Indulge in chocolate decadence with this easy, moist chocolate mayonnaise cake recipe. With just a few simple ingredients that you likely have on hand, you can bake up the most luscious, tender chocolate cake that beats even gourmet bakery creations.
An Unexpected, Tried and True Method for Baking Cakes
While mayonnaise may seem like an unlikely ingredient for baking cakes, using mayo, such as Miracle Whip or another full-fat regular mayonnaise, adds rich flavor and keeps the cake incredibly soft and moist. The mayonnaise essentially acts similarly to oil or butter in the cake batter. When combined with eggs in traditional cake recipes, the oil and egg components create a tender crumb.
Tips for Baking the Perfect Moist Chocolate Cake
Follow these helpful tips for getting the texture just right when making this easy chocolate mayonnaise cake:
- Use full-fat mayonnaise instead of low-fat or light varieties to achieve the ideal moist, tender crumb. The full fat content prevents the texture from becoming too chewy.
- Avoid overmixing the batter once the wet and dry ingredients come together. A few small lumps are fine. Too much mixing develops excess gluten, leading to a tougher cake crumb.
- Bring eggs, if using, and any liquid ingredients to room temperature before mixing the batter. This prevents the fat from seizing up.
- Spoon flour into a dry measuring cup and level off the top using a knife or other straight edge. Do not scoop flour directly from the container into the measuring cup. Too much packed flour can lead to a dry cake.
- Check for doneness before the recommended bake time by inserting a toothpick into the center. It should come out clean when the cake is fully baked through.
Easy From-Scratch Chocolate Cake Even Beginners Can Master
With a short 5-minute prep time and 30-minute bake time, even novice bakers can master this easy, absolutely delicious chocolate mayonnaise cake recipe.
The simple ingredients list contains pantry staples you likely have on hand. Combining everything takes just a minute or two. Then bake, cool, and add your favorite frosting or ganache.
Baking cakes from scratch, without relying on boxed mixes, might seem intimidating. However, the ease of this moist chocolate cake recipe makes it doable for beginners. No special tools or techniques needed!
The results taste far superior to packaged cake mixes too. One bite of this decadent chocolate cake with mayo will leave your friends and family begging for the recipe.
Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup warm water
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, mix together all ingredients until just combined.
- Pour batter into prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow cake to cool completely before frosting.
