectioners’ sugar ensures there are no lumps and gives the cake a smoother texture and more even rise.
3. Make sure your mayonnaise, butter (for the frosting), and milk/cream are at room temperature. This helps create a smoother, creamier batter and frosting.
4. Mix the ingredients until just combined to prevent the cake from becoming dense. Overmixing can lead to a tough texture.
5. Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting. If the cake is still warm, the frosting might melt and slide off, resulting in a mess.
6. The flavor of your cocoa powder will shine through in the cake, so choose a high-quality, unsweetened cocoa powder for the best taste.
7. A small pinch of salt in the batter helps balance the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the cake.
8. While the classic chocolate buttercream is amazing, feel free to try variations like adding a little espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor or a dash of cinnamon for warmth.
What Is The Most Famous Chocolate Cake In The World?
The most famous chocolate cake in the world is undoubtedly the Sacher-Torte. Originating from Austria, this rich and decadent dessert was created in 1832 by Franz Sacher, a young apprentice chef, for a special occasion at the court of Prince Metternich in Vienna.
The Sacher-Torte is renowned for its dense chocolate sponge, layered with apricot jam, and coated in a smooth, dark chocolate glaze.
Why Do You Put Mayonnaise In A Cake?
Mayonnaise is added to cake for its ability to make the cake incredibly moist and tender. This might sound unusual, but mayonnaise is essentially a combination of eggs and oil two ingredients already common in cake recipes.
The oil in mayonnaise provides moisture, while the eggs add richness and help bind the ingredients together.
How Do I Store This Cake?
To store your Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake, keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to store it for a longer period, refrigerate it, and it will last for up to a week.
Before serving, allow the cake to come to room temperature for the best flavor and texture. You can also freeze the cake for up to 3 months just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then thaw it before serving.
Conclusion
I hope you will make this Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake soon. It’s a delightful experience from start to finish, with every step adding to the excitement of creating something truly delicious.
The end result is a rich, moist cake that’s sure to impress. Sharing it with loved ones will make the moment even more special. Enjoy the process and the wonderful treat you’ll create!
Here Are A Few More Chocolate Cake Recipes
3 Ingredient Chocolate Zucchini Cake
Rice Cakes Dipped in Chocolate
White Chocolate and Strawberry Cake

Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake
Equipment
- 2 Mixing bowls (large & medium)
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- 9×13-inch baking pan or two 9-inch round cake pans
- Cooling rack
- Offset spatula (for frosting)
- Sifter (for cocoa and powdered sugar)
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1¾ cups granulated sugar
- 1½ cups unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1½ cups mayonnaise
- 1½ cups water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Buttercream Frosting:
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder sifted
- 2 to 5 tablespoons milk cream, or half-and-half (as needed for consistency)
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened to room temperature
- 4½ cups confectioners’ sugar sifted
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour your baking pan(s) or line with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, and baking soda until well combined.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
- Add mayonnaise, water, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat with a mixer or whisk until smooth and evenly combined.
Step 4: Pour and Bake
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan(s). Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 5: Cool the Cake
- Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
Step 6: Make the Frosting
- In a separate bowl, beat the butter until creamy. Add the sifted cocoa powder and gradually mix in the confectioners’ sugar. Add the vanilla extract and enough milk or cream to achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency.
Step 7: Frost the Cake
- Once the cake is fully cooled, spread the chocolate buttercream evenly over the surface using an offset spatula or knife.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
- Slice, serve, and enjoy your rich, moist Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake!