Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake is a rich, ultra-moist dessert made with creamy mayonnaise instead of butter or eggs for an irresistibly tender crumb. Deep cocoa flavor shines with a touch of vanilla and a hint of coffee to enhance the chocolate without overpowering it. Easy to mix with simple pantry staples, Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake delivers bold flavor, soft texture, and nostalgic comfort in every slice, making it perfect for quick celebrations or cozy homemade treats.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake
- It’s incredibly moist and rich, thanks to the mayonnaise.
- No butter needed, making it a lighter option.
- Quick and easy to whip up with pantry staples.
- Perfect for any occasion, from birthdays to casual get-togethers.
- Deliciously chocolatey, satisfying every sweet tooth!

Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cake bakes evenly and comes out perfectly fluffy.
- Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan. This will help your cake slide out easily once it’s baked.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure everything is well combined for a uniform flavor.
- Add mayonnaise, water, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until smooth and fully combined. Don’t worry, the mayonnaise makes it super moist!
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. It’s okay if it looks a little lumpy; it will bake beautifully!
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving. Patience is key for that perfect slice!
Notes
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 |
| Fat | 15g |
| Protein | 5g |
| Carbs | 50g |
| Sugar | 30g |
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to whip up a delicious Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake!

- 2 cups all-purpose flour – for the base of the cake
- 1¾ cups granulated sugar – to sweeten the cake
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder – for rich chocolate flavor
- 2 teaspoons baking soda – to help the cake rise
- ½ teaspoon salt – enhances flavor
- 1 cup mayonnaise – provides moisture and richness
- 1 cup water – to combine ingredients
- 2 large eggs – for binding and structure
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – adds depth of flavor
How to Make Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake
This delightful Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake is not only easy to make but also incredibly moist and rich. With a preparation time of about 15 minutes and a cooking time of 30–35 minutes, you’ll have a delicious dessert ready in no time. Allow it to cool for a bit before serving, and you’ll be in chocolate heaven!

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cake bakes evenly and comes out perfectly fluffy.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan
Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan. This will help your cake slide out easily once it’s baked.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure everything is well combined for a uniform flavor.
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
Add mayonnaise, water, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until smooth and fully combined. Don’t worry, the mayonnaise makes it super moist!
Step 5: Pour the Batter
Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. It’s okay if it looks a little lumpy; it will bake beautifully!
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
Step 7: Cool the Cake
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving. Patience is key for that perfect slice!
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Dessert |
| Cuisine | American |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 35 minutes |
| Extra Time | 10 minutes (resting) |
| Total Time | 60 minutes |
| Dietary | Vegetarian |
| Serves | 12 |
| Best Served | With a dusting of powdered sugar or frosting! |
Pro Tips for Making Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake
- Use high-quality cocoa powder for a richer flavor.
- Let the mayonnaise come to room temperature for easier mixing.
- Don’t overmix the batter; mix just until combined.
- For added moisture, consider adding a splash of brewed coffee.
- Cool the cake completely before frosting for the best results.
How to Serve this Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake
- Dust with powdered sugar for a simple, elegant touch.
- Top with fresh berries for a burst of color and flavor.
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast.
- Drizzle with chocolate sauce or caramel for extra indulgence.
- Pair with a dollop of whipped cream for a classic finish.
- Enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy treat.
- Slice and serve with a side of fruit salad for a refreshing balance.
Make Ahead and Storage
You can make this cake ahead and store it easily:
Storing Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake Leftovers
- Allow the cake to cool completely.
- Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week.
Freezing Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake
- Wrap the cooled cake in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil.
- Label with the date and type of cake.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Reheating Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the cake on a baking sheet.
- Cover loosely with foil to prevent drying.
- Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
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FAQs
Here’s a helpful FAQ about this recipe:
1. What does adding mayonnaise to a cake do?
Adding mayonnaise to a cake provides moisture and richness, thanks to its oil and egg content. This results in a tender crumb and a deliciously moist cake without the need for additional butter. It’s a fantastic way to enhance the texture and flavor of your Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake!
2. Which is the most delicious cake in the world?
While taste is subjective, many people rave about chocolate cakes, especially rich ones like the Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake. Its unique combination of flavors and moist texture often makes it a favorite among chocolate lovers!
3. What was Julia Child’s favorite cake?
Julia Child was known for her love of classic French desserts, and one of her favorites was the Genoise cake. However, she also appreciated a good chocolate cake, and her recipes often included rich, decadent options that showcased her passion for baking!
4. Does a chocolate mayonnaise cake need to be refrigerated?
Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake can be stored at room temperature for a few days, covered to keep it fresh. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it, but be sure to let it come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture!
Final Thoughts
Get ready to indulge in a slice of nostalgia with this delightful Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake! It’s incredibly easy to whip up, and the moist, rich flavor will have everyone coming back for seconds. So grab your ingredients, channel your inner baker, and enjoy the simple joy of creating something delicious. Happy baking!

